"Matthew Lombart i
s the youngest person ever to have completed a Volunteer Lay Chaplain certificated course for the East Kent NHS Tru
st," stated Dr Rev Paul Kirby, Head of Spiritual Care and Services for the Trust.
The service was conducted in a packed chapel of seasoned Anglican chaplains, Christian ministers, and lay people. Denominational leaders of churches were invited to participate and congratulate each newly authorised Volunteer Lay Chaplain. Matthew requested his uncle, Pastor Claude Lombart of the Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds churches, to accompany him and represent his church.
Dr Rev Kirby introduced Matthew and Claude to the event's preacher, the Archdeacon of Canterbury, Ven Sheila Watson. She reminded Matthew of her visit to him in hospital when he was seriously ill stating: "The fact that you have yourself experienced what it is like to be a patient will make you a better and stronger chaplain."
Twenty-year-old Matthew adds chaplaincy to the service he gives the Lord in music and preaching. He produced his first easy listening gospel music CD in 2003 then went on to become the youngest person to complete the SEC Lay Preacher's course the following year. He has helped raised over £6000 in concerts for various charities. He is a final year student of psychology at Canterbury University. He says, "My priority in life is to serve God and while I am doing it I am having fun. Moreover I like my church and want to raise its profile in the community." Matthew is certainly achieving his goal in life and to God be all the glory.
[Claude Lombart]
By courtesy and reproduction from the Adventist BUC News
