Throughout Wales, churches are sharing Jesus with their communities. Here at the Evangelical Alliance Wales, we hear stories through our regional HUBs of what God is doing through our nation and how He is using His church to go to the lost and the broken. Here’s the story of just two projects from our member churches.
Vineyard Church Cardiff have a number of outreach projects as part of their compassion ministry, Restore. One such project is Ty Adfer (meaning Restoration House in Welsh). It’s a support house in the city run by the church for men coming from vulnerably-housed situations, such as living on the streets, hostels or being recently released from prison. The project offers a home to up to five men at a time and provides key workers to support them through any issues they’re facing, whether it be mental health, job applications, legal challenges and training.
Stability, safety, support
Their first resident moved in in September 2020 and has already benefitted from being in a stable and safe environment, with support workers and opportunities in the community. His main volunteer support worker has been able to offer mental health support, financial advice and friendship. He has also been able to advocate for him with his children’s social worker to build relationships. He has found paid work and is on his way to becoming fully self-employed as well as continuing to enjoy volunteering with one of the church’s other projects, Storehouse.
"Ty Adfer (Restoration House) offers a home for men who urgently need one, and key workers to support them through any issues they’re facing."
A more recent resident has had support with learning English through the Ty Adfer team as well as at Blend, Vineyard’s coffee morning where people from all over the world eat, drink and practice their English together. The support workers have also helped him secure a visa to travel home to see family. Other residents have started to volunteer in other churches with DIY and working in their café. Living at Ty Adfer has given them all an opportunity to become part of the community.
A great advent-ure
Five hours away, on Anglesey, God is also moving powerfully in the community through Lighthouse Church in Llangefni. Over the last few years the church has run a project over advent called Advent-Ure with local primary schools and year seven and eight students taking part. The project is a challenge to be kind and show thankfulness. Each child receives the Advent-Ure pack which includes an advent calendar, stamp, Bible Society story of Jesus’ birth and a few other little treats. So far this year it has been given to over 700 primary school children in five schools in and around Llangefni on Ynys Môn.
"The church gifted an advent treat pack including the story of Jesus’ birth to over 700 primary school children."
They have already had stories from parents including a mum who says her son looks forward to finding out his challenge every morning. Challenges range from baking something for a friend, saying thank you to whoever made their dinner or taking a walk outside.
These are just two stories of the incredible community outreach that is happening all over Wales. We hope it can inspire others!
Stories of Hope 2: Explore the series
This article is part of a six-part series of stories of hope. Click through to more stories in the series below, where Christians share how God has called them to show His love:
Hope through the arts
The art club supporting mental wellbeing and helping people connect with God
