Jim and Joan celebrate their 65th wedding
by Yvonne Hill
On Sunday 4 th October, Jim and Joan Frost, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at the Seve  nth-day Adventist Church in Gorleston. Members of the church and family, which consisted of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, gathered together to share their celebrations and happy memories.
Jim and Joan are two very special people who have a close relationship with the Lord and they have dedicated their lives to his service. Jim was a Pastor and evangelist for many years and still preaches today not only in the Seventh-day Adventist Church but also in the Methodist Church. He grew up in the East End of London and as a lad he was causing concern particularly to his grandmother. He had become involved with a gang of boys who were always getting themselves into trouble.
It was at a church camp meeting that life changed for Jim. The meeting was held under a huge marquee and he went along with his grandmother but with mischief on his  mind. His plan was to take out the pegs that were helping to hold the tent in place with the object of bringing the whole thing down. But it didn’t happen; the Holy Spirit had other plans for Jim and as a result he came out a new born again person. His next step was to go round all the neighbours and friends to invite them to the meetings.
Many years later Jim saw the girl of his dreams at the Holloway Baptist Church. A church conference was taking place there and Jim worked as an usher with his friend Andrew. They were instructed to work up in the balcony and it was there that he saw Joan. He said to his friend “Cor look at her”! From that time he couldn’t get her out of his mind. When he asked her for a date she told him that she couldn’t go on a date with someone she didn’t know. But Jim didn’t give up they eventually got together and fell in love.
Someone recently said “everyone knew Jim in London”. Jim was an AY leader in Edmonton Church in London. He and his best friend, Andrew, held meetings on Edmonton Green which attracted the interest of many young people. They then moved on to Tottenham. Andrew suggested that it would be a good idea to go to Hyde Park. A church member made them a stand and here they preached many sermons. They drew crowds of people and many would ask questions and were amazed at the extent of their biblical knowledge. Some of the other young people from the church would also come and preach, but before they went up, Jim would say to them “get up! Speak up! Shut up!”
They were married on 24th September 1944 at the Walthamstow Seventh-day Adventist Church. Due to the fact that they married on a Sunday Joan had to have pink carnations in her bouquet although she really wanted to have red roses. Their reception was being held at her sister’s house which involved a tube train journey and they had to travel in separate carriages.
And now after 65years of a happy marriage they have 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
After  the meal, Isabela Clary entertained the couple with a Mr and Mrs questionnaire and I am happy to report that they answered all the questions correctly. A film show of happy memories was also shown with photos of them in their youth and their wedding day. Joan recalled the happy times they had shared riding on their tandem and how on one occasion they rode from Gorleston to Wales in 12 days with stops on the way.
A toast was made on their behalf followed by presents and red roses from the church. On behalf of the church we wish you God’s blessings, good health and happiness. The evening was brought to a close with a special prayer from Pastor Michael Walker.
Photos supplied by Roger Hill | 