Day 97: Praying for the Welsh community in Patagonia (1970)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 97 of 150 days of prayer.

• 'All you righteous people, be happy because of what the Lord has done. Thank him because he is holy’ (Psalm 97:12, EasyEnglish Bible). 

1970

The 14 March 1970 War Cry carried an article titled: ‘For the Welsh in Patagonia’:

‘A number of references have been made to Major Edward Watkins and his work for the Welsh community in Patagonia… After homeland furlough … the Major and his wife left the UK for Buenos Aires on Thursday, February 19. From the capital of the Argentine, they will have a further 1,000 miles to travel before reaching their centre of operations at Trelew in the heart of the Welsh-speaking community.

‘Following up on their attendance at the Investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernarvon, where they represented the Welsh people of Patagonia, they were asked by the Patagonia Welsh Society in Wales to take back with them an investiture chair for presentation to the community in Trelew. They also carry with them a message of greetings from the Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon George Thomas MP … this concludes with the wish, “May your love of Wales and the language long survive.”

‘Major and Mrs Watkins are also taking back with them samples of soil from the 13 counties of Wales: these will be placed in the Welsh national memorial at Trelew. They are still hoping that some Welsh-speaking persons will consider offering for work in Patagonia, where there is urgent need for ministers and teachers.’

The International Heritage Centre records say: ‘Edward Owen Watkins had been a farmer and a soldier of Pwllheli corps. Welsh speaking, he was also fluent in English and Italian. After serving in 12 corps in 14 years, together with his wife Margaret, he went to serve in South America.’ 

Major Susan Jones, a former divisional leader, recalls:

‘Perhaps the most significant memory [of our time in the South and Mid Wales Division] was the honour of being invited to travel to Patagonia to share in the 150th anniversary of the Welsh Migration. [We learnt] the story of Reverend Michael D Jones as he, and fellow Welsh men and women, set sail on the Mimosa; bound for a new life, where the preservation of the Welsh culture would be paramount.

‘As we joined our brothers and sisters in Trelew, we celebrated something that was most wonderful. Each of the meetings began with the singing of the Argentine National Hymn in Spanish and ended with the singing of the Welsh National Anthem in Welsh. 

‘We could speak only a few words in Welsh and even fewer in Spanish, but the visit was a reminder that wherever we are in the world, the people of God share a common language and that is the language of love.

‘I give thanks to God for three wonderful appointments in South Wales, the opportunity to celebrate the 140th anniversary of The Salvation Army in Wales, the people we met and the places we were able to minister and for the fact that God’s Spirit is still moving on the hearts of the people of Wales.’

Prayer

• It is truly a joy that the Welsh Language is still maintained by Welsh speakers in Patagonia. Pray for those who are sharing their love of Jesus within that community.