Torfaen

James Richards

The history of the church in Torfaen is deeply intertwined with the industrial heritage of the South Wales Valleys. From the early medieval foundations of churches like St Michael's in Llantarnam, to the vibrant chapel movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, Christian faith has long been a part of the valley's story.

The industrial revolution brought a massive influx of people to the area, particularly to towns like Pontypool and Cwmbran, as they sought work in the ironworks and coal mines. This period saw the proliferation of non-conformist chapels, such as Baptist, Methodist, and Congregational churches. These chapels were not just places of worship; they were the heart of the community, providing social support, education, and a moral compass for a rapidly growing population. They were the spiritual pulse of the valley, and their influence was felt in every aspect of life.

Today, many of these chapel buildings remain, some still active, while others have been repurposed. They stand as a testament to a time when the church was thriving, and the Good News of Jesus was proclaimed with fervent passion and conviction.

In the 21st century, the spiritual landscape of Torfaen, much like the rest of the UK, has changed significantly. Many pews that were once packed are now often sparsely populated. The vibrant community life that revolved around the chapels has largely faded in many places. In spite of this Gods Spirit is still faithfully working through congregations across the area, bringing signs of hope, Gospel preaching churches who are committed to serving their communities in the love of Jesus, Christians who are praying for a fresh move of God and a hunger for Jesus in the next generation of young people.

However, many people in Torfaen are disconnected from the church. There is a general sense of apathy towards organized religion, and the Christian faith is often viewed as a relic of the past. In many senses the "bones" of the church's past influence are there—the buildings, the history, the cultural memory—but they are often dry, lacking the breath of new life. A valley of dry bones.

In 2007 God led Dai and Michelle Hankey to plant a church on a council estate called Trevethin in Torfaen and in 2008 Myself and my Wife Naomi moved to Torfaen to help serve in this young church plant called ‘Hill City Church’. 17 years later God has done exceeding, abundantly above all we could ask or imagine. Just as in chapter 37 of Ezekiel, God is breathing life into the most desolate of places. He is planting a garden in the midst of the desert. He is rattling bones in the valley. He is raising up the next generation to know His ways and to trust Him. Please pray that God would continue to do what only He can do, bring the dry bones to life.

Please pray for the church in Torfaen. That we would:

1. Have faith that God is able to bring new life to dry bones.

   God asked Ezekiel a challenging question. ‘Can these bones live?’. May we reply with a resounding ‘Yes Lord – by Your strength through Your word, in the power of Your Holy Spirit’! Pray for the gift of faith for the church to believe that God is Who He says He is, the Giver of Life, the One who raises the dead to life.

2. Preach the Word of God boldly.

   Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones, and as he spoke, a rattling sound and a shaking began. This is the power of God's Word – the power to bring new life. Pray that God would raise up bold and faithful preachers in Torfaen who will proclaim the Gospel that Jesus died for sinners to be made new creations, that He was raised from the dead and He is returning again soon. Let it be with power and clarity. We ask for a new hunger for God's Word among believers and a fresh revelation of His truth. Let the sound of His Word shake the valley, stirring the hearts of those who are spiritually dead to come and find life in the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Be united amongst different denominations and strengthened as a body of believers.

   As Ezekiel spoke the Word the bones began to come together and form sinews and structure. Pray for the restoration and strengthening of the local churches in Torfaen. Pray for unity among different denominations and congregations. May the Lord bring new people, new leaders, and new resources to build up the body of Christ. Pray for a healthy church that is equipped and strengthened to serve their communities and disciple new believers.

4. Be filled with the Spirit of God

   The bones were now a complete body, but they lacked life. Ezekiel was told to prophesy to the breath, and when he did, the breath entered them, and they came to life. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would breathe new life into every congregation, filling believers with His power, passion, and purpose. Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict and draw the lost to Jesus Christ.

5. Stand as a great army

   The bones that were once dead and scattered became a great army, standing on their feet. Pray that the church in Torfaen would not be content with simply existing but would become a great army for the Kingdom of God. An army that doesn’t bring destruction, but speaks life in Jesus Christ. An army who’s ‘Battle cry is Love’. Pray for believers to be bold witnesses, to stand firm in their faith, and to be a visible force for good in their communities. Pray the church in Torfaen would rise up and take its place as a city on a hill, shining the light ad love of Jesus into every corner of the valley.

Heavenly Father, You are the God who brings life from death. We ask you to do it again. Speak your Word, breathe your Spirit, and raise up your church to be a living army for your glory. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.