“How are things at Calvary Church Westport?” is a question I’m often asked. Responding is a bit challenging, as there’s much to be encouraged about, yet also areas where we hope to see progress. Nevertheless, one certainty we all share is that none of us is here forever, and sadly, this includes our beloved pastor, Paudge Mulvihill.
Paudge Mulvihill: the visionary behind Calvary Mission
Paudge, humorously dubbed ‘the evangelical pope of Ireland’, has been our pastor since the church’s inception. Beyond his national recognition as an evangelical leader, he is the visionary behind Calvary Mission, addressing the neglected West of Ireland with the gospel. Paudge’s exceptional vision, doctrinal clarity, and God-given wisdom have sustained the work through challenging times.
Established in 1998, Calvary Mission’s fourfold goal – evangelize, disciple converts, train church leaders, and plant biblical churches – has grown remarkably under Paudge’s leadership. Today our network is made up of eight churches across Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon – a far cry from the days when all mission workers could fit comfortably in Paudge’s sitting room.
The recent news of our Pastor’s proposed retirement at our last church AGM was met with tears. Transitioning to a new leader will be significant, but the challenge lies in finding the right person, a task made difficult by the scarcity of pastors in Ireland. We seek your prayers for the Lord’s provision. Paudge’s foresight led to the establishment of a board elected by the churches to assist in overseeing Calvary Mission’s work. Fortunately, Paudge isn’t retiring from this sphere of service, with the mission benefiting from his guidance for a few more years.
we continue to look to the Lord for more workers … in the world’s most unreached English-speaking country
Karen and Rhonda
Besides Paudge and his wife Emer, our greatest blessings have been Karen and Rhonda. These two single ladies from Northern Ireland played a crucial role in launching Calvary Mission in 1998. Their sacrificial service, practical help to locals in distressing circumstances, and countless Bible studies with ladies have led to several coming to faith in Jesus. Through their efforts, they’ve earned significant respect for the church within the local community.
Looking ahead
While leaders may come and go, the Almighty God and his Word remain unchanged and we move forward, trusting in the everlasting gospel of God’s grace to transform lives. Like many churches, we desire to see more young couples with children join our membership. We recently welcomed our first such couple, even if transferred from a sister church, and we hope they will be the first of many.
My wife Julia and I are grateful for the partnership with UFM, providing excellent families to Calvary Mission. However, we continue to look to the Lord for more workers, recognising the numerous areas in the world’s most unreached English-speaking country that desperately need a church. And to think that it is on the doorstep of the UK …
James and Julia McMaster are involved in evangelism and church planting in Co. Mayo, Ireland