In the wake of events at Cwmbran, and other areas in Wales where spiritual growth and renewal is taking place, Elfed Godding, National Director of the Evangelical Alliance in Wales, believes “Wales may be entering a new season of hope.” He was addressing Christians gathered at Moriah Chapel on the 109th anniversary of 1904 Welsh Revival. “I was pleasantly surprised,” said Godding, “There was a balanced approach reflecting our past present and future. It did not simply relish in the glories of the past and people were certainly aware that if God moves in Wales again He will do it differently.”
The Welsh revival of 1904 witnessed a great number of conversions and missionaries sent out all over the world. However, the overall impact on Welsh society was short-lived. “Maybe the revival was too pietistic,” Godding said. But following something of a charismatic renewal in the 1970’s and a greater focus on “word and deed” mission since the 1980s, Rev Godding suggested that the period of decline was bottoming out and there is a measure of growth in the Welsh churches.
“Maybe (now) there will a greater impact on communities with the transformation of society as a whole, and a greater engagement with politics, business and the market place,” Godding suggests. The
churches that are growing exhibit certain common traits: a) a real commitment to mission and a determination to go out into the community engaging in holistic mission; b) an emphasis on collaborative mission; c) a renewed interest in trying to reach people on the margins of society. Godding said: “If we pray together and are committed to work together we will witness an increasing number of conversions and churches growing once again across Wales”
Source: Christian Today
BIBLE STUDY: John 6:27-48
PRAISE: God for a renewed sense that Wales is in a new season. Pray that the local outpourings may turn again into revival that will affect the nation.