3 Whitacre Mews, Stannary Street
London, SE11 4AB, United Kingdom
Telephone: (020) 7091 7091
Fax: (020) 7820 3131
Email: information@spuc.org.uk
Pastor Frank Brookes
Frank Brookes came from a coal mining background in Yorkshire. He had a difficult early life, which he later described as ‘hedonistic and pagan’, immersed in a culture of clubbing, alcohol and drugs. He lost his brother, a soldier, who was murdered, and his mother, who died from a stroke at the age of 47.
A year before her death, his mother came to faith in Christ, and prayed that Frank would be converted and become a missionary. Both prayers were answered. In the space of a year, a dozen people spoke to Frank about Jesus. Though he resisted their message angrily, he eventually came to repentance and faith at an Arthur Blessit park meeting; he arose from his knees ‘a completely different person’.
Following a meeting with George Verwer, he joined Operation Mobilisation, with whom he worked for twenty years. He travelled through 88 countries, including a five-year spell in Calcutta, working with the poor in a deprived area. There he lived opposite Mother Teresa’s home for the dying and destitute.
After training at Spurgeon’s College, Frank was called as pastor to Raleigh Park Baptist Church in Brixton. He maintained a concern for those whose lives are damaged by drugs – as his had been – and was the founder of Transformed Ministries, a Christian fellowship of ex drug users and friends.
Frank’s church is adjacent to a Marie Stopes abortion clinic, and in 2003 two ladies who were praying and witnessing outside the clinic challenged him and asked what he was doing practically about the situation. After watching a pro-life video, he came under conviction and dedicated himself to protecting unborn children. An opportunity came when the clinic applied for a three-storey extension: Frank led an opposition campaign and, against all expectation, planning permission was refused. The church opened a pregnancy advice centre and helpline.
Frank joined the SPUC Evangelicals committee in 2008. He was an inspirational member, full of wisdom and serving with great energy and initiative. At his last meeting, he gave enthusiastic support to an evangelical national conference, which was ultimately held last September. Sadly, he was too unwell to attend.
Late last summer, Frank was diagnosed with a brain tumour; he died on the morning of Saturday 12th March. He is survived by his wife, Vandrene, and their two primary-aged daughters, Olivia and Grace.
Steven Foster (Vice-Chairman, SPUC Evangelicals)
Pastor Frank Brookes with Katherine Hampton (SPUC Political department) at the 2008 SPUC National Conference
