Geoffrey’s heart for older people is a beacon of hope in Seapatrick

“Older people can often feel neglected and isolated, yet are often so open to making a positive response to the message of the gospel.” So says, Geoffrey Walmsley, who came to faith through the ministry of an African children’s choir and has returned to his native Northern Ireland as parish evangelist in Seapatrick where he aims to serve the local community in partnership with the parish team. Geoffrey was licensed in his role last month by Rt Revd Harold Miller Bishop of Down and Dromore.

Geoffrey comments: “It’s been over six years since this area has had a Church Army evangelist, so for me it is about listening, reflecting and seeing what I can offer. I have really enjoyed the opportunity college has given me to spend time in mission renewal work, church planting and hospital chaplaincy and I am looking forward to building new relationships with the older people of the community to show them how much they are truly part of God’s plans and purposes. It is important to be an encourager and guide to help our senior citizens see that they have lots to offer both the community and the church.”

The Venerable John Scott, Archdeacon of Dronmore is excited at the prospect of Geoffrey joining the parish team and comments: “Geoffrey was with us for a monthly placement and as a parish we sponsored his training at Church Army’s college. I am delighted he is joining us in a role that will see him spending most of his time speaking to and meeting people in our community. Geoffrey’s friendly, open and approachable style will be a real asset to the parish as he works outside of Church buildings, meeting people in their homes to encourage them in their personal faith.” Geoffrey was one of eleven new evangelists admitted to the office of evangelist in Sheffield Cathedral last month by the Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill, Bishop of Lichfield, and joins a number of Church Army evangelists based in Northern Ireland whose aim is to share the gospel through words and action.

Bishop Jonathan performed his formal duties on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and encouraged the newly commissioned evangelists to “be filled with the vision of Christ’s strange glory, to follow the Lord on the way of the cross, to die to some of our own individual plans and desires, so that much fruit will result. “

Church Army’s Chief Secretary Philip Johanson added: “The task ahead of you is not necessarily going to be easy – that is not what Jesus promised. It is going to be challenging and it is going to be exciting. At times it will no doubt be demanding and even frustrating. Life for all of us can be so unpredictable and so uncertain. It doesn’t always work out the way we plan, the way we want, or even the way we expect. My hope and my prayer is that you will be people who want to make a difference because Christ and knowing him has made a difference to you.”