Well I only have a little over two weeks left, these past four weeks have truly flown by. My time in Wales is actually being cut short a few days, because the church has arranged for me to go to a conference in London at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, which is Spurgeon's old church, they are still going strong! I'm really excited about that conference it'll certainly be a change of pace, but nice to relax a little.
This past week has been much like the others, busy, fast, and great! I preached at a Baptist church in a little town, Pontardawe which is about 45 minutes away from Narberth where I am staying. That proved to be a great experience, the church was very encouraging and it was great to meet more Christians and to be able to encourage them along the way.
I got to do a little more speaking in one of the 5th grade classes, this time it was more American based topics, but they did ask several questions about faith to that was good. I have a huge ego from that day because all the girls asked for my autograph, it was quite flattering. It's been neat that I've been in the school a few times, I'm now recognizing and being recognized by many of the kids when I'm out and about and hopefully that will lead to some fruitful interaction with them and their parents. I also spent more time at youth meeting I've been going to for a few weeks and it's been good to get to know those kids a little more, they ask some great question during our Bible study, so it's encouraging that they are atleast thinking about such things as the Gospel.
The weekly Bible study on Tuesday night at the church went well, I taught on 2 Peter 2:5-11 if anyone cares to look it up. I'm still so thankful for the prayer time we have on those nights, the Christians in the meeting have such affirming prayers and I have even found that as they reflect on the message I have just given through their prayers they point out things I hadn't even thought of. It's a great feeling being instructed in such ways.
I also spoke at the women's meeting which is every wednesday. That proved to be a great experience, it is interesting talking to a group of much older women and being the only male, but they were very kind and the American factor helped me get along with them cause my accent is just so darn cute!
This week as usual was not without it's touristy moments, I went to a local amusement park, which didn't hold a candle to most American parks, but there were no lines as we were there on a school day, so I rode everything several times. I also got to go to the local mountain range one day. What was awesome about that is that one hour I was on top of a mountain the next I was sitting on the beach, truly the best of both worlds!
All in all things are still going great. The Lord is teaching me alot about preaching and being a pastor in general and it's been a great time of stretching in regards to sharing my faith. In many respects it's sad that my time is so close to an end, because I'm really starting to get a feel for the area and I believe I'm more help to Pastor Rees now as we've gotten used to the way each other works. That being said it will be great to be back and see everyone!
Some prayer request for this week:
More prayer for my involvement in the schools and in the youth club on thursdays. I'll be in the schools twice this week once for an assembly and once to help with their equivalent of field day.
This thursday I'm preaching at an evangelistic service in Whitland a nearby chapel, pray that local unbelievers would be drawn to the meeting and more importantly drawn to the gospel.
I'll be playing golf with a man named Rick, once with Pastor Rees and once without. He is not a believer but he's asking lots of great questions, pray that this time would be profitable and that I would not ruin my witness through the frustration I experience due to my golf game which will inevitably stink.
Pray for Eric an elderly gentleman whom everyone know in Narberth. He's a character and a half. We've become friends and I visit with him several times a week, he also needs the Lord.
Pray for this upcoming sunday June 28th i believe. Pastor Rees will be out of town that day and actually for a whole week. I'll essentially be the fill in Pastor which means I'll preach both services and lead in singing. Pray for those services as well as all the responsibilities I will have that week.
Thanks for your prayers and support!
God bless,
Cole
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