New Milton Evangelical Free Church

Who's Who

Elders

Pastor: Simeon Woodcraft

Simeon has been married to Liz for 21 years and they have 7 children. He has been the Pastor of NMEFC for 12 years. He became a Christian 26 years ago through the work of Bedford Young Life, after hearing a friends testimony he came under conviction of sin, repented and asked Jesus into his life.

Simeon longs to see many brought to know the Lord Jesus Christ and to see them discipled to be passionate followers of Him. The work has developed in different ways over the years and it is Simeon's prayer that it will continue to grow for the glory of God.

Elder: Andrew Varney

After a Sunday school upbringing in Bournemouth, Andy trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour as a teenager at a Christian Camp in Devon. After 30 years service with the Hampshire Police with significant involvement with the Christian Police Association, he and his wife then led Highcliffe Christian Fellowship for over 12 years. Ill health led to his retirement from this ministry in 2010, and now in the Lord's healing grace they have joined the membership of NMEFC. Andy's particular area of responsibility within the church is the men's ministry.

Elder: John Harman

John is married to Liz, they have 3 grown up daughters and 6 grand-children. John and Liz moved to the area in 2014, first finding the church and then a home nearby in Barton on Sea.
Whilst thinking he was a Christian, it was when he was based in Singapore with BT some 25 years ago that John first truly accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Since taking early retirement in 2000, he has had various voluntary roles in evangelical Church of England churches in Eastbourne, including Treasurer and Warden. John was baptised at NMEFC in April 2016, and his desire is to serve where needed.

Elder: Ben Fidler

Ben became a Christian in 1999 while attending an alpha course in Dorking, Surrey. Ben is married to Claire and he has 3 children. His passion is telling others about his wonderful Saviour Jesus Christ. Ben and family came to New Milton in 2011 after living in France for 7 years. He joined the church in 2012 and became an Elder in 2017. Ben's desire is to see the church growing spiritually and physically as God adds to the church those he is saving.

Assistant Pastor: Giles Fairman-Bourn

Giles became a Christian in 2005 when the Holy Spirit convicted him of his need for Jesus Christ as his Saviour. Giles obeyed a calling to leave his career in order to become better equipped for Gospel ministry. He studied Christian theology at Moorlands Bible College from 2013-2017 and has been actively involved in Christian service since 2008. He now assists Simeon, chiefly in overseeing the youth, children's, and families' ministry. Giles' passion is that the richly satisfying life that Jesus makes possible is made known to individuals of all ages in the community we serve.