“The Valleys”
My dear Welsh builder friend Emyr had asked if the two of us could carry our crosses up and down the coal mining valleys of South Wales. Names like Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypool, Bargoed, Abertillery and Aberfan, the small town famous for the dreadful mud slide that engulfed the primary school.
The coal mines have largely gone, the steel works at Ebbw Vale closed. The small towns were once vibrant communities but now have an air of depression and poverty. The chapels that once heard wonderful voices singing God’s praises now tend to be silent. Family break up, drink and drugs and the like are major issues. I almost worked there as a social worker but just before the interview God challenged me to be a missionary of his Gospel which took me, for the rest of my life , down an exciting journey of sharing our Jesus on the streets.
“I’ve missed the bus again! “. (Blainavon)
He’d already missed one bus through talking with me and had no intention of missing the next one. I was imploring him to invite Jesus into his heart but just as he bowed his head to pray the second bus came round the corner. The moment seemed lost and his attention was distracted. He began to move towards the bus but then went to shake my hand and while his back was turned the second bus accelerated away.
The young man’s home life was in a mess and it seemed clear that the Holy Spirit had prepared the moment. As he prayed sincerely with me, my hand, which was resting on his shoulder began to burn . At that instant the man began shouting that his heart was burning and he began blowing down his T shirt in an attempt to cool himself down. A friend of mine had experienced a similar thing when he had asked the Lord into his heart so l wasn’t unduly alarmed but saw the funny side of it. I sought to give him a Bible and encouraged him to attend church. He lived in Cwmbran and l told him about Victory Church. “Oh, l know that one , all my druggie friends go there”. At that moment the third bus arrived and off he went. The whole incident was surreal, comical yet deadly serious and wonderful.
The angry man. (Pontypool)
Across the busy road the man was standing with his girlfriend, a dark, angry tension in his face. I argued with the prompting of the Spirit, pointing out that there was too much traffic between him and l. God won and l crossed over to seek to talk to him. I soon discovered from them that his young son had died and that he’d consequently hit the bottle.
“God’s love can heal you mate”, I blurted.
“My girlfriend’s love has healed me, she’s pulled me through”.That gave me a way in . “God’s love is like your girlfriend “. He was listening now and before long the couple were praying to invite Jesus to take over in their life. I wasn’t able to arrange follow up as their bus arrived but there was no doubting the sincerity of their prayer. The God who heals angry hearts!
Rain, rain and more rain.
Togged up with waterproofs we resembled sodden penguins as we trudged through the small mining town. People scurried past us to the corner shop, not wanting to talk to the cross carriers in the missel. Was it worth slogging up with our 35kilo crosses on such a day? At the bottom of the hill stood a solitary figure, the only one happy to talk with us that morning. “You’re either mad or totally committed to your cause”, he commented. “We’re both”, l quipped but then asked how we could pray for him. For some reason he trusted us and began to tell us his story.It turned out that he’d just got out of prison. He indeed wanted prayer and was soon praying to give his life to Jesus. His heart was so open and sincere. He promised he would attend church, adding that his mum would be so pleased to hear of his decision as she was a chapel goer. He gratefully accepted my book of Bible verses. Another meeting orchestrated by the saviour who is out searching and seeking the lost, even on a rainy day in Wales.
The undercover preacher (Ebbw Vale)
The local teenagers gathered round as l introduced the local Salvation Army lady who had joined me as we walked into town. “Tell your story of how you found God”, l said and to my joy she launched into her testimony. The kids listened but as l began preaching they got tired of the novelty and wandered off, except one 17year old. He was special and l began to prophesy that he would be a preacher but wouldn’t operate in the churches but would be an undercover preacher, operating on the streets amongst the youth. He wasn’t yet ready to give himself to Jesus but before l left was able to pray with passion over him. It was as if the lottery finger was pointing down over him. I have had this experience a few times in my life when God has clearly shown me that his hand has been on a young person’s life and on every occasion they have eventually gone on to serve Jesus in a special way.
“Who wants Jesus in their life?” (Blainavon)
The oldest member of the gang shot his hand up straight away. Apparently some Christians from Oregon had visited their small town and had prayed over him and he had felt something special. However, since then he had drifted into drugs and although a good rugby player had messed up his opportunity to play for his local team. He was so sincere as he prayed to commit his life to Jesus. Those American guys sowed a seed that day.
“Go in the Gym to talk to the muscle man” (Blaenau)
A bodybuilder greeted me as l was explaining the gospel to a young apprentice plumber. The muscleman disappeared into a Gym across the road . When l finished with the plumber l felt a direct urge to go in search of the “Incredible Hulk”. I found him amongst the weight lifting machines . “I am a Christian mate”, he beamed and we began to pray together. We ended up spending a long time sharing our faith with the Gym owners who were so open and welcoming. Later l was able to lead a young hoody guy to pray to receive Jesus. I told him to seek out the Christian Muscleman at the Gym if he wanted help in following Jesus. I am so concerned that these young people who are surrounded by drugs find help in their new walk with God. There is a great pastor in a nearby town who is from a drugs background and is seeking to help these lads.
Talked with many such young men 
God’s hand was on this young man
One tough looking guy, enquiring after why we were carrying crosses told me that so many of his friends were turning from drugs to God. In Bargoed the local Barber , who also runs a nightclub told me that only a few weeks ago he had given his life to Jesus and had got baptised. God is truly working in the area. Christians are praying ardently. The stage is being set for another outpouring. Come Lord Jesus pour out your spirit on us again!!
Home News
Am enjoying much better health and was able to join old friends and carry the cross around Thanet, towns like Margate, Ramsgate etc. Was able to pray with many, some accepted Jesus, wonderful ! Most weeks am out with the cross locally, loving every minute.
Have been seeing a wonderful woman of God, am so thrilled to be with her. Watch this space!!! Sending you all the love of my Jesus as always!! Thank you so much for all your support!