Author ROY GODWIN and DAVE ROBERTS
Publisher DAVIDCCOOK
ISBN 978-1-84291-404-5
Subtitled “Blessing Others Through Prayer” this book details the way the vision and ministry of a ‘house of prayer’ in a quiet area of Wales has developed over the last fifteen years or so. It follows on from a smaller book with the title “From Vision to Reality” written by Phyllida Mould, the woman, who along with her husband, had the original vision for the purchase and establishment of Ffald-y-Brenin Christian Retreat Centre near to Fishguard in Pembrokeshire. Both of these books are worth obtaining and reading. They are an inspiration and encouragement as they disclose God at work in a particular way. The continuing vision presented is that the original ‘house of prayer’ in Wales would lead to a house of prayer in every town. Roy Godwin and his wife became involved in the running of the retreat centre and through these chapters we learn how the Lord led them through many twists and turns into the ministry of blessing all who came to them and praying for them and watching to see God at work in the lives of those prayed for. Many will be quickened in reading this record of God’s work in a remote part of Wales and how the Lord has drawn many, bringing them from all over the world, frequently in a totally sovereign way and how He has ministered to these many guests and the pilgrim path of learning that Roy Godwin and his fellow workers have taken in learning how to be helpers together with God in what He is doing. I would call this book ‘faith building’ and it will resonate with those who know that such united prayer and availability to God coupled with withdrawing in times of quietness before Him are one of the great keys to the outpouring of His grace. The book is aptly titled, it details an out-pouring and this outpouring is of grace, grace in many forms and ways. Some readers might have reserves about the idea of a ‘new monasticism’ with which the book concludes and the idea of walking in the ancient future, but there is relevance in these ideas, especially in the light of the Celtic heritage of the church in Wales and indeed in the British Isles. It is good to sense the humility and ‘ordinariness’ of those involved in this work. It is not the big splash and noisy trumpeting of great activities of God, but the simple record of people being led by Him. The result is that they have witnessed God’s generosity and willingness to bless bountifully not only those who come to the center but the surrounding area, the fields, the farms and community. The vision continues and may it spread, for God is not short in willingness to bless like this in other parts of the world too.
