NEW Life Church’s newest pastor, David Cook, is hoping to provide care and support for those living in Okehampton with financial or emotional difficulties.

David, 48, has attended New Life Church since he was 15 years old and has become a familiar face in the town.

He has been extensively involved in several community projects and charitable work during his 30 years of service to the church, including the church’s youth clubs and music groups.

Since David’s appointment as the church’s new pastor this spring, David latest project has been The Breakfast Club — where a free breakfast is provided for all the last Saturday of every month.

The Breakfast Club allows for those who might be struggling financially to get a good hearty breakfast free of charge. It also allows for those residents who feel lonely or socially isolated to meet with other people and have a chat.

‘It’s so important that we are able to provide care and support for the vulnerable people in our community,’ said David.

‘The things that I’m looking to do, especially with the Government and cuts made to social care, is to provide help for those who are struggling financially. We currently run a budgeting course to help those manage finances, however wish to expand our services to be able to provide more help and support.

‘The CAP (Christians Against Poverty) is the largest charity in the UK that provides debt advice and counselling. We want to be able to provide a similar service at New Life Church along with social skills training, a job club with training to help people prepare for job interviews as well as counselling. New Life Church are currently looking for funding to bring these other services to Okehampton.

‘For those who feel they have nothing to live for and that their lives are ruined, we want to help make their lives liveable again. As Christians we believe God can turn anyone’s life around.’

David has lived in Okehampton all of his life, he has been married to Sarah for 20 years and has a 17-year-old daughter called Gaby, who is currently studying her A-levels.

David said: ‘We love Okehampton and the people that live here.’

New Life Church is part of the Assemblies of God Pentecostal movement which is the sixth largest denomination in the world with over 330,000 churches.

This year is New Life Churches 35th Anniversary and it has been part of Christians Together Okehampton since its inception. Christians Together projects include Okehampton Street Pastors and Healing Okehampton.

For updates about New Life Church, visit www.loveokehampton. co.uk.