News
from our Members
Mission
in action - The Church in the Pub
The
Sowers of Wyllie
When
our deacon Revd. Marian Barge was ordained in 2000 she was given the unenviable
task of planting a church and spreading the Gospel in the village of Wyllie.
Wyllie
being a small cul-de-sac village located south of Pontllanfraith near Blackwood
in the Benefice of Mynyddislwyn.
The village was built in 1925 primarily for the workers of Wyllie
Colliery, and in the heyday of coal the community thrived.
However with the passing of the years Wyllie gradually deteriorated, the
mine went, followed closely by the Christian worship, as the small Methodist
chapel closed its doors and the Anglican Sunday Services also ceased at the
Miners Institute (later to become the pub) all some 36 years ago.
Today the community consists of approximately 170 houses, a part-time
post office and
the “Islwyn Inn” - the pub.
The
Lord however had not forgotten this place and once more through Marian his
purpose for the people of the village was under construction.
Marian was led to some amazing disciples, one lady had actually moved to
Wyllie from the other side of the world to commence God’s work!
These workers became known as “The Sowers of Wyllie.”
Regular
prayer times began, consisting of personal, mountain top, and walking prayers,
the ground was being claimed for our Lord Jesus Christ again, Alleluia!
Marian on her first visit to the “Islwyn Inn” was cordially
introduced to the proprietors
Dexter and Penny Moffat who gladly offered us their restaurant area for
our first service, a carol service
- have
faith and he will provide for all your needs.
With
great enthusiasm, a lot of hard graft and large portions of faith, God’s work
continues today at the church.
We regularly leaflet-drop every house in the Wyllie, originally this task
was actioned by us, but now a lovely family from the village whom God has
touched through Marian’s ministry, undertakes the operation.
This informs the villagers of our activities be it an Easter or harvest
service, Mothering Sunday, Remembrance, or a summer BBQ.
Over the years we have been proud and privileged to have many Christian
folk with a diversity of gifts come to spread the word. Music groups,
puppeteers, and numerous ministers, not to mention the now Archbishop of
Canterbury and our own Bishop Dominic - he enjoyed his drink.
The
Holy Spirit in Jesus is touching the hearts of this once forgotten community.
God is building a spirit of restoration, belonging, wholeness and love.
We are now very much part of the village life, most recognise us, and
Marian regularly visits people in their homes.
The Sowers are invited to all the events staged in Wyllie, for there is
now a Residents Association, and Dexter and Penny
have seen
their business
flourish, the
Lord
has honoured their kind generosity in allowing us to use “the church” every
Monday when the pub is closed.
Our
latest adventure with Jesus is holding Alpha courses, who knows what’s next,
but one thing is for sure anything is possible with God, even having his Church
where he wills.