While Pastor Jonathan and family were sunning themselves on a Greek island somewhere, it was business as usual for all the friendly folk at Emmanuel, Manorbier. The service on Sunday morning was led by Rev. Peter Richmond (Hesed Christian Fellowship, Tenby), who passed on his usual projectionist duties at Manorbier to one of the regular visitors. Later she testified how God had healed an ear complaint last time she had visited. There was some bewilderment as the preacher was billed as 'Mr. Meredith Stevens', a full name which even Red himself had almost forgotten about. 'Nevertheless, hereafter' his message was one of great encouragement. Red spoke about the Lord Jesus when he was on trial. He looked like a lamb surrounded by a pack of wolves: the odds were hopeless. "Nevertheless," he told those who accused him, "you will see the Son of Man (Jesus himself) sitting on the right hand of power (God) and coming with the clouds of heaven." Whatever humiliation and suffering he underwent, Jesus knew that it didn't change the certainty of the future. "So if you're a lone advocate of truth," continued the preacher, "don't fear and tremble, because possession of power is nothing compared with possession of the truth. Truth has a hidden power that baffles its opponents." The 'hereafter' brings a reversal of roles, where Jesus comes to judge the earth. "Where are those who condemned him and gloated over his death?" asked Red, with the vehemence of a Welsh preacher in full flow. "They're asking for the mountains to fall on them, and the caves to hide them from the wrath of the Lord." He ended with some sound words of advice: "Are you slandered because you cling to the truth? Don't try and vindicate yourself: refer it back to the Master and wait for the hereafter, when darkness and sin will have no place. Or do you feel 'unsuccessful' in reaching others with the gospel? Nevertheless, in the hereafter God will say 'well done, good and faithful servant'." Peter will be preaching at next Sunday's service, which takes place at 10.15 am. Bible class is held on Thursdays.
