John, a native of Northern Ireland and new American citizen, and his wife, Betsy, an American, met while attending Bible School in England and were married in California 40 years ago. John’s journey to ministry began when, as a new Christian attending Bible School, he and Betsy became members of a new church plant with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, but soon moved to Florida to teach Bible to young adults. As God’s Call on John’s life grew, John pursued studies at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, followed by earning his MDiv at Reformed Theological Seminary.
Our great friend and co-laborer, The Rev. John Browne, 66, died Wednesday, February 5 in Dallas TX. John is now in the presence of the Lord. Paul’s words to the Corinthians comes to mind when I think of John, always the consummate peacemaker, shepherd and pastor: “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” John would always lead us to Jesus.
John, a native of Northern Ireland and new American citizen, and his wife, Betsy, an American, met while attending Bible School in England and were married in California 40 years ago. John’s journey to ministry began when, as a new Christian attending Bible School, he and Betsy became members of a new church plant with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, but soon moved to Florida to teach Bible to young adults. As God’s Call on John’s life grew, John pursued studies at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, followed by earning his MDiv at Reformed Theological Seminary.
John and Betsy have three grown children: David, Kathleen, and Daniel, and several grandchildren (and one on the way). John has served churches in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, and has always had a heart for missions. Over the years he has led and been involved in mission trips to Jamaica, Mexico, Ireland and the Gulf Coast, as well as local mercy projects. I was introduced to John in 2012 during a Sheds of Hope build for families of tornado flattened Henryville Indiana. In the summer of 2013, John began providing construction management in Moore, Oklahoma with Sheds of Hope and his love for carpentry was soon reignited. He officially came on staff of MNA Disaster Response in 2014.
John literally died with his boots on doing what he loved, working at the MNA Disaster Response Dallas Depot preparing Sheds of Hope for the next storm.
Obviously, this is a major shock for the MNA DR team. Please pray for his precious wife, Betsy, his adult children, and grandchildren. And pray for your MNA DR team.
The funeral service celebrating the life and ministry of John will be held Monday, February 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Park Cities Presbyterian Church, 4124 Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas TX.
As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests memorial contributions may be provided in John’s memory to Sheds of Hope, Mission to North America, P.O. Box 890233, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28289-0233, with a notation of Sheds of Hope, MNA Disaster Response. Online contributions can be made at here.
Arklie Hooten
MNA Short Term Missions & Disaster Response Director