The long journey westwards on a busy weekend in August is well worthwhile, not just because of the beautiful drive over the Cambrian mountains on the approach to Aberystwyth, but far more because of the wonderful Aber Conference when one arrives.
Nearly 1,200 people of all ages attend and the sight of so many eager young people pressing into the Great Hall of the university is very thrilling.
In the four main morning sessions Joel Beeke preached from the closing chapters of Revelation on ‘God’s Great Last Words’ (e.g. The Great Marriage, The Great White Throne, The Great New Jerusalem, The Great Invitation). Minds were illuminated, hearts deeply moved and wills stirred to action.
Such also was the case in the evening meetings when Bill Bygroves, Mike Reeves and Paul Yeulett preached. The hearty singing of the best of the old hymns and the best of the new was also a great blessing.
Far more than meetings
The Aber Conference, arranged by the Evangelical Movement of Wales, is far more than the main meetings. The prayer meetings at the start of each day, children’s meetings, a missionary exhibition, open-air meetings on the Promenade, seminars on key issues, a sports afternoon, Extratime for young people at the end of the day, Timeout for those a bit older and Prime Time for those older still, all go to produce a memorable time together.
The conference has been running for nearly 60 years. Not surprisingly many people return year after year, yet there are always new faces. There were endless opportunities for fellowship and a well-stocked bookroom to provide good reading for many months!
