The last few weeks have presented countless opportunities to encourage—and be encouraged by—local Welsh believers. Many universities in the United Kingdom have three-week Easter breaks. So, many of our friends where we live have been out of town. Fortunately, this has opened up space in our schedule to really listen to, read with and learn from Christians who live in the area. And it’s been an incredible blessing!
Ryan BowenAs our return date to the United States looms closer and closer, my colleague Jacob and I have experienced a growing desire to spend our time in a way that will continue to have effects long after we’re gone. One way we’ve done this is by discipling and spending time with some teenagers who belong to a local church.
I’m entirely confident God is raising up a new generation of leaders who will totally change the spiritual landscape of Wales, and these guys and girls are in the middle of it. There was a time in Wales, not too long ago, when there allegedly were no conversions in Welsh churches for more than 15 years. During this time, there were faithful, God-fearing ministers preaching God’s word every week. There were generations of people fervently praying for revival and life. But not one Welsh-speaking soul made a decision to follow Christ.
A month ago, an 18-year-old student and a young mother were baptized in front of an overflowing chapel. Dozens of nonbelievers heard the gospel at this service. I know several people that will be graduating from high school this year who will spend a gap year serving their own Welsh community and receiving biblical training. I stood in a building last week at a Welsh Christian conference with 350 people praising the Lord and receiving teaching through their heart language. The balcony I was in was almost entirely teenagers and young adults who were joyfully and powerfully singing to God.
Ministry and outreach in our little university town can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. But it pays to step back from time to time and regain some perspective on what’s happening across in our little country, and what role the Lord is asking me to play.
Ryan Bowen, a student at Dallas Baptist University, is serving in Wales with Go Now Missions.
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