Dr Patrick and Mrs Allen will become the country's representatives for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on February 26, and continue to be leading example to many.

As Christians who have given their lives in service to the Church, the Allens no doubt have several favourite passages of scripture from which they draw their strength.

Favourite passages

For Dr Allen there are two: all of Psalm 91 that begins: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" ... and ends: "With long life I will satisfy Him and show Him my salvation."

He also likes to read about Elijah in II Kings 2.

For her part, Mrs Allen likes Proverbs 25, verse 11: "A good word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

This she says reminds her many times of people who are hurt by what is said so we should be careful of what we say.