On 10 January, over 120 gathered in St Nicholas’ church in Sevenoaks to give thanks for the life of OMF (UK) Co-National Director Peter Rowan, with 900 tuning in online from across the world.
The service included songs chosen by Peter, moving tributes from his children, and an address delivered by Dr Krish Kandiah on 2 Timothy 4:1-8. ‘Peter lived a life of service; just like Paul he can say his life was poured out like a drink offering,’ Kandiah said. ‘He can say that he fought the good fight… but his life offers us a challenge – what will we do?’
Tributes depicted Peter as generous of spirit, passionate about justice, and a champion for the marginalised, with one church leader quoted as saying, ‘I’ve not come across many Irish [sic] (or British) Christians exposed to and understanding of black and African theologies.'
OMF communications officer Reuben Grace commented: ‘The service was a beautiful reflection of Peter’s faith and confidence in the Lord Jesus and his resurrection.’
Peter and his wife Christine joined mission organisation OMF in July 1997 at the age of 30, initially serving in Thailand and then for ten years in Malaysia, with Peter becoming a faculty member at the Malaysia Bible Seminary in 2003. Peter and Christine began their role as Co-National Directors of OMF (UK) in January 2010.
‘The role of National Director was not one they sought after,’ commented Kevin Ashman, OMF (UK) Chair of Trustees, ‘However, through a series of events it became clear that God was leading them to take up the role as Co-National Directors. The realities and challenges of what was required of them in this leadership role quickly became apparent, but they also discovered there is no learning curve too steep for the Lord!’
According to the OMF website, throughout his tenure, Peter’s tireless efforts helped shape OMF (UK) into what it is today. His commitment to mission, his deep missiological insights and heart for East Asia’s people leave a lasting legacy.
