Shining a light

Most of what you have seen from me so far is the beauty of Wales, both majestic and simple beauty. But as with any place or culture, there is a dark side as well. It is our place as Christians to step up and shine a light, no matter how small, into this dark world.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Last night from about 8PM to half-past 12, I was an "observer" as I accompanied a group of Street Pastors here in Merthyr.

"What is a street pastor"? you may ask... Simply put, they do the job of shepherding the community. Each week, a group of local church leaders will go out through the streets of merthyr picking up trash, giving food to the homeless, helping the alcoholics and drug abusers, and pretty much doing whatever needs to be done for the community... while at the same time being witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Something which quite suprised me, was the incredible support from the local government and
Police. The Pastors are even given radios to be in contact just in case there is a problem which the police would like the pastors to handle.

Of course many people would mock us as we walked by, some would be curious, while others got in our faces and cursed us out. There was a young lad probably about 14 years of age at the cinema who had just been using drugs and alcohol with some friends. So we gave him some water, and a couple quid (pounds) for a coffee at McDonalds before he headed home. One person was dealing with an enormous amount of guilt and just needed people to listen. Some of the homeless sleep on cardboard boxes throughout the alleys, or on doorsteps of office buildings. And we give them blankets, or hot soup since it was quite cold last night. For the people who come out of the pubs drunk and wearing high heels, we offer them flip flops. Simple things to show love for people. When asked why, we tell them it's because we are Christians and God demonstrated His love for us so how can we not do it for others. Obviously not the main goal, but a great byproduct is crime has been decreased by 45% since this ministry was started.
A few times I felt ashamed, because I thought, "how many times have I had the time or opportunity to do things like this in my own country, yet did nothing?" I think for many of us it's out of our comfort zone, or we fear being rejected, or we fear what may happen to us. But if we have the love of Christ in us, can we not demonstrate His love to others? To let the light of Jesus shine before men.

4/14/2012

Cafarthfa Castle in Merthyr... (The Queen will be visiting next week during her diamond jubilee tour)

I was able to visit the Castle this morning, only abut a ten minute walk away...It was a very informative and educational place; and I was able to learn all about the Iron and coal works which had at one time made Merthyr a much larger city than that of the modern day capital.(Cardiff) Merthyr history(though much older than our own), had many of the same struggles as America(communism, strikes, unions, war). It also told of the first invented locomotive, which was made by a Welshman. However, he was a bad businessman and was not able to gain to riches or acclaim for many of his inventions.

And now, a  very important semi-final Football game is going on... two Liverpool teams are facing off at Wimbley. Much shouting and cheering has already ensued. Good to see that the sports fans don't change just because of location.

Now I'll probably head to the Gurnos for a bit, and get some more work done. So long!