New Deacons for 2021 - Paul East 

Paul writes:
As the only child of older parents I was brought up in a home where Christian values were practised but I had no contact with church or Christians. It was only at school when I was 14 that the RE teacher challenged us and I gave my life to Jesus. Wisely, he encouraged me to join the local Crusader class in Tonbridge where I grew and was discipled, becoming one of the leaders there until I was 24.

During that time I was baptised at Tonbridge Baptist Church.

I trained and qualified in Hospital Administration, mainly in London; I married Su in 1972 after which we joined SBC (in 1973!).

The Lord called us to India at the end of 1973 where we served at Herbertpur Christian Hospital for 14 years with a break of one year at All Nations Christian College. During the time in India I was one of the two leaders there; my specific role was to train Indian graduates in Hospital Administration for Christian hospitals. It was a great joy to disciple and train. I was active in pastoral care and preaching as well.

During those years we had three children (born in India) and now have six grandchildren both in the UK and Canada.

After 1986 I became an International Director for Interserve, based in Cyprus but travelling through South Asia and the Middle East. We were there for six years after which we returned to the UK (to look after Su’s elderly parents) and joined South Asian Concern with whom we continue to serve, both in the UK and India.

I have served SBC in the past as a Deacon. My passion is that Jesus's Church should be a multi-cultural church where all seekers and believers are welcome and their gifts are appreciated as well as a blessing to the whole congregation.

My vision is that SBC should be a demonstration of faith, hope and love in a needy and confused community.