Ipswich International Church minister Harold Afflu to move

Reverend Harold Afflu has announced that he will be leaving Ipswich International Church in Barrack Lane.

Rev. Afflu is the longest serving minister in the church's 95-year-history, having been associate minister for 12 years before becoming the leader of the church in 2012.

Sunday, November 10 is to be his last service. In fact, it is anticipated that the congregation will be larger than the church can hold, so they will be moving to Burlington Baptist Church in London Road for the service, to accommodate the greater number of people.

Harold Afflu with his wife Florence (Image: Ipswich International Church)

Rev. Afflu said: "It will be sad because we have real friends here.

"We are really close with people and we will miss them a lot.

"Over the years, I have had the privilege of leading a number of people to Christ and to disciple them and help them to make Christ the centre of their lives.

"The church is multi-generational and we're really blessed to have that privilege of influencing so many lives.

"I have seen Ipswich change and the mix of cultures there is here is so positive. It's a place where people can live together and do good.

Reverend Harold Afflu will have his last service on November 10 (Image: Tom Cann)

"I have also seen unity amongst the churches here in Ipswich, growing together, so I hope and pray that it will continue and that all leaders will remember the mission Jesus calls for us and to keep Christ at the centre of our lives.

"Ipswich will always be special to me and my family, we've had our children here and we are grateful to have been able to serve the town."

Rev. Afflu will be continuing to serve as a senior minister at City Gates Church in Ilford.

His final service is on Sunday, November 10 at 3pm at Burlington Baptist Church.