Interview with Steph Gunasekera

1) So, apart from being the PFG Women’s Music maestro, what do you do for work?
I work as a salaried GP in the North of Liverpool. It’s a real privilege, but it can be hard work at times… however I do have Fridays off which is FAB!!

2) What is on your to-do list today?
Um, well I worked this morning, then my to-do-list for the rest of the day is something along these lines:
Pop into town for a friends birthday present
Practise songs for church tomorrow
Plan dinner & tackle the huge pile of ironing which has been staring at me all week….
Reply you (!) … and well.. to try and get to bed before 11

 3) What are your main focuses in life right now?
Mmmm.. good question…
Well I’m married to Rohan, and together, we love being involved in a local church here in Liverpool. We have the privilege of leading a student home group, Rohan overseas the welcome team & I help serve in the worship team. Currently, I’ve been busy preparing a bit of music for a friend’s wedding and I’m looking forward to the forthcoming prayer day and music rehearsal for the Young Womens Weekend. Work also keeps me fairly busy…

4) At this moment in time, being a worship leader, what music can we find on your iPod/MP3/Phone?
Umm… my recently added list includes:
Songs from last year’s NEWDAY album ( an annual youth camp for 11-18s in Norfolk) and new tunes from Tim Hughes, Kate Simmonds and Simon Brading…
I also enjoy listening to podcasts: Mark Driscoll, Terry Virgo, Jim Cymbala, Matt Chandler etc…

5) Is there a particular group/band your’re in to right now
Lots I guess:
Phatfish, Kate Simmonds, Simon Brading, Hillsongs..
Hard to pick one.. I guess I love songs which are full of truth as well as  great tunes, and that’s what usually inspires & encourages me.

6) Is there a song that is on your heart right now – what is influencing you? It can be new, old, your own song even?
At the minute I have the lyrics of ‘And can it be’ in my head. Phatfish have written a new tune to the old hymn, and it’s making me consider the depth of the lyrics afresh somehow…

7) The weekend is coming up in October- are you anxious in any way?
I guess I am keen to be well prepared and I am praying that God will help me & the other musicians, both in the preparation and on the weekend itself, to help lead others into His presence. I always have a few nerves before any music/worship event, I guess  if I do find I am a little nervous about leading worship, it  usually encourages me to spend more time praying!!

What are you looking forward to the most?
The things I am most looking forward to about the weekend, are: Worshipping & fellowshipping together, building friendships.. and all that lovely countryside!!
9) Lastly, If you were stuck on an island, which PFG team member would you like to be stuck with and why? It can’t be Paul or Beth (as they are family)
Well I guess I know Tim and Helen the least , so it would be cool to hang out with them..  and get to know them more