Rhian Evans recently joined SU Cymru as National Mission Co-ordinator. It’s not just a new season for her, but also for mission to children and young people across Wales. She shares how God is calling young hearts to seek him and the church to reveal him, and opening the doors to new ministry opportunities in schools.
I’m passionate about revealing Jesus to children and young people and doing that in Welsh where that is their heart language. So, being appointed to this role last year was the answer to prayer.
It’s happened at such an exciting time – God is really on the move in Wales after a long dry season. Churches and individuals in scattered pockets did outreach to the next generation but struggled to move beyond the ‘connect’ stage. Many schools did not welcome any sort of ministry activity.
But now, children and young people are starting to ask deeper questions and can be remarkably determined in their pursuit of answers! For example, five years ago some teenagers SU was involved with asked their secondary school in Cardiff if they could start a Christian Union. The school kept saying ‘no’.
The teenagers persisted, the local churches prayed. Finally, last September, the school said ‘yes’. The Christian Union is up and running!
Other schools are becoming more open to church involvement too, especially those under new headship. Meanwhile, many more churches are seeking SU Cymru’s help to start or restart schools ministry.
"God is really on the move in Wales after a long dry season."
Increasing numbers of youth and children’s workers are becoming Faith Guides, becoming part of a supportive network of peers who inspire one another and work together for better impact. We are helping Faith Guides access schools and do schools ministry well, so that they move beyond that initial ‘connect’ stage, and are equipped to journey with children and young people to explore, respond and grow in faith as well.
Isaiah 45 verse 8 is our prayer for the season we are in:
‘You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the Lord, have created it’. (NIV)
This is God’s work – he is stirring the hearts of children and young people, mobilising churches, breaking down barriers in schools. He’s bringing it all together, and I’m sure we’ll see fruit in the years to come.
Revealing God’s love at a time of change
Using copies of SU’s Y Cam Nesaf (It’s Your Move), Faith Guide Tim Heeley found a really special way to reveal Jesus to 120 primary age pupils in Flintshire, North Wales.
Tim got Year 6 pupils in Holywell, Flint and Mold designing artwork, videos and soundscapes to help them process their emotions around their imminent transition to secondary school. The creations formed a very moving exhibition in local churches for the children, their families and the community to enjoy, with opportunities to explore using prayer to bring their worries and past pains to Jesus.
Each child received an individual Bible verse and message written by and prayed over by a chapel member, and an invitation to future events.
More about our work in Wales
Please pray for the work in Wales at this exciting time. Ask that the team will seize the opportunity effectively and ask God to bless their efforts. Click the link below to connect further with this work.