Last weekend, several venues around the village were used for the celebration weekend for the 150th anniversary of Hebron Baptist Church.

Planning for the events began 18 months ago when the venues and the main speaker for the weekend were booked. Despite illness and injury, which have affected several members recently, preparations intensified during the last six weeks as invitations and publicity were distributed.

There was much activity at the church earlier in the week when carpets were fitted, new signs were put in place and the gardens enhanced.

Keith and Rita Jackson representing the Missionary Aviation Fellowship, Bob Elliott from the Soldiers and Airmen's Scripture Readers Association, Peter Barton from United Christian Broadcasters, Carol Smith from Emmanuel Christian Bookshop, and Gerald and Doreen Tait, and others from the Pembrokeshire Gideons, created displays in the Regency Hall for the conference, held on Saturday.

During the day, each organisation spoke about their ministries and of opportunities within our own county and overseas to meet the needs of people of all ages. There were many examples of how lives had been changed.

Carol Smith brought along a wide selection of books which were on sale, several of which were reviewed during the conference. One had been written by international speaker and broadcaster, Derek Cleave, from Bristol, who was the guest speaker for the weekend.

The music during the day was provided by musicians from Bethlehem Baptist Church, Spittal, and Helen Standing from Hebron.

During the morning and afternoon sessions, Mr. Cleave spoke about the Temptation of Christ and showed by Jesus' answers to the Devil that, through faith in God and an understanding of the Bible, like Jesus we can overcome all things making us fully prepared for all that God calls us to do.

Members of St Issell's WI prepared a buffet lunch of cold meats, salads and savouries, and strawberries and cream which was greatly enjoyed.

The celebrations continued in the evening with an excellent dinner at the Merlewood Hotel.

After-dinner speaker, Derek Cleave, held everyone's attention when he spoke about one chapter of the Bible that has more well known and quoted verses than any other.

Rev. Dr. David Pusey, who retired from the pastorate at Hebron last October, chaired the conference and also took part in the anniversary services.

Last Sunday morning, the children learned how different life was when the church was built for the local community. Many things have changed over the years and the church began to serve a wider community, when the trains and later cars brought holiday makers to the area.

However, one thing hasn't changed over all those years, the Bible is just as relevant, and the message from its pages still transforms lives today as people put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

The importance and relevance of a personal and living relationship with the Lord was the theme of the speaker, Derek Cleave.

Josh Palin has been a member of Crusaders since October 1999. During the service he was presented with a young person's Bible Dictionary and gift token by Dr. Pusey for being the first Crusader to complete 150 attendances.

Grateful thanks to Gareth, Pauline and staff at the Merlewood Hotel, the ladies of St. Issell's WI, Margaret Kaye for arranging the beautiful floral displays, David and Joy Taberer for all their practical assistance and to Carl and Geraldine Smith for offering hospitality and to the many members and friends for their prayers and gifts to the ministry at Hebron.

The talks given by Derek Cleave over the weekend are available on audio cassettes from Anthony Standing, by calling 811697.