Penuel Baptist Church, Manorbier, was the venue of a Praise Rally last Saturday night. It was encouraging to see the recently renovated church full, and it was a privilege to have ministers from various denominations, giving the rally an interdenominational character. The Rev. David Cardwell led the evening and enthusiastically conducted several well-loved hymns from the Sankey collection. The congregation was challenged by the message brought by the Rev. John Ivinson from the Book of Hebrews under the title 'Don't lose your grip'. Rev. Ivinson is on the staff of the Gorslas centre of the internationally recognised 'Teen Challenge' Christian drug rehabilitation organisation. Seven young people from the centre also contributed to the programme. The congregation was greatly moved by the testimony of a young girl from Portugal who had been an incurable alcoholic and drug addict. She found herself on the streets of London, but eventually she was befriended by a Christian girl who helped her to faith in Christ. She was wonderfully transformed by the grace of God, and subsequently came to Teen Challenge. She has recently taken a course there to equip her to work with the street children in Brazil. Jason from Dublin gave an equally amazing testimony. He had 'hit rock bottom' and had seriously damaged his liver through taking drugs and alcohol. He was also a 'pusher' of drugs, and the various secular rehabilitation programmes were powerless to help him. One of the counsellors who was a committed Christian advised Jason to contact Teen Challenge where he was introduced to The Lord Jesus. As a result he was completely freed from his addictions, and he testified that his liver was now in perfect condition. The young people delighted everyone with the rendering of a happy song. One of the girls accompanied the group on the guitar. The evening concluded with refreshments. It is hoped to arrange another rally when Penuel expects to welcome a group of male gospel singers from Swansea.
