Well this will be my last blog post from Wales. I have just come from a Bar-b-que where a few wonderful people gathered to send me off. Things have gone really well since my last post. The week in which Pastor Rees was gone began with me leading the sunday services in their entirety. Aside from some timidity in leading forth in singing I believe the Lord blessed the services and it certainly was a beneficial experience for me. The rest of the week proved to be a bit slower than usual, but I did stay pretty active. I had the opportunity to lead a Bible study for a youth club consisting on this night of 4 kids ages 11-13. It was a simply and brief talk which I talked about the reality of sin and our need for a Savior. They seemed very attentive, it was a good experience because knowing that these kids had literally no exposure to the gospel, I had to be very careful in how I explained terms and made sure not to use words which means a lot in the church, but are foreign if use with no explanation. Such practices have been very helpful me in how I present the gospel, to those who have never heard it.
The prayer meeting on tuesday morning also went well. While most were out on vacation or on the mission trip with Pastor Rees, the 8 who did show up came together for a great time of prayer, I am continually amazed at how much the Lord teaches me through the prayer of Christians out here. I also was able to have lunch with a pastor and assistant pastor whom I've come to know while here and who I helped with every thursday at their own youth meeting. It was a great time of encouragement as we said our good byes. Following the youth meeting went well and I'm hopeful and prayerful that as this ministry continues these kids come to accept Christ as Lord and Savior.
Lastly, this past sunday my last was a great joy. I preached the evening service, which was also a communion service. The message which I had had plenty of time to work on this past week was well received and the service went well. Following the service they had a good bye fellowship to send me off. Gave me some presents(a few books and the 200 year anniversary plate) and prayed for me. It was encouraging to see everyone as they wished me well. Many who do not regularly attend worship came out and I am hopeful that perhaps my time here will lead some who are far from the Lord to come out and continue to hear the Gospel which Pastor Rees so faithfully and energetically proclaims.
These past 6 and 1/2 weeks have been truly amazing. I have learned so many lesson about ministry, particularly faithfulness in a land where most are heard hearted to the Gospel. It was not a work the led to the fruit of salvation in the span of my own time here, but Pastor Rees seemed encouraged by my time with him and the church and we are hopeful that such fruit will be sown in the near future. The Lord has been wonderfully faithful in all His ways while I have been here in His provision, guidance, and discipline. It certainly has been a wonderful season in life and I am thankful that the Lord saw fit to use me to encourage the saints and proclaim the Gospel to the lost. Thank you all for keeping up with me while in Wales and your prayers have meant everything to me.
Some prayer request for this last post:
Pray for Bethesda Baptist Church and Pastor Chris Rees and their work as a church here in Narberth.
Pray specifically for these individuals whose last names I am unsure of, but who are unsaved: David, Ivey, Peter, Dominic, Joan, Alec, Vicci, and Rick(these are only some of the many, but certainly ones who need prayer for salvation)
The next 10 days I will spend in London, 3 at the Metropolitan tabernacle and 7 as a tourist. Please pray for safety and that as I meet people particularly in the hostel that I will be bold in sharing the Gospel as the opportunity presents itself.
Thank you all so much!
God bless,
Cole
