Robert Yerby – Pastor
I have been a member of the church here at La Villiaze since 1987. I was appointed pastor on 1 November 2021. Before that I was an elder of the church for six years and a deacon for many years before that.
I moved to Guernsey in 1987, eight months after marrying a local girl I met in church in north London.
The move to Guernsey was very much a breath of fresh air in many ways. I love walking in the lanes as well as on the cliffs and although I do not go in the sea as much as I used to, I still enjoy sitting on a beach reading a book.
One of my favourite characters from history is Oliver Cromwell. In general I agree with his religious convictions and how he and others with him pursued a desire for godly principles in public life as well as private life, which included freedom of conscience for those who did not agree with him (a concept that was pretty novel at the time).
I do also enjoy being entertained. One of my favourite films is Who Framed Roger Rabbit. This is probably because I have something of a Roger Rabbit syndrome (Roger could only do something if it was funny).
However, notwithstanding all this, I do have a serious view of life and my greatest delight is preaching. Making Jesus known and explaining what he expects of us is an absolute joy because of what he has done for me. He truly lifted me out of a miry pit and set my feet upon a rock and continues to be my constant companion through the highs and lows of this life.
Roger Mahy – Deacon
My name is Roger and I was born in Guernsey during the occupation of the Island in the Second World War. The Church building was commandeered by the Germans for the duration of the war and reopened in 1946 at which time I went to the re-opened Sunday School.
I became a Christian in my mid teens and became a member of the church at the age of 18. I was elected as a junior deacon at the same time and have now been a deacon for 60 years! I was elected as Treasurer in 1966 and still hold that position to date.
I have been married to Catherine for 56 years and we have two daughters and one grandson. Over the years I have seen (and overseen) many changes, including the replacement of the Church roof, a vestry/kitchen/toilet facilities extension, the formation of a flat to accommodate our Pastor and the complete internal refurbishment of the building. People have also come and gone, some entering into glory, others moving away, but the Word continues to be faithfully proclaimed in this area of the Island.
Peter Richardson – Deacon
Hi, I am Peter, one of the deacons at La Villiaze Church. I was raised in a Christian family with an Anglican background but moved to La Villiaze after meeting Nicky, who became my wife and who was already a member here. As a deacon, I welcome people as they arrive at the services, give the weekly notices and keep the church up to date with news from Missionaries and Christian societies the church supports.
I am recently retired having spent my entire career working for the States of Guernsey, in the Island’s Philatelic Bureau; Education administration; and latterly in the States Property Services. Retirement has enabled me to spend more time on my hobbies, including travelling, aviation photography, cycling and walking with my wife. I am also an avid reader, especially of Christian books and History Books.