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New Pastor at Maesteg

Date Added: 01 Nov, 2005

The Ordination to Christian Ministry and Induction to the pastoral work of Peniel Church, Maesteg of Mr. Owen Blackwood of Ayr, Scotland, took place on Saturday, 24 September when nearly 600 people gathered at The Town Hall, Maesteg. The service was chaired by Rev. Dr. D. Eryl Davies [Principal Evangelical College of Wales], who opened in prayer.The reading, from 1 Thessalonians 2, was given by Rev. David George, Maes-y-cwmmer.

The Act of Ordination, with the laying of hands, was carried out by Rev. Dr. Davies assisted by Mr. Kerry Orchard and Dr. Philip Davies, both elders of Heath Evangelical Church, Cardiff. Owen thrilled us with his testimony, [not having even heard of Jesus until he went to College at the age of 19] and his call to the Ministry. He has since completed a BA course at the Evangelical College of Wales. Rev. Dr. Davies carried out the Act of Induction following the History of the Call to Peniel Evangelical Church by Mr. Peter Bassett and Mr. Leslie James, Elder at Peniel, committed Owen to God in prayer.

Rev. Peter Milsom, Chairman of AECW, preached God’s word, taking as his text, 1 Thessalonians 2 v. 4 “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak.” His key points were that pastors are: Men approved of God to be entrusted with the gospel/ Serving in enemy territory and that It must be sacrificial service. God will authenticate his preaching by confirming His word in the hearts of those who listen. He also challenged all believers that these attributes should apply to them also for all who believe in God are His servants - pastors and congregation alike. Where does it all lead? Ministry is a means by which the Church is equipped to stand and serve for the glory of God’s Kingdom – it is an everlasting kingdom. It is alive and growing. As a faithful preacher of the Gospel, a pastor will have some part in the furtherance of God’s plan and purpose for he is appointed of God to be entrusted with the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The service ended with the congregational singing of Hymn ‘Nearer, still nearer, close to thy heart’ and the Benediction given by Mr. Owen Blackwood.

There followed a period of warm fellowship accompanied by a delightful buffet. Pray that God will bless Owen’s faithful ministry in the days to come, that Peniel will stand as a burning light for the Gospel and that many souls will be brought out of spiritual darkness into His glorious kingdom.

Mrs Phyllis Richmond

Associated Clusters: Afan Ogwr (Click to view)