29 May 2025, 23:02IM Communications
New Pastor Begins Ministry in Cork and Tralee
Pastor Kerwin Mitchell has begun his new role as pastor for the Cork and Tralee District of Churches. He was introduced to the congregations by Pastor Ben Pontanar, Executive Secretary for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ireland (Irish Mission), during installation services held in Tralee on 10 May and in Cork on 24 May.
Originally from Guyana, Pastor Kerwin brings nearly 20 years of ministry experience. After being baptised at the age of 14, he became deeply involved in church activities and leadership and by 18 he was already a Personal Ministries Leader and training as an Elder in his local church. His first evangelistic series led to a key personal moment when his future wife, Uette, decided to follow Christ through baptism.
In Guyana, Pastor Kerwin led several active districts. He shared that his final assignment had a significant impact on his ministry, marked by dynamic community engagement and spiritual growth. A move to Germany to support his wife’s career provided him with time to reflect on his calling, which eventually led to his acceptance of the invitation from the Irish Mission.
Faith and Family
Pastor Kerwin’s wife, Uette, holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education and has been a partner in ministry from the start, bringing valuable insights and support. “She often notices things I might miss or take for granted, and her guidance and patience keep me grounded. I deeply appreciate her steady presence and wisdom”, he pointed. Together, they share a commitment to living out their faith, and their daughter Serenity is already excited to be involved in church life in Ireland as well. “She’s looking forward to getting involved in the Adventurer Club and Children’s Choir”, he mentioned.
As a family one of the philosophies they live by is: “May all who come behind us find us faithful,” Pastor Kerwin shared. “We are united in our love for people and a shared desire to see lives transformed through Christ. Together, we are committed to building God’s kingdom and making a difference for Jesus in every aspect of our lives”, he added.
In his free time, Pastor Kerwin enjoys nature, travel, and following sports, particularly football and basketball. He’s a devoted Barcelona FC fan and loves watching their games.
Vision for the Churches
“My vision is simple,” Pastor Kerwin said. “I want the churches in Cork and Tralee to be centres of connection, spiritual growth, and outreach. Ministry is more than preaching—it’s about living out the Gospel and making a difference in people’s lives.”
He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome his family has received: “From the beginning, we felt God’s presence here. The love and support from the church family confirmed this is where we’re meant to serve”.
A Message of Encouragement
Pastor Kerwin shared a Bible verse that has guided him throughout his life:
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).
“As I begin this journey with the Irish Mission family, I hold on to this promise—not just for myself, but for all of us. My prayer is that together we will continue to walk uprightly, trusting in the Lord’s grace, and experiencing the fullness of His blessings in our lives and our ministry,” he said.
Pastor Kerwin Mitchell has begun his new role as pastor for the Cork and Tralee District of Churches. He was introduced to the congregations by Pastor Ben Pontanar, Executive Secretary for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ireland (Irish Mission), during installation services held in Tralee on 10 May and in Cork on 24 May.
Originally from Guyana, Pastor Kerwin brings nearly 20 years of ministry experience. After being baptised at the age of 14, he became deeply involved in church activities and leadership and by 18 he was already a Personal Ministries Leader and training as an Elder in his local church. His first evangelistic series led to a key personal moment when his future wife, Uette, decided to follow Christ through baptism.
In Guyana, Pastor Kerwin led several active districts. He shared that his final assignment had a significant impact on his ministry, marked by dynamic community engagement and spiritual growth. A move to Germany to support his wife’s career provided him with time to reflect on his calling, which eventually led to his acceptance of the invitation from the Irish Mission.
Faith and Family
Pastor Kerwin’s wife, Uette, holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education and has been a partner in ministry from the start, bringing valuable insights and support. “She often notices things I might miss or take for granted, and her guidance and patience keep me grounded. I deeply appreciate her steady presence and wisdom”, he pointed. Together, they share a commitment to living out their faith, and their daughter Serenity is already excited to be involved in church life in Ireland as well. “She’s looking forward to getting involved in the Adventurer Club and Children’s Choir”, he mentioned.
As a family one of the philosophies they live by is: “May all who come behind us find us faithful,” Pastor Kerwin shared. “We are united in our love for people and a shared desire to see lives transformed through Christ. Together, we are committed to building God’s kingdom and making a difference for Jesus in every aspect of our lives”, he added.
In his free time, Pastor Kerwin enjoys nature, travel, and following sports, particularly football and basketball. He’s a devoted Barcelona FC fan and loves watching their games.
Vision for the Churches
“My vision is simple,” Pastor Kerwin said. “I want the churches in Cork and Tralee to be centres of connection, spiritual growth, and outreach. Ministry is more than preaching—it’s about living out the Gospel and making a difference in people’s lives.”
He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome his family has received: “From the beginning, we felt God’s presence here. The love and support from the church family confirmed this is where we’re meant to serve”.
A Message of Encouragement
Pastor Kerwin shared a Bible verse that has guided him throughout his life:
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).
“As I begin this journey with the Irish Mission family, I hold on to this promise—not just for myself, but for all of us. My prayer is that together we will continue to walk uprightly, trusting in the Lord’s grace, and experiencing the fullness of His blessings in our lives and our ministry,” he said.
