City council honors GMOBC retirees

Citing recognition of his work for the Lord and a myriad of community contributions, the Amarillo City Council on Tuesday presented a congratulatory proclamation to Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church Pastor Vurn C. Martin on the eve of his retirement.

"Rev. Martin was called into the gospel ministry, surrendered to the call and was ordained on Jan. 20, 1974," Mayor Pro Tem Freda Powell noted while reading the proclamation during the Amarillo City Council meeting, before Martin, his wife, Jean and a host of well-wishers. "It is a high calling - one sheep being designated to lead the others. But you have always shown that your master is the shepherd and your job is to follow Him wherever He leads the flock. You have served the Lord with gladness for 47 years in the ministry - tirelessly, faithfully and with great compassion for your flock. And your investment in others has truly made a difference by giving hope and encouragement for so many."

Officials said Martin and his wife will retire on July 14, 2019, with 21 years of service to the church.

"We pray you enjoy this new journey by having fun and cherishing every moment," Powell said. "Thank you for blessing Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church with 21 years of service, with humble leadership and a deep love for the Lord. You have blessed your members and the Amarillo community in so many ways."

With four children, including Pastor Steven Ray Martin at Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church, eight grandchildren, and a flock, the Martins say they hope their years of dedication have left a lasting impact. The Martins are embarking on their impending retirement with no real concrete plans or goals.

"Our main goal is to follow Christ," Vurn Martin said. "Where he leads, we will follow."

___

(c)2019 Amarillo Globe-News, Texas

Visit Amarillo Globe-News, Texas at www.amarillo.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.