David's Story

David was born in the beautiful paradise Islands of Fiji. His mother’s parents became Christians as a result of German missionaries working through The Basel Mission in Kerala, South India. Because of the caste system in India at the time the conversion brought them under persecution. David’s grandmother died due to an illness shortly after giving birth to a daughter, David’s mother. The persecution continued and the family found themselves in danger and under constant pressure to deny Christ, because of his refusal David’s grandfather was rejected by his family.

Fiji

With the help of fellow Christians the family was moved to safety in Kerala. It was from there that David’s grandfather decided that in the interest of his family they would move to the Fiji Islands under the British Indenture System, David was born in Fiji on the 23 January 1932. Although his mother taught him the scriptures from an early age, it wasn’t until his late teens that he committed his life to Christ.

Moving to England

In 1959 he went on to marry Sushila and shortly after the birth of their daughter David & Sushila decided to leave Fiji - their destination was England and on 1st May 1961 they set sail for the long journey half way around the world eventually arriving at Victoria Station, London on June 19th. They settled in Southampton near friends and spent time house sharing with other families and working very long hours.

Life was challenging and eventually some of David’s friends decided to move again this time to Canada. David decide to join them so plans were made and a job was waiting for him but it was at this time he learnt that American evangelist, A. A. Allen, whom he had heard of in Fiji was to visit Southampton.

All plans to move were put on hold and in spite of working night-shifts David and Sushila with their three young children attended every service. These meetings had a profound effect on them and brought them together with fellow ministers with whom they have had life long friendships.

The family became members of Southampton Full Gospel Revival Centre under the leadership of Pastors Ron and Margaret White and for many years David was happy just to set out the chairs and greet people as they arrived.

It was Ron who encouraged David to minister but his efforts were constantly frustrated as David had no intention of standing at the front and was content to remain behind the scenes. That was until one Sunday when Ron approached David and said, “You are preaching next Sunday, and that’s it!” That was the beginning of the ministry and many years of fruitful partnership as he went on to work alongside Ron as co-pastor and Ron would later join him on an evangelistic crusade in the Fiji Islands.

As well as being co-pastor David had numerous opportunities to preach in churches around the country and abroad. It was on his first visit to Canada in 1970 that God placed a passion for missions upon his heart.

1972 saw him step out into a full-time travelling ministry - a calling that would take him around the world on numerous occasions on missions and evangelistic outreaches. For nearly 40 years David’s motto has been: To make a difference. His message: "Jesus Christ is Lord!" And his guiding principle: Jesus said, “Go”.

In 1975 the family moved to the north east of England where the ministry is still based. Their children are married and have families of their own and are involved with various aspects of ministry including raising another generation of those who will make a difference.