Day 75: Praying for ministry at Christmas (1948)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 75 of 150 days of prayer.

• ‘As for me, I will always thank you, God. I will sing to praise you, the God of Jacob’ (Psalm 75:9, EasyEnglish Bible). 

1948

The Llanelli Corps history book entry for December 1948 stated: ‘This year was a record with the Christmas playing; they [the band] raised the sum of £67. They commenced on 30/11/48 and played each night right up until Christmas Day when they visited the Bryntirion, Swansea Road and played to the patients carols.’

It may be of interest to note something of the history of the Bryntirion Hospital and the significance of the year that Llanelli band visited at Christmas. ‘The Llanelly Poor Law Institution officially ceased to exist on July 5th 1948 following the birth of the National Health Service, and the establishment of the Bryntirion Hospital. By then, most of the “inmates”, now termed “patients”, were elderly people’ (Llanelli Community Heritage).

Some Salvation Army bands still visit hospitals on Christmas Day.

Prayer

• It seems strange to be praying for Christmas ministry in August! Pray for corps where the band still ministers to the community. 
• Pray for members of larger bands who help smaller corps to minister to their community at Christmas and other times of the year.