In Depth:  Kerry Orchard

The 19th South Wales Revival Conference took place in Bridgend from 7-14 July. Ian Parry opened the conference with a searching message from Elijah’s confrontation with the Baal prophets at Mount Carmel. Paul Mallard’s two pastoral sermons took us to the letters to the churches in Revelation.

Stuart Olyott’s theme was ‘Spirit-inspired Preaching’ as evidenced on three occasions in the book of Acts. Evan Richards ably gave the morning Bible readings and led the times of communal prayer. His theme was ‘The Glory and the Sufficiency of Christ in Hebrews’.

Union School of Theology (UST) held its commission service at Bryntirion on 16 September.

The decision to hold this event on a Friday at the beginning of a new college year meant the meeting room was full of students. They were made up of campus students, both degree and from the International Foundation Course.

Students, staff and supporters gathered on Saturday, 12 September for the WEST Dedication Service to mark the beginning of the new academic year.

Principal Jonathan Stephen explained the values underlying the work of WEST and Union. These are: delighting in God; growing in Christ; serving the church and blessing the world. Jonathan said: ‘We join God’s mission to fill the earth with the glory of Jesus as we are led by the Spirit.’

The week of June 21-28 was distinctly summery and the nearby beaches were well frequented in the free periods as the 15th WEST revival conference took place.

The principal of the Highland Theological College, Hector Morrison, brought his special brand of biblically theological preaching that ‘cuts across the fields to the cross’, through preaching from 1 and 2 Samuel and Psalm 126. He also lectured on the revivals of his native island, Lewis. Emyr James, associate pastor of the Welsh Evangelical Church, Cardiff, made light of preaching each morning from Leviticus and took us from the shadows to the glorious reality of Christ.

May 17 saw the SaRang Thomas Centre nearly full for the WEST thanksgiving service.

The service was led by the principal, Jonathan Stephen. Phil Hill, pastoral and church theologian, read Acts 20.13-38 and led in prayer. A number of leaving students were interviewed. All were enthusiastic about their WEST experience. A number are awaiting church votes to confirm leadership places in churches from a range of denominations across the country.