Busy Days...



I thought several things about this sign:

1) Why did the emergency helpline change their number?? Not really. Actually seeing the difference in number was helpful. but,
2) I thought the difference between discovering or suspecting a fire was funny. So even without evidence of a fire I should adhere to the steps below?
3) The best of all, "fight the fire...with the appliances..." So, I went and grabbed the refrigerator and toaster, then proceeded to fight the imaginary fire!

Today was pretty productive, I started the day at St. Lukes church with the morning prayer meeting held every Wednesday morning.
After prayer, we had a delicious dinner (lunch) of jacket potatoes (baked potatoes), chili, and salad. Of course accompanied by coffee and tea.
Next, unexpected by me, after lunch a few of the people from our Prayer meeting stay a little later to have a Bible study. I was asked to lead the study, And of course I didn't mind... but I had think of a passage of scripture for us to talk about. So I chose Galatians 5:19-26, and we explored the fruits of the spirit.

I then traveled to the Gurnos for just a little while to catch up on some work via my first experience of public transportation here in the U.K. The buses here are fairly nice. The only thing not nice about today was the constant, drenching, dowpour of rain and hail. I walked back to the house from the Christian Center and it wasn't raining at first, but as I rounded the courner I saw I would have a very uncomfortable 10 minute walk. Indeed, to say I was soaked would be an understatement. But thankfully I had my rain jacket, so it could have been much worse. I again journeyed in song, singing in the rain, minus the spinning with an umbrella. It made my otherwise dreary walk much more pleasant!

About 10 minutes (and a change of clothes) later I headed up to Park Baptist to help out with "Oasis". Oasis is an older kid's ministry for those of about 10 years of age to 14.
They seemed to think my accent was quite entertaining. I got to meet a few of the kids and talk about the parable of the sower with a few of them. Then we did some word games and it was quite a good evening. I've been asked to come along for a weekend trip with the Oasis and YP (Older teens) groups in June to help out with games, lessons, etc. It will be up at the Beacons (the mountains I've shown you before) :)
Tomorrow I'll be seeing the Queen. Unfortunately, the weather forcast predicts heavy rainstorms all day. However, "the show must go on". And I'll update you on how the day has progresses tomorrow evening.

Tada!

Tour of Merthyr!

I just uploaded a video I made in Methyr Tydfil today. It's still a little rough, but for 2 o'clock in the morning... I'm quite happy. :) It's taking to long to load here though, so here is the FB link to see the video. Enjoy! http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=3852127305348

The Singing in the rain incident was the funniest part of the day.
Anything you would like to see or know about specifically, please ask. I'll take all suggestions or comments into consideration for future blog posts and videos. :)
-DB

Dydd Sul

The title simply means Sunday. How to pronounce it? I have no idea... other than two d's makes the "th" sound. You now have one Welsh lesson, congrats! You may pay me later. ;)
I'm learning that Welsh can be a very difficult language. For instance, to make words flow better, the language literally morphs when combined with other words. Letters will change simply based on the letters surrounding them. (at least that is my current understanding of how it works.) It's quite interesting to hear spoken though. Celtic influences on the language can be clearly heard.

There was nothing too abnormal about today I suppose, I'm just continuing to learn and absorb as much as I can about the people and culture here in Merthyr.
Pastor Andy preached from the first couple chapters of Genesis this morning, part of the sermon was pertaining to how pre- and post-fall man is contrasted in light of today's culture. Quite good, and if you ever want to hear any sermons preached at Park Baptist church here in Wales or just see more about the church, the website is: www.parkbaptist.net
Then after the evening service, I went to McDonald's with a few friends. It's nice to have a Big Mac... Even though it's not quite as big. It's also interesting just how many fellow Disney enthusiasts I've already found. Good to be amongst people friendly to Mickey.

Future plans? Back to work tomorrow at the Gurnos, and I'll be sharing my testimony with the church in prayer meeting tomorrow night. At least I have a diary (day planner) to write everything in now. So now I should, in theory, know what I'm doing each day. :)

Until tomorrow... this is David wishing you a nos da!

Brecon Beacons

An amazing part of South Wales are the Brecon Beakons, a beautiful and majestic range of mountains. Including the tallest mountain peak in South Wales called Pen Y Fan.
I captured some of these scenic views displaying the awesome wonders of God's creation, and some of the often missed beauty of Merthyr and Wales. I put together a little video just showcasing some of what I observed today...
 

        
                 This video can also be viewed on my facebook page:  www.facebook.com/dbunce91

Then we returned to Park Baptist for a child dedication ceremony. I helped run the tech, as Pastor Andy consecrated the child to God, and encouraging the parents to raise her in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
The Gospel was also presented to all of the family, friends, and visitors in attendance. It seemed quite obvious most of the people there had rarely, if ever, been in a church. Some even left before the service had ended. But such can be the case when the name of Jesus is proclaimed. Our job is not to make them believe, only to tell them the truth. The rest is in God's hands.



Afterward, Pastor Andy, and his son David Pitt, invited me to come along with them for a 9-hole round of golf. Not having played in a long time, I played okay. But it was more fun just enjoying the cool (sometimes chilly) weather and having a bit of sport coupled with scenic views.












David and David (right) A very common name here too. When people ask for David, usually about four or five people speak up asking, "which one?"





It was a very nice day of relaxation. After dinner we watched a bit of Britan's Got Talent. Quite humorous to see the similarities and differences between talents presented here, and in the U.S.

By the way, this blog has just passed 300 views! Thank you all for keeping up, I'm glad I can inform and sometimes entertain everyone following my adventure, work, and fun. :)

-David

Calon Lan and chicken curry

Song "Calon Lan" sung by Welsh choir. This will be sung for the Queen on her visit next Thursday.
Hope you enjoy as much as I did. :)

Here are the Lyrics:
Nid wy'n gofyn bywyd moethus,
Aur y byd na'I berlau mân:
Gofyn wyf am galon hapus,
Calon onest, calon lân.

Chorus: Calon lân yn llawn daioni,
Tecach yw na'r lili dlos:
Dim ond calon lân all ganu
Canu'r dydd a chanu'r nos.

Pe dymunwn olud bydol,
Hedyn buan ganddo sydd;
Golud calon lân, rinweddol,
Yn dwyn bythol elw fydd.

Hwyr a bore fy nymuniad
Gwyd I'r nef ar adain cân
Ar I Dduw, er mwyn fy Ngheidwad,
Roddi I mi galon lân.

English Translation:

I don’t ask for a luxurious life,
the world’s gold or its fine pearls:
I ask for a happy heart,
an honest heart, a pure heart.

Chorus: A pure heart is full of goodness,
More lovely than the pretty lily:
Only a pure heart can sing -
Sing day and night.

If I wished worldly wealth,
He has a swift seed;
The riches of a virtuous, pure heart,
Will be a perpetual profit.

Late and early, my wish
Rises on the wing of song,
For God, for the sake of my Saviour,
To give me a pure heart.  -Written By Daniel James

An amazing song indeed!

On the personal side of things, I'm feeling much better today. I again am back to eating my favorite mexican chicken sandwich from Gregg's.I've had at least 4 since I've been here.  I also went shopping at Tesco's, picked up a wardrobe, and dropped off a massive amount of clothes to be donated. After all of this strenuous labor, I had a delicious helping of chicken curry for tea (evening meal). Now I must catch up on my Bible reading plan, and get some sleep.

God Bless and goodnight to you all!

-David

Meat, and strange names..

Good evening from Wales!! Hope you all have been having a marvelous day.

I learned a little more about Wales today, particularly about a certain town called... Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (not joking!)  My brother Chris had inquired about the longest city name. So there it is. I probably will not actually visit the city because it is at the complete opposite end of the country. But it still was quite an interesting and entertaining fact to become privy to. :)
Still fighting a cold today, hopefully I can get some rest in the next couple of days and return to
tip-top health. Hence, I shall try not to be overly inspiring or entertaining as usual. (like that will happen)
Tonight I led a Bible study in the Gurnos Christian Center. We started the book "meat: for growing christians" (A Bible study book I learned about while at Turning Point) Tonight we studied Bibliology which is the study of the Bible. Particularly dwelling on the points of God's Word being infallable, unchangable, indisputable, and powerful. We discussed how the Bible is the only book with the power to truly change the human heart, and create life from death.
Despite being sick, the Lord helped me to continue through and help everyone to learn more about God's word and just how precious it is.
Psalm 12:6 "The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."

Have a great evening and stay tuned!!!



Pastor Andy(left) and Jason (right) at St. Margret's church.

My new Cousins!

Video from me to you! Hope everyone is having a great day :)