The 19th South Wales Revival Conference took place in Bridgend from 7-14 July. Ian Parry opened the conference with a searching message from Elijah’s confrontation with the Baal prophets at Mount Carmel. Paul Mallard’s two pastoral sermons took us to the letters to the churches in Revelation.
Stuart Olyott’s theme was ‘Spirit-inspired Preaching’ as evidenced on three occasions in the book of Acts. Evan Richards ably gave the morning Bible readings and led the times of communal prayer. His theme was ‘The Glory and the Sufficiency of Christ in Hebrews’.
The lectures looked at revival in church history and in the world today. Adrian Brake’s subject was the 18th- & 19th-century revivalist, David Jones. Attendees visited the scene of his labours, Llangan, five miles away. Owen Batstone’s subject was the prolific blind hymn-writer, Fanny Crosby. Stuart Olyott talked about preaching during the 18th-century Welsh revivals. He also brought to our notice the curiously neglected 19th-century American evangelist, Asahel Nettleton. John Aaron illuminated Griffith John, Hudson Taylor’s contemporary, in an excellent illustrated talk.
Romanian harvest
Pal Borzasi took us to Hungarian-speaking Romania to hear of the monumental spiritual harvest under the 20th-century evangelist, Kornya Mihaly. Mervyn Neal opened eyes to the wonderful works of God right now in Nepal and Uttar Pradesh, despite strong persecution.
The week will be remembered most of all for a reminder of what a great God we worship, the God of the impossible. God willing, a further conference will be held next year in Bryntirion.
