“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!”
Summer is always a time when we see a lot of happy people.
Yesterday saw a stream of children and teachers leaving school, looking ahead to six long weeks of holiday. Somebody is going to win the World Cup tomorrow. There will be celebrations in Builth Wells and at the National Eisteddfod. Beaches will be full and cafés overflowing all over Wales as people relax, enjoy time together, and make happy memories.
This happiness is real and should never be taken for granted. Yet the Christian can point to a deeper, richer, and more enduring joy.
The words above were spoken by Job at one of the darkest moments of his life. Though he was in utter misery, he realised that his faith and ultimate hope did not depend on his circumstances or on what his friends thought of him. Instead, he found life in the unchanging, eternal, covenant-keeping love of God. Here he found solid ground—in a personal Redeemer who would never fail him.
As brothers and sisters of Job, we see even more clearly the glorious reality of Christ’s salvation. We have a Redeemer who lives and is enthroned in heaven. Through him we live by faith, knowing that we are forgiven, and one day we will see him face to face. Nothing and no one can ever take that hope away.
As we approach the summer at the EMW, it is my prayer that we will know more of this deep joy ourselves, and that we will see many others joining us in proclaiming with Job, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”
In Christ alone,
Steffan Job
Director of Ministries EMW
Every week throughout the summer we’ll send an update along with some prayer points. Thank you for your partnership in the gospel.
Thankfulness and update
Please join with us in thanking the Lord for all that He has done over the past few months. As we begin this very busy season of ministry, we do so with hearts full of gratitude for the many ways He has already been at work and for His great provision.
The Bala Conference was a particular highlight. Emyr James preached powerfully on the theme of the Fatherhood of God, showing how this precious truth encourages and comforts those called to shepherd Christ’s flock. As we sang together and sat under the ministry of God’s Word, our hearts were warmed. It was a deeply refreshing and invaluable time for those engaged in pastoral ministry.
Another highlight was our staff conference. So much had changed since we last met—only three members of staff were present at both conferences—yet the same spirit of prayer and dependence upon the Lord characterised our time together. It was especially encouraging to hear reports of the many Bibles being sold through our bookshops, the new churches and Christian groups being served by Bryn-y-groes, and the many opportunities the Lord is opening up across our ministries.
It is only right that we also mention our office staff—Lara, Abi, Nic, Liz and Alaw—who have worked incredibly hard over recent months managing bookings and preparing for our many events and ministries. We thank the Lord for each of them, and we ask you to remember them in prayer over the summer. While many of us will be taking some holiday, they will continue working diligently behind the scenes to support the ministry.
This week, please pray for…
Camp 1 begins today at Bala. This is our senior camp for 16–18-year-olds, and, like almost all of our camps this summer, it is full to capacity. There will be plenty of fun and laughter throughout the week (the theme is Kids’ TV), but what makes this camp truly special is seeing the seriousness with which these young people listen to God’s Word, engage in Bible studies and seminars, and gather to pray together. Please pray for Steve Hadley, Hannah Mitchell and the team of officers. Pray especially for Matt Francis, the chaplain, as he preaches each day from the book of Exodus.
There was a wonderful sense of peace at Bryn-y-groes yesterday as Steve, Deb and the team put the finishing touches to their preparations. That quietness will soon give way to the excitement and activity as campers arrive to begin five weeks of camps, followed by a week of theological training. Please pray for the whole team. Ask the Lord to grant them protection, strength and grace throughout the weeks ahead. Pray especially that He would keep their hearts soft, humble and servant-hearted, remembering that everything they do is for His glory.
On Monday, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show begins in Builth Wells, and once again EMW will have a presence there, sharing the good news of the gospel. Andy Pitt is leading the team again this year. Their aim is to engage families and children through books, literature and refreshments, using every opportunity to strike up conversations and point people to the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray that God would prepare many hearts, give the team boldness and wisdom in their conversations, and be pleased to bring many to saving faith.
Looking ahead
Please continue to pray for the preparations for our upcoming events. A further ten camps are planned this summer, along with the Aber Conferences, the Eisteddfod Mission, the theological course residential week, and the ongoing ministries of our youth work, bookshops and pastoral support for church leaders.
Above all, pray that the Holy Spirit would work in a very special way this summer: that many would come to know Christ, that believers would be strengthened in their faith, and that in everything God would receive all the glory.