Our Journey
So here we are, six months into our journey in Wales. We are finally feeling more settled, understanding the culture and people and
building lots of wonderful relationships. As we seek God he is revealing slowly what are purpose is here, putting the puzzle pieces
together. We have not only grown as individuals, we have definitely grown closer as a family. Through constant surrender, God is so faithful in
guiding us gently and directing each step. Jay and I have spent many hours praying and asking God exactly how he wants to use our time
here in Wales. God doesn’t always move at the pace that is comfortable for us. This has been a huge challenge for both of us to just step back,
and let God take control. I think in some ways being in an English speaking culture that is full of well established retired professionals has been
a challenge in the sense that the needs aren’t as obvious. However, there are definite needs. One area of concern that is very obvious is the
generation gap in the church. There are lots of churches but very few people under the age of fifty. Through these observations God has lead us to
move forward in two key ministries. One being WYE MEN and the other being BREATHE.
Ministries
BREATHE is a café evening that is held in the local coffee shop, a place you can come and enjoy a cup of coffee and share life together. In this culture
BREATHE is a very different and new initiative. BREATHE is meant to be a place for Christians to bring their friends that might not otherwise step into a church. A non-threatening environment to bring your friends, watch a short video clip, and possibly discuss the video if the opportunity
presents itself. Please pray that God will use BREATHE to bring people a step closer to him. That he will open up the hearts and minds of the
people who step through the doors. That he will grow and use this opportunity in ways we could have never imagined.
WYE MEN is an opportunity for men to get together in the community. Jay with a friend of his Mark Harrison has planned a series of events
which will happen over the next two years that include sports, hot topics, socials, quiz nights, a high wire forest adventure, a canoe
trip, dads and lads days, curry nights, family days, and other exciting events. Both of these ministries are meant to buildrelationships in which will then build bridges between unbelievers and the church. To break down the misconceptions that go with the idea of church. Through allowing God to work through these relationships bringing men and women to a point of seeking God in their own lives. So far both ministries have had positive feedback. The first event was a men’s breakfast and they had 30 men attend. Ten of these men do not attend any kind of church. Pray that these ministries continue to be effective. We also need to pray that God will use these connections to encourage unbelievers to seek him.
Other Opportunities
OM MDP: We are a part of a program at Life Hope called Ministry Development Planning. Every two weeks we are part of a discussion group, which provides training in the area of starting new inititatives. in the community.
Oriel Jones Art Studio: I have had the opportunity to teach adult art lessons here on a weekly basis. And have built some great connections with people in the art community.
Overmonow School: I have had the opportunity to teach the grade 1 and 2’s art at Overmonnow school on a monthly basis.
Adult Learning: We are taking a Photoshop class at the adult learning centre. We are going to be using these skills for marketing church events. etc.
School Gate: This has been a great time to get to know many parents from the area. Several friendships have been started there. We have been privileged to invite some of these new friends to events and to church.
CVM (Christian Viewpoint for men) Jay is looking to get more involved with this ministry. Which might be something that continues after our two years with OM.
All of these opportunities we look at as God opening up doors and giving us the chance to build relationships. We pray that God continues to use us
in these friendships.
Sydney and Marley
Sydney and Marley are doing well. They have settled into school and are making lots of new friendships. They just celebrated St. Davids Day
(Which is like our Canada Day) and had to wear traditional dress to school. The girls have been learning a little bit of Welsh at school and are
having fun learning about the different traditions in the culture.
Overall, our family has settled well into life in Wales. This expreience has been very challenging at times but there have also been lots of
blessings through the growing and stretching. We continue to see Gods faithfulness and provision through our journey. Please continue
to pray for the ministries we have started here and are involved in. Pray that we will see lives changed and God use these relationships that
we are building to plant seeds. Pray for encouragement and for God to move in amazing ways.
