Day 127: Praying for the Dyma Gariad celebrations (2000)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 127 of 150 days of prayer.

• 'The Lord must build your house. If not, the work of the builders is useless' (Psalm 127:1, EasyEnglish Bible). 

2000

Majors Andy and Gwen Cox remember two special occasions marking the millennium:

‘In 2000 a millennium musical was produced by Graham Kendrick, entitled Hopes and Dreams. This was put on by the division in the theatre in Port Talbot.

‘The Army staged a weekend event at St Fagan’s National Museum of History in Cardiff. Buildings are transported from around Wales (eg shops, houses, schools, chapels, a workmen’s institute) and reconstructed at this open-air museum. The weekend programme involved bands, songsters and singing companies. Preaching took place in the chapel and the school was used for classes. One main feature was in the workmen’s institute where a display of tapestries was exhibited. These had been made by Home and Family groups from corps in the division and depicted life in the towns they came from.’ 

Commissioners Mike and Joan Parker, who were the divisional leaders at the time, give more information about the St Fagan’s event: 

‘It was a wonderful and great opportunity that we were able to secure this venue for a celebration of The Salvation Army in Wales. Local dignitaries attended, including a news presenter from BBC Wales – Sian Lloyd – who opened the event. Many Salvationists attended but the museum was still open to the public, giving the division a unique opportunity to display its work and ministry and to share the gospel. 

‘As well as featuring Salvation Army music, youth work, community work and social programmes, some of the venues on the site were used for innovative presentations. For instance, a rebuilt old chapel was used as a preaching venue for a look-a-like William Booth. Re-enactment of other historical events included singing from the “Hallelujah Lasses” and the story of the teenage evangelist Kate Shepherd, who was only 17 when she and other young women were sent to the Rhondda Valley by General William Booth.’

Prayer

• As we continue to celebrate under the banner of Dyma Gariad in this our 150th year in Wales, pray that our hopes and dreams will be realised in the days ahead.