Welsh valley conversions joy

Nestled in the South Wales valleys sits Noddfa Baptist Church, a beacon of gospel light where more than 60 people have been baptised in the last five years.

Noddfa is an area of high social deprivation and unemployment. But the gospel is being preached without gimmick, people are being saved – and on Sunday 15 August 15 people were baptised.

The majority of those baptised are men under the age of 40 and include addicts, adulterers, LGBT individuals and ‘fighters’.

This evangelical church is pastored by the Revd John Funnell, who was called there in 2014. When he arrived, there was ‘an elderly, single-digit congregation and the church (like all valley churches) was subject to closure’.

‘Since then the Lord has blessed’, he said. More than 150 people now attend every week and the Sunday School has up to 30 children. The church is open every day running different ministries.

‘We have Bible studies right through the week for different people and demographics,’ explains Funnell.

‘Every Thursday evening we welcome up to 30 men (most under 40 and unchurched) to study the Scriptures and share – often around a fire. Several are on tag. Lots of social issues. They come for a telling off, they thrive to be reminded of their sin, because they know it’s true and embrace the cross of salvation with both hands.’

‘We have known God’s presence and the weight of His glory upon us, without gimmick, or emotive technique. We just preach the gospel. We have experienced the transformation of so many lives. Addicts, fighters, adulterers, LGBT, coming to know Jesus. It is so beautiful!’

He added: ‘The Lord is truly blessing us and I feel that this is just the beginning of a greater work.

‘Seven years of meeting the community’s needs with Jesus has positioned the church as a place of refuge and service. It’s been hard. I have been shouted at, spat on, the church has been broken into five times in seven years.’

One church member, Wayne Probert, is a former bare-knuckle fighter who had a rough childhood and became a ‘hard man’. After being invited to go to church by an old but ‘tough’ friend, he finally decided to go. Months later God spoke to him and he was saved.

‘What I say to people is simple’, he said. ‘If God can change my life, He can change anyone’s.’

There are a number of LGBT people in the church. Funnell said: ‘They welcome being in a loving community that defines them for who they are and not by their sexual desires. Our outreach is to rise above the debate, we are all sinners in need of a Saviour.

‘After all, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost.’