A well-loved Christian worker who was a familiar face to the thousands who have attended Keswick Convention over the years has died, aged 72.
Tributes have been paid to Peter Maiden, a man with a passion for world mission but who remained committed to Cumbria all his life.
Mr Maiden, who was born in Carlisle, was described as being “a dear friend of Keswick Ministries” which is behind the annual Christian convention that attracts some 15,000 worshippers from the UK and around the world to the town every summer.
He served as a trustee, chairman, preacher and host at the convention and also rolled his sleeves up behind the scenes. As minister-at-large he spoke at other Keswick events around the globe.
“Peter was a man of immense gifts, yet he wore them lightly,” said James Robson, ministry director with Keswick Ministries. “He did not demean others, and was himself characterised by a self-deprecating humour.
“He did not thrust himself forward, but was always there to step in when needed or asked.
“He was a team player, equally at home on the main platform at Keswick, preaching, or hoovering the creche with no public gaze.
“The foundation of his day and his life was prayer, dependence on the God he loved and served, and he sought to live a life shaped by the word of God.”
In addition to his roles at Keswick Ministries, Mr Maiden also served as international director for Operation Mobilisation (OM), was a church elder and was on the board of trustees for Capernwray Hall and its Bible school, near Carnforth.
Mr Maiden joined OM in 1974 as ministry leader in the UK. He later served alongside founder George Verwer as the associate international director before stepping into the role of international director in 2003 until his retirement in 2013.
He has also written several books, with his latest publication, Radical Gratitude, released this month – in time for the Virtually Keswick Convention.
Mr Maiden died following a year-long battle with cancer.
“Even when he was seriously ill, he was genuinely interested in others,” said Mr Robson. “Far from being self-obsessed, he cared for others in a way that meant everyone who engaged with him felt better for having been with him.”
Mr Maiden is survived by his wife, Win, his children, grandchildren and wider family, and those around the world impacted through his life and ministry.
A memorial fund has been set up through OM in Mr Maiden’s honour.
Half of the money will go towards the Keswick Convention while the other half will be designated to support OM projects in South Sudan.
