Thoughts & Impressions

“My wife and I have enjoyed worshipping at St John’s when visiting Muscat, and I certainly received a warm welcome when I presided and preached during their interregnum. The congregation can be accurately described as enthusiastic, welcoming, and committed in their faith. They are refreshingly varied in background and ethnicity. Their worshipping style leans more in the direction of informality than formality, but they do not allow the unfamiliar to deflect them from sincere and open-minded participation. They are keen to grow both in the depth of their faith and in the size of their fellowship. I wish them the very best in their ongoing journey of faithful witness and worship.”

What is it like to be a locum pastor in Oman?

Early April this year I was offered the opportunity to do a locum at the St John Anglican Church in Muscat, Oman. Doing ministry abroad was not new to me. I had previously worked in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the remote Island of St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.

After the arrangements of visas and flights, my wife and I arrived in Muscat on 23rd April to do a three month locum with our first service that very evening!

I was surprised by the amount of different churches in the Ghala compound. I was also pleasantly surprised by the many different nationalities that attended St John. There was a similarity between St John and my home parish – I did not need to robe especially since we arrived at the hottest time of the year in Oman.

Despite the many different nationalities, there was evidence of a great cohesion amongst the congregation – it was actually a closeness – there was an element of “Ubuntu” – caring for each other both materially and spiritually. That was striking but understandable when you worship in a non-Christian country.

What I really want to share after all that background is the love and care we experienced from the brothers and sisters at St John. They consistently expressed their appreciation for us agreeing to minister amongst them at the hottest time of the year. They were thankful that they were to have a Holy Communion service every week – Holy Communion is an important aspect of their worship.

It comes as no surprise that I enjoyed the various music worship – it was greatly uplifting – presented by talented but humble musicians.

It was so good to see the hand of the Lord at work as the church family rallied to meet our every need – in fact they outdid themselves as far as hospitality is concerned. We have never been treated this well! All praise to God for this. When our three months were coming to an end, they asked if we could stay a little longer. We must have been doing something good. We agreed to stay another month – we had other things scheduled for September and beyond.

Despite only having one service per week on a Thursday evening, I used a lot of time to prepare teachings that focused on living lives as shown by Jesus in the Bible and using personal experiences to testify to the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.

Throughout our time at St John, the PC members ensured that we were safe and well. We were treated every week.

In the days before our departure, we were showered with so many gifts – again the church expressing their sincere appreciation of our ministry to them.

When the time came to leave, we wanted to stay. Despite the high daily temperatures which were never below 35°C, we realised how much we were going to miss being cared for and spoilt. It was a sad day on 27th August when I did the last service – which was followed by a feast provided by members of the church family. Then even sadder when we departed on Wednesday, 2nd September for home.

God showed us genuine care and love – true Christian values – from a church community we only met at the end of April, and shared life with till the end of August. They will remain in our hearts forever and we continue to pray as they move forward with a full time pastor arriving at the end of September.

We thank the Lord that He saved our best ministry for this time.

A Spiritual Beauty That Adds to the Natural Beauty of God in the Land of Muscat

Serving the community at St. John’s in Muscat has been one of the most profound privileges of my ministry. From the moment one steps into Oman, the senses are met with an extraordinary landscape—where rugged, timeless mountains meet the tranquil expanse of the sea, and golden sands rest under an azure sky. It is a land where the majestic handiwork of the Creator is written across the scenery. Yet, during my time as an Anglican priest among you, People of God, I discovered another dimension of beauty that far exceeds the physical landscape: the vibrant, living spiritual beauty of the church faithful community.

In the Scriptures, we are reminded of the Psalmist’s invitation to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" (Psalm 29:2). While nature reflects God's majesty, a community gathered in faith, love, and unity reflects His very heart. Here in Muscat, that beauty manifests daily in our shared prayers, liturgical gatherings, and quiet, devoted acts of service.

Central to the life and flourishing of the parish has been the faithful ministry of our Church Council. Working tirelessly behind the scenes with wisdom, dedication, and deep spiritual integrity, the council members have carried the stewardship of our parish with grace. Their prayerful leadership, administrative diligence, and unwavering commitment to the spiritual health of our congregation have enabled our church family to thrive and carry out its mission with confidence and clarity.

That same devotion resonates through our sacred music, particularly in the inspiring ministry of our church choir. The beauty of their voices lifts our hearts to heaven week after week, but their music reaches extraordinary heights during the holy seasons of Christmas and Easter. Through solemn anthems of hope during Christmas and triumphant hymns of resurrection joy at Easter, the choir has consistently ushered us into the very presence of God, turning our worship into an unforgettable feast for the soul.

This community’s spiritual beauty is equally revealed in the remarkable generosity and sacrificial giving of all our members. Time and again, I have witnessed how the members of St. John’s give of their resources, time, and talents—not out of obligation, but out of an overflowing gratitude for God’s grace. Whether supporting the ongoing work of the ministry, reaching out to those in need, or maintaining our spiritual home, your open-handed support has been a constant witness to the transformative power of Christ's love.

What makes the Anglican ministry in Oman so uniquely beautiful is its rich diversity and deep warmth. We gather as believers from every corner of the globe, bringing distinct cultures, languages, and traditions under one roof. To shepherd such a flock—where hospitality is a core value—has been a constant source of inspiration and renewal for my own faith. Moreover, we are deeply grateful for the spirit of peaceful coexistence, grace, and mutual respect that defines the Sultanate of Oman, allowing our parish to be a true sanctuary of hope and peace.

Throughout this journey, our ministry has been continually sustained and guided by the wise spiritual oversight and pastoral care of our Diocesan Bishop, the Right Reverend Sean Semple, whose encouragement has kept us anchored in purpose and vision.

As I look back on this season of service, my heart is filled with overwhelming gratitude. The physical beauty of Muscat is undeniable, but it is the spiritual beauty of its people—your faith, your council’s leadership, your choir’s songs, and your generous hearts—that truly adds a divine light to this land. May St. John’s continue to be a beacon of God’s grace, reflecting the holiness and love of Christ for generations to come.