A Message from our Chairman
I
write for the first time as, acting co-chair of Anglican Renewal Ministries
(Wales), having been elected at the AGM last November, to replace Phil Rees.
Before I explain the title, I would like to extend thanks to Phil for the
way that he has chaired ARM Wales, during his term of office, it has been really
good to work alongside him through that time. Over the years the main thrust of the work has been centred
on the Flames of Fire Conference, which has seen slow but steady growth.
As
Phil prepared to step down as Chairman, he recognised that the workload of
leading both the conference and ARM (Wales) could be too much for one person to
carry. Even under Phil’s
chairmanship much of the energy of the executive was focussed on the conference,
leaving little time to promote other work in ARM.
As a result it was proposed that there be this co-chairman situation,
with one chairing ARM and the other chairing the Flames of Fire
conference. Whilst this might seem
complicated, it allows for the support and encouragement of renewal in the
Anglican Church in Wales to be given greater priority, whilst at the same time
moving ahead with what God seems to be doing through Flames of Fire.
So
here I am, ‘I’ being Nick Jones, also chair of the Flames of Fire
conference, husband to Chris, father of three children in their 20s, and
grandfather to one wonderful grandson. I have served as a clergyman for over 20 years and am
presently Rector of Llanilid with Pencoed, near Bridgend, and leading New Wine
leaders Networks in Wales. In
addition, I have been involved in Renewal as chairman of the Diocesan Renewal
Team in Llandaff for a number of years and attended ARM Conferences before
serving as the Ministry Team Leader at Flames of Fire (formerly,
Fanning the Flames) since 1996.
In
2004 many Christians in Wales will be commemorating the Welsh Revival of 1904,
when the Lord moved so powerfully in Wales.
In recent years I have heard Christians from other parts of the world
tell of how that move of God affected their nation.
As Chairman of ARM and Flames of Fire I feel an awesome
responsibility, but I am also reminded in those thoughts of revival, of the
greater power of God at work in us who are in the Body of Christ.
As some have suggested the work is too much for one man, but together in
Christ we have grace to achieve. I
also hear much excited anticipation and hope that God will again move in power
in this land. I hope
for that too, but a greater desire is that when the Lord does so visit the
nation in revival, He would find a people ready for Himself, ready to be
co-workers, a kingdom people, holy and devoted to His service and Glory.
As
we begin this new season for ARM Wales, I ask for the support of your prayers
and look forward to our working together, united, inspired, equipped and
empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Nick.