South Wales will always be a part of me. I occasionally hear the strains of "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" filtering across the Cheshire Plains when it is quiet...
Whereas the latter statement may contain some artistic licence, the former most certainly does not. Having spent almost 6 years of my life pastoring the church at Bethlehem Sandfields in Port Talbot, I have a real affection for my Welsh brethren. I remember with fondness training on the Theological Training Course, being part of various commitees for the Evangelical Movement of Wales, and still return each year to take the 10-12's Camp at Bryntirion.
It was a joy to be able to return to preach there this last weekend at Lonlas Gospel Mission, Skewen, just outside Swansea, for their 72nd Anniversary Services. Speaking at meetings on Saturday and Sunday allowed me to renew contact with many friends, and to form new friendships also.
Their theme was thanksgiving - raising their Ebenezer stones in praise to God - and it was wonderful to join in enthusiastic praise with this godly group of Christian people who so obviously enjoyed their worship. It has been some time since the preacher was interrupted so often by loud and vocal congregation members declaring their hearty agreement! I had also almost forgotten that closing your hymnbook at the end of songs was foolish, due to the necessary repetition of refrains and selected stanzas!
For many years this church has been a haven for the hurting and a beacon of solid preaching, and I enjoyed hearing many emotional testimonies at each service of how God has dealt with them corporately and individually over the years.
Currently Lonlas is pastored by Rob James, but he will be finishing next summer, and so we ought to pray for the right man to come and join their elders' team as pastor.
Our prayer for this company of God's people would be that they would live up to Chloe's prayer before I left to preach:
"Lord, please bless Dad as he goes to preach at LONG LAST Gospel Mission!"
Posted by Danny at November 5, 2006 12:13 AM | TrackBack