BMS CYMRU BAPTIST WOMEN’S MISSIONARY BILINGUAL CONFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2009
at University of Wales, Lampeter
Theme: "All one in Christ Jesus" Text: Galatians 3, verses 27 & 28 President: Mrs Lorraine Williams Secretary: Mrs Pauline J Edwards (01792 893477) Treasurer: Mrs Hazel Williams-Jones Studies: Reverend Jill Tomos BMS Workers: Jenny & Phil (Afghanistan) ***************
BMS CYMRU BAPTIST WOMEN’S MISSIONARY BILINGUAL CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 2/5, 2008. THEME:- “Jesus Christ Our All in All.  Once again the appointed time for our Conference had arrived, it was held at Lampeter University. We had a memorable conference under the presidency of Mrs. Siân Arwel Davies, Anglesey. The conference began with supper on Tuesday evening, a time to greet old friends and make new ones. The meetings were pleasant. After supper we had an evening with the President. We enjoyed a happy and blessed time in her company. During the evening Siân introduced our guest for the conference, the BMS Worker, Shayla. Shayla is a BMS Worker in North Africa Everyone looked forward to hearing about her experiences in that country. Every evening, before bed time, a cup of tea and cakes was prepared for us by Brenda and Mary, a relaxing and enjoyable hour spent in recalling memories of past conferences, and planning for the next day. Our thanks go out to them. Before breakfast every morning we held our devotion, these were led this year by the sisters Bernice Davies, Marian James and Lorraine Williams. Every evening we had our epilogue, a blessed time led by Haulwen James and Meriel Marsh. On Wednesday and Thursday morning we had our Bible Studies, led, in her exceptional way, by the Rev. Mair Bowen, Llanfairfechan. Mair followed the theme “Jesus Christ Our All in All. The text was taken from 2 Corinthians chapters 1 and 2. The following is a taste of her wonderful knowledge of the Bible and her field of study. “Greetings and thanksgiving.” Behind this passage there is a kind of summary of the Christian life. Paul thanks God for his special comfort and goodness during recent times of trouble and for a new ability to help and comfort those in similar circumstances. Paul writes to his friends in Corinth as a man who knows trouble to those who are in trouble. In the early years of Christianity those who chose to become a Christian knew that he/she would have to face trouble. This is still true in many parts of the world today. New converts to Christianity might well have to face abandonment by their own family, hostility from neighbours of other faiths and persecution from the official ruling establishment. However, often the experience of suffering and sorrow enables us to help others who are facing similar troubles. Comforted to comfort!” Interesting and enlightening were the discussion groups held after the lecture. The Rev. Mair had prepared discussion points for us to deal with, some were quite pointed, and made us think seriously. Here is an example of one of the discussion points for you to pause over. “In times of disappointment and discouragement what are the things that we consider of paramount importance as we seek to be of service in the Kingdom?” Something to make you think deeply and consider your opinion! After our Open Forum on Thursday, the conference payed tribute to Mair, as this was her last year in which she will lead our studies, after at least 30 years of service. She was presented with a monetary gift by our president, Siân Arwel. Mair responded with dignity and tears, and reminded us that although she will not be our teacher next year, she will be with us, God willing.  
The conference progressed well, and the session undertaken by Shayla re-awakened our minds to the situation in our world today, especially in North Africa. Shayla worked with disabled children and young people. Having a disabled member in your family is considered a curse in that country. Out of two and a half million people only 300 are Christians. She especially asked for our prayers for these Christians, especially for their confidence to maintain their faith. Shayla has now left that area and is awaiting God’s leadership for her next placement. We will remember her in prayer. Our BMS Representative, Delyth Wyn Davies gave us an interesting and challenging report. She said that this year had been a successful year, it is the 200th centenary of the BMS. Churches are opening all over the world. December 2007 was the centenary year of the BMS hospital in Chandragona. New work has been started as a partnership between the Israeli Baptists and Palastine. Also, in Ecuador the PEPE group has led to a new Church being planted in Guayaquil. Delyth also spoke about China, where BMS are at present assessing the situation. She went on to say that BMS employ 360 people working in 40 countries. Despite these developments, the financial situation in BMS is grim, eg. Spending - £6.63 million. Giving - £6.21 million. She impressed on us the need to be more responsible in our giving and in our prayers. Wednesday evening was an evening to relax. We had a very happy evening in the company of Mrs. Mererid Hopwood, who took us in to the life of Ann Griffiths, an enjoyable and learning experience.  Pauline (Secretary) and Hazel (treasurer) On Thursday evening we held our Communion Service, led by the Rev. Olaf Davies, Bangor. The service was a blessed one and we felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst. The conference came to a blessed and happy end on Friday morning when our Devotion was led by our Vice President, Mrs. Lorraine Williams. I would like to thank everyone for a memorable three days, and look forward in faith to next year. Pauline J. Edwards (Secretary). | 