19th - 21st June 2009
It has become something of a tradition these past few years to mark the end of the academic year with a barbecue and a weekend away. We were very grateful to Roland and Jan Lamble for hosting the barbecue, to which about 20 international students came. James Vilares concluded the evening with a brief presentation of the Gospel.
We were also very grateful to the many members of the church who lent us tents, sleeping bags and camping stoves for the weekend away at Pencarnan Farm camping site just beyond St David’s. We had a field to ourselves, with access to campsite facilities, and, most importantly, to the secluded Porthsele beach. A small advance party struggled to put up the tents, but were glad when the main party arrived with a bit more experience – why can’t all tents be assembled in the same way? The advance party included the cooks and helpers, Kathleen Evans, Andrew and Katie, and Charlotte and Lauren; and so a cooked meal was ready for when the main party arrived. The meal was followed by the first Bible study, in the gathering chilly dusk. Nevertheless, Levon was able to take us through the first part of the three part series on the history of the world – the fall and the consequent sinfulness of mankind.
The second study followed breakfast the following morning, Andrew Jones taking us to the middle of the story, the heart of God’s plan, Jesus dying in our place, taking the penalty for mankind’s sin. What a privilege to take 20 international students through God’s plan, most of whom were people who have been showing some interest in what the Christian faith is all about.
That was a wonderful day, the sun shining warmly, a fresh breeze from the sea keeping the temperature from rising too uncomfortably high; breathtaking scenery – all the colours of the sea, the cliffs and beaches, the headlands and hills, the fields and farms, and opportunities to enjoy all this and the cathedral and Britain’s smallest city itself, games for those who wanted them, time to chill out for the others, fish and chips for tea, and then to cap it all, a glimpse into what heaven will be like, as Mark led the third part of God’s plan, with a study of portions of Revelation 21 and 22.
Sunday worship was held in Penuel chapel at Roch, where we were warmly welcomed with tea and biscuits after the service; in the service itself Rev Peter Gwyther spoke about Simon the Pharisee who hardly welcomed the Saviour and the woman of the streets who wept herself to Him, washing His feet with her tears. “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” It fitted in so well with our theme.
Then back to Pencarnan for a barbecue on the beach, and a time for questions from the students. “What is the purpose of life? How many Christians are there? How would a solitary Christian survive in a hostile environment? Does care God care for animals? Can we keep in touch when we go home if we have any more questions?” Mark led with the answers, but all the team members chipped in with their contributions; what amazed us also were the answers coming from the students themselves, showing what they had already come to understand. Then it was 5 o’clock and time to go home. A wonderful weekend. Thank you, Lord! And thank you, Apple, for organizing it all.
