Week 1

Hello everyone,



I arrived in London safely at about 7 am in this time zone, which was 2 am eastern time zone. Then met up with Pastor Chris whom I am serving under and we proceeding on the 4 hour journey to Wales. During those four hours Pastor Chris essentially learned everything he wanted to know about me. The truth of the matter is that we had never had any phone conversations and he had never heard me preach or even read any of my sermon outlines. I'm not sure if he was ancy about things working out well or not, but if he was that was certainly understandable. He made it clear that these 7 weeks will be weeks of preaching and along with actually preacing, he has me reading several great preaching books and listening to great lectures. We got along quite well during the drive and in learning more about him, it was quite clear that he would be a great minister to learn from in these coming weeks.

The very next day a deacon named Richard took me on a tour of some of the western Wales coast, it is truly one of the most beautiful places I have seen, I hope to post pictures either here or on facebook soon.

Then on Sunday, I was able to meet the church which consists of about 50 regular members, an number which is actually above average in these parts at least for a Baptist church. Of those fifty Pastor Rees in uncertain of most of their salvations as there is very little fruit. Needless to say, there is a lot of need for true Gospel preaching in these parts. I was able to preach my first sermon at the evening service to about 30-40 people and even from the Christians the response was very reserved. Had I called for an amen I am sure that there would have been an awkward silence, I'll have to work my way up to that! But that response was not out of the ordinary even for the best of sermons and Pastor Christ seemed very enthused by the sermon and I would imagine relieved to see that I at least had some ability to preach. I really did enjoy preaching the message and despite the reserved nature of the service I felt that God really blessed the sermon and I was more lively than usual. In fact I was also quicker than usual I only preached for 20 minutes, probably because I spoke so fast due to nervousness I would imagine. But it was a great first opportunity and I think the church is excited to have me.

I also had the opportunity to preach at a church in St. Clear a local small town nearby. It was an evangelistic meeting and about 20 showed up. I preached on the cross and believe it was well received. It was an interesting experience, because the feedback was so minimal I almost felt silly preaching with any emotion, but of my source of strength came from the Holy Spirit not from feedback.

Today, being friday, Pastor Rees and I went open air preaching with a megaphone an experience completely new to me, but it was a great experience none the less. Several stopped to listen, one cursed me out as he walked by, but most just went on their way. But for those that stopped to listen I am prayerful that the Gospel convicted them. I spent the rest of the day manning a table in front of the church handing out tracts and talking to anyone who stopped by. It really neat that since the town is so small people are already starting to know me and vice versa.

This first week has truly been a blessing to my soul and very eye opening. I've met one Christian in my age group and the church is totally void of teenagers. There are easily two times as many pubs in any given town as there are churches. Yet those who are believers are a great encouragement. The times of prayer with these believers has been some of the most encouraging times of prayer I have ever known. There is a huge need in Wales and it is a blessing to seeing ministers like Pastor Rees who faithfully proclaim the Gospel even in the midst of seeing less that one conversion a year. I am certain such small numbers is in no way indicative of his ability to minister. There is a wonderful history of revival here in Wales and the Christians here are very hopeful and prayerful that such a season will once again spread through the land.

I know many are praying for me back in the states, for which I am so grateful. Some specific prayer requests are as follows:

That I might form relationships with youth and young adults in the area and share the Gospel with them.

This weekend I'll be in Melksham England preaching 2 sunday services, pray that that goes well.

A spirit of enthusiasm, as even in this first week I have found it easy to grow discouraged.

That I might serves as a much needed aid and relief for Pastor Rees as he has much more on his plate than any man should bear.


Thank you all so much for your prayers and I'll update this blog regularly.

Cole

Departure Time

Hello Friends,

I thought I would set up this blog as a means of keeping everyone posted on my time in Wales. If you aren't aware, I'll be in Wales for the next seven weeks. I've been blessed with an opportunity to serve under a local minister in Narberth, Wales. His name is Chris Rees and he pastors two small congregations in Wales, I will be sharing preaching duties with him on most Sundays as well as travelling to several other nearby congregations to preach there as well. I will also be doing much evangelistic preaching in the area which I understand to be largely unchristian. I believe these seven weeks will prove to be very exciting and I am very prayerful that they will yield fruits for the kingdom of God. I hope in keeping up with me through this blog that you will join me in prayer and I look forward to what lies ahead. I imagine I'll update this blog every week or so, so please check the updates if you are interested and I look forward to seeing everyone when I return!

God bless,
Cole