Day 108: Praying for Risca (1981)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 108 of 150 days of prayer.

• 'With God's help, we will win! He will beat down our enemies for us' (Psalm 108:13, EasyEnglish Bible). 

1981

Pontymister Corps, which had a thriving young people’s work and a growing community around it, and Abercarn Corps, which had excellent music sections, had merged to form Risca Corps under the leadership of Lieutenants Mike and Joan Parker. The Risca Corps history book records what happened when the new corps staged the Gowans and Larsson musical, Hosea, on 18 to 21 November 1981:

‘After approximately two months of hard work by the songster brigade and other participants the production was a spiritual and financial success. On four successive evenings the musical attracted a total audience of almost 1,000 people and over 30 commitments were visibly made – indeed a miracle.

‘We are unaware of the soldier who has taken the time and trouble to write to General Arnold Brown but it is heartening to know that he has been made aware of the developments at Risca.’

My dear comrade,

I was very encouraged to receive and read your letter and learn that the Spirit of God is working so wonderfully in your corps.

On the eve of leaving office I can only hope that prayer, faith and hard work will bring about a bigger hall that you seem to need so much.

I am taking the liberty of passing your letter to the British Commissioner who, I know, will share my satisfaction at receiving such a heartening report from Risca Corps.

May God continue to bless and be with you.

Yours sincerely
Arnold Brown

9 December 1981

Mike and Joan Parker, now retired commissioners, give more information about the musical and the corps:

‘A production of the musical Hosea saw whole families attending the event, then worshipping at the corps and eventually coming to faith. One of those families was featured in the congress held in London in 1982. Several years after the merger the corps was able to move into its new premises on the same site as before and continues to this day as a vibrant and community-based corps.’

Prayer

• Pray that God will continue to bless the Army’s ministry in Risca.