Dear Praying Friends,

March 1st is Saint David's Day, the patron saint of Wales, and we had the enormous privilege of gathering together at an event organized by Cant i Gymu (One Hundred for Wales, 100.cymru). Nearly 800 adults came, including many young families with children of all ages, from across the nation to pray for Wales and the advance of God's kingdom at the Royal Welsh Showgrounds in Builth Wells. It was an amazing and very significant time.

The heart of the Cant i Gymru team is to see 100 missional churches planted across Wales in the next ten years, and they are already off to a great start as many have joined in with them. It was wonderful to see so very many young people solidly committed to spreading the Gospel through lively church communities. Last year we went to their first meeting in Blaenau Ffestiniog when they were just getting started, and to experience this massive turnout was powerful, and much larger than they hoped for.

One of the highlights was a message from David Thomas, one of the leaders at Asbury College who helped behind the scenes at the outpouring that took place in early 2023. His message and challenge dovetailed perfectly with the scriptural theme that ran throughout the day from Psalm 126:5-6, "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." There is no shortcut to intercession, it has to become a lifestyle of dedication to spending time in fellowship with God through the word, worship, meditation, and prayer. One phrase that particularly touched me was, "When God hears His heart in our mouth, then He moves."

The following Saturday was the annual Welsh Prayer Breakfast which we have attended several times over the years. It was good to see some old friends and meet new ones. It is always a challenge for our limited Welsh, but we enjoy trying, and everyone can speak English to carry on a conversation when we get stuck, which doesn't take long! Different people lead segments of prayer for specific areas such as local government, health, education, agriculture, church life and outreach to the local communities. It was a fruitful time, and though numbers were smaller this year, there is a faithful remnant that is standing in the gap for their beloved Cymru bach, little Wales.

The following week we met with the current batch of students from the Bible College of Wales. A regular part of their curriculum is a visit to the nearby chapel in Blaenannerch where Evan Roberts received his calling and empowerment from the Holy Spirit in 1904. We frequently have the privilege to share with the students about our calling here as well as talking about the importance of what took place here and how it affected the nations.

Each group of students is different and precious, and it is always a joy to meet them. Most of their time here was dedicated to pouring out their hearts in worship and prayer that were deeply moved upon by the Spirit of God. There was great spontaneity and surrender as each one prayed aloud. It was very encouraging and inspiring, especially hearing the cry of many which was, "Lord, here I am, send me where you will."

All of these activities are still just a small part of what is the Lord is doing in many places. The words of Paul seem to paint the larger picture in Philippians 2:1-2, "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind [and purpose]." And that the world may know "...this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27b)

May God's blessings abound in your life and may he give you daily opportunities to share this amazing hope with in you with those around you,

Dick & Gladys

(On a personal note, I would like to ask for your prayers for both Gladys and myself as we each deal with some health issues. Thank you, it is sincerely appreciated!)