Laurence East and his work with the poor and vulnerable in Kelowna

A deeply personal conversation with  Laurence East from Metro Community Church. We talk about the fascinating life and times of a Third Culture Kid: being raised in two distinct cultures and then growing up to create your own unique Third Culture. Surprisingly, there are Third Culture Kids all over the planet and they have a lot more in common than you might think!

You can listen to Episode 22 (and see the Show Notes) of the I Love Kelowna Podcast right here:

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SHOW NOTES

• Laurence was born in England, grew up in India, the Middle East, and Cyprus. Has also worked in China, South America, and of course now Canada. 
• Moved to Kelowna in 2003, which is the longest he’s lived in any place.
• Commuted to work for Apple Computer in Vancouver, but put down roots in Kelowna because it seemed like a beautiful place to raise a family.
• Laurence’s wife is also a Third Culture Kid: Born in Japan, raised in Bolivia, and spent a lot of time in India. 
• Laurence grew up as a minority in a very poor part of India. Had many Tibetan and Indian friends as a young white boy.
• Today he is the lead Pastor at Metro Community Church, where his passion is people and caring for the poor, vulnerable and excluded.
• All about the Metro Community Church – so many great facets and programs for people who are dysfunctional and having real problems integrating into our society.
• You can learn grace, acceptance and non-judgmentalism from the most vulnerable in our society.
• The fundamental teaching from the entire Bible is love your neighbour and take care of the poor. That is the mission of Metro Community.
• Coordinating with municipal authorities to ensure the safety and security of downtown residents and small businesses.
• The intense suffering and difficulty that comes from mental illness. A vivid description.
• Chronic sleep deprivation and body sores is a common condition of homeless people.
• When the old Metro location was demolished on Water Street, about 20 landlords told them “no way”, until someone donated a building to them at the corner of St. Paul and Coronation. Currently shared with Inn From the Cold.
• Since then they’ve bought the adjoining property which is the old Kelowna Food Bank building and have plans for renovation and expansion.
• Current and hopeful partners: Inn From the Cold, The Gospel Mission, Okanagan Food Policy Council, Kelowna Food Bank.
• Dealing with real life emergency situations, sometimes on a daily basis.
• Easy and more complex ways to donate time, cash, and other resources.
• A wonderful new idea to provide food to the poor without the indignity of lining up at a soup kitchen. 

Learn more about the many ways to volunteer and current events at the Metro Community Church

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Thank you very much to Dr. Graham Jenkins for nominating Laurence East.

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