Peter Sanderson (1942-2007)
Peter Sanderson was a true Yorkshireman and servant of God. He was born in Sheffield on 14 October 1942 and brought up in a non-Christian home, although sent to Sunday school. At 15 he started work and trained as a dental technician.
He married Norma and they had a son and a daughter. They attended a Baptist church in Sheffield where John Turner was pastor; here Peter was baptised.
Peter felt a call to the ministry, and was able to work with his business four days a week to support his family, while studying theology with the Evangelical Movement of Wales theological training course.
In 1984 he was called to the pastorate of Trinity Baptist Church, Tenterden, Kent. At the induction John Turner encouraged Peter to: ‘Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands’ (2 Timothy 1:6).
Peter Sanderson was a humble man with a steadfast devotion to duty as a pastor. He was ably supported by his wife Norma. His love for Christ and the church was manifested not only in the faithful preaching of the gospel but also in his prayers, visits and counsel to others. He was also secretary for the Kent Evangelical Ministers’ Fraternal.
In 2000 Peter had a triple bypass heart operation but recovered to continue his ministry. Then in 2005 he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. During his illness he did not complain but left the future in God’s hands, more concerned about other people’s difficulties than his own. He went to be with his Lord and Saviour on 1 December 2007.
At the thanksgiving service the church was full. Our prayers and Christian love go out to Norma and the family.
Chris Mercer
