Limerick missionary
Covenant Protestant Reformed Church saw a crowd of family, friends and well-wishers gather to welcome Pastor Martyn McGeown to the Limerick Reformed Fellowship (LRF).
On Friday 30 July, Mr McGeown was ordained as a missionary with the LRF in the Republic of Ireland. The service was held in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, by the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church (CPRC), the church where he was called.
Rev. Angus Stewart of the CPRC brought the charge, speaking on ‘The missionary as soldier, athlete and farmer’, from 2 Timothy 2:3-6, explaining the minister’s hardships and disentanglement from worldly affairs.
He also explained the minister’s purpose (as a soldier) and his calling to compete lawfully (athlete) and be first partaker of the fruits, before bringing the bounties of God’s Word to the people (farmer).
The CPRC minister and elders, Ivan Reid and Brian Crossett, carried out the ordination. Deacon William Graham read a touching letter from the faculty of the Protestant Reformed Seminary in Michigan, US, where Mr McGeown trained for four years. He then presented gifts to the new missionary from the CPRC and Southwest Protestant Reformed Church, the congregation in Grand Rapids where Mr McGeown served as an intern for six months.
This was a joyous occasion for many people – the CPRC (our first missionary!); the LRF, some of whom drove up to five hours to attend (their first pastor!); and friends from England, Italy, Scotland and the Netherlands.
Fellowship was enjoyed over tea and sandwiches afterwards. May the Lord bless Mr McGeown in his labours in the LRF as he preaches the gospel in the Republic of Ireland.
Angus Stewart
