Paul Thorne

Elder

My faith journey:
I grew up in a Christian home and have been actively involved in church service since I began playing my trumpet in church as a teenager. I was led to the Lord by my father when I was 12 years old, and was baptized soon after this. In 1998 I had struggles with opiate addiction, and went to treatment for 4 months. It was truly a life-changing event in our lives. God was able to lead me through this, and it has created a burden in me to help others struggling with addiction and alcoholism. I believe that my spiritual gifts include administration, helps, and leadership. I try to put God first in my life, and work daily on my walk with Him.

Books I recommend:

  • What’s so Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancey
  • Toxic Charity by Robert Lupton
  • True North by Gary Inrig
  • Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
  • Classic Christianity by Bob George
Details
Family
Carolyn and I were married in 1983. We have four “kids”, Pamela, Andrea, Tyler and Matthew. We currently have 6 grandchildren.
Places I’ve lived
I was born in Calgary, Canada, where I lived until 1995. Carolyn, the 4 kids and I moved to Kissimmee, Florida in 1995 to escape the cold winters in Canada. We have lived in the same place in Kissimmee since then.
Kingdom Passions
I have a passion for serving others in several ways. As a medical doctor, I have the unique ability to be able to draw close to many people in their time of need, and minister to their physical, spiritual and emotional needs. I especially enjoy working in the free clinic in Kissimmee where I have served every week since 2000. I also have served in a weekly Christian 12 step ministry for addiction and alcoholism since that time, where I can help people in their recovery using Christ as their “higher power."
Hobbies
I enjoy golf, ice hockey and football. I enjoy playing the piano, trumpet, and most recently, the bass guitar.
Socials