The congregation of Knox Church Perth and other well-wishers gathered on the morning of the Lord’s Day, 27th July, with heavy hearts, as Rev. Paul Gibson held his last service with us, and preached his last sermon to us, as our minister. His text was Hebrews 12:1-2:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
His theme was “Finish the Race”, an appropriate exhortation to leave with all his brothers and sisters at Knox as he and his wife, Debbie, travel across the Atlantic in the near future, God willing, having been called to a new field of service in Texas at Town North Presbyterian Church, Richardson, Dallas, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America. Their son Dylan has joined the Police and their daughter Rebecca is at university. They will be staying in the UK at this time.
After the service a buffet lunch was held in the hall. A cake made by Mairiana White, one of the members, was cut by Paul and Debbie and rapidly consumed by the congregation. It had the wording, “Thank you for your faithful ministry”, in gratitude for Paul’s twelve and a half years in Perth, which has seemed to fly by extraordinarily fast.
Debbie was presented with a large bouquet of flowers by one of our elders, Alisdair Smith. Paul and Debbie were also presented with a large picture of the Tay and the City of Perth, taken from the air, and with Sing Psalms 46(a):4 printed on the waters of the river.
“A river flows, whose streams delight the city of our God— The holy place, in which the LORD Most High has his abode.”
The congregation at Knox are filled with great gratitude to the Lord for the extraordinary providence of sending Paul to be our pastor and teacher over these years and for being privileged with his pastoral care, his careful exposition of a large portion of God’s Word, for his fellowship in Christ, and for his friendship. We wish every blessing upon Paul’s future ministry in the USA.
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:7-8)
