Update on the work of Rhwyd y Brenin (The King's Net)

It’s still early days, but the signs so far are very encouraging in Pont Fadlen, Haverfordwest. The monthly services began in October, and it has been a joy to see the response among those who have attended. In order to provide an update on the work, I’ve asked myself (Geraint!) six questions and tried to answer them.

1. What usually happens in a service?

   Although the service begins at 3:00 p.m., the team leading it aims to arrive around 2:00–2:15 to pray, prepare, and set up the room. It's important to make sure the sound levels are right between the instruments (piano and fiddle) and the two leading the singing. The computer must be connected to the projector and the screen checked. Chairs are arranged in two or three semi-circles, and tables and chairs are set up at the back of the room for the children’s and youth work. A welcome team is vital, with at least two people on duty—one at the outer door and one at the inner door. Someone will have prepared tea and biscuits for fellowship after the service.

   The service begins at 3:00 with around 10 minutes of continuous worship—a mix of traditional and modern hymns. Then there’s a message for the children, who come to sit in front of the stage, followed by a song—another 10 minutes. Someone reads from the Bible and gives a message afterward. A hymn concludes the meeting, which lasts between 45 and 55 minutes in total. There must be tea and chat for at least 30 minutes before the room is cleared. There are no long prayers—just two or perhaps three short ones! There’s no collection, but there’s a box at the back for those who wish to give. We've also invested in a machine to accept electronic contributions—direct card payments into Rhwyd y Brenin’s bank account.

2. What is the language of the meetings?

   The meetings are held entirely in Welsh, but we make provision for those who may not understand much Welsh. The hymns appear on the screen bilingually, and the vast majority sing in Welsh. The Bible reading appears on the screen, and the message is shown via PowerPoint. We've invested in translation equipment, currently with 10 sets. Of course, a translator is needed—someone who usually sees an outline of the message beforehand. But technical difficulties do arise! Our aim is to be learner-friendly, so there's an emphasis on simple language and speaking a bit more slowly than usual.

3. How do you advertise?

   At the moment, most attendees have come through personal invitations and adverts on Facebook. Our goal is to prepare an ad/poster for each service to be ready around 8 to 10 days before the event. In the future, we’ll also prepare short messages/videos for Facebook. I remember hearing a good definition of evangelism—“One beggar telling another beggar where to find bread!” That’s what I hope will happen. We've tried to connect with local Welsh-medium schools, but it’s a difficult and slow journey to build a good relationship between the faith community and schools, especially when starting a new mission project.

4. Where do the people come from?

   So far, most attendees already go to services in other chapels or churches. Of these, the majority are already Christians but are very eager to worship in the Welsh language. A few have come who are not currently connected to a church but had some connection in the past, perhaps in their teenage years. Some come from traditional Welsh chapels to experience a “different kind of service.”

5. What is your vision for the future?

   Our vision is to share the good news of Jesus Christ through the medium of Welsh in South Pembrokeshire, and to pray that people will come to a personal faith in Him. It must be emphasized again that Rhwyd y Brenin is a mission project, not a new church. Who knows what may come of this under God's blessing. I pray that someone will appear among us with a burden to see the work succeed under God’s blessing and be ready to take the baton for the years ahead.

6. How can we pray for the work?

   Teamwork is important, so please pray that the group of seven who have established the work will collaborate well and nurture and develop their gifts within the project. Wisdom will be needed about the next steps—e.g., establishing another service on a Sunday afternoon and meeting twice a month. We’ve already started thinking about running something weekly—e.g., a coffee chat or short Bible study. And of course, if the work is going to grow, funding will be needed—grants, donations, etc. Above all, pray that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully among us. And if you’re in the area on the first Sunday of the month, come, join us, and go tell others and pray for us. The address is “Emmanuel,” 87 Pembroke Road, Pont Faglen, Haverfordwest SA61 1LN.