Paul Hine dies of cancer

Wednesday 21 July 2010   10.45 am

It is with a very heavy heart that I have to tell you that Paul passed away peacefully yesterday after a long and heroic battle with cancer.

Paul was a key leader and person of influence here at Ascension over many years. He served twice as churchwarden during my period as vicar, and was until he died an elder in the church. Through our time of serving together he also became a close friend. He was a person of great wisdom and depth, sensitive to God and to people, and passionately committed to Ascension and our vision. I know he would have liked to have been able to do even more in the last few years, and he was disappointed when his health forced him to step down as churchwarden. But he contributed more that he knew to our life together, and to me as vicar, with his wise insight, his deep love, and his prayers. He faced his illness with a profound hope and trust in God that challenged, inspired and humbled me, and many others. We can honestly say we count it a privilege to have known him. We will miss him very much indeed.

Ruth and Josh wanted me to add how grateful they have been for the church’s love and support over this long and difficult time. They want you to know how they have sensed God’s sovereignty throughout, and how grateful they are to God for specific answers to prayer along the journey, such as Paul being able to see Josh baptised a few weeks ago, and being here when Josh received his offer of a university place.

A thanksgiving service for the life of Paul Hine was held at Ascension on Tuesday 3 August at 2.00 pm.

If you wish to contact Ruth or Josh at the moment, we would ask that you might do it via a written card rather than a visit or phone call. Peter Houghton can offer further advice on this. Right now the most important thing is that we support Ruth and Josh with our love and our prayers as their church family, and that we keep our eyes on God, our refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help in trouble.

With love,

Stephen and Jacqui

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