One frequent topic of conversation among British people is the weather, and the general consensus among folks this week is that summer is over. The weather is getting wetter, there is a consistent hint of chill in the air, and there is clearly less daylight than there was even a week or two ago. For the first time in months we walked home in the dark after church on Wednesday night – the week before it was still light outside. So, with a touch of mourning, we are preparing for the short wet days of the North Wales winter.
One reason there has been so much talk of the weather is that Abergele is hosting a medieval faire tomorrow. They're actually going to close down part of the main road and everything. It is being called the St. Elfod Festival, because, apparently, 1200 years ago this year a bishop named Elfod (pronounced El-vod) donated the tract of land along the Gele river, which is how the town of Abergele came to be. Abergele literally means “the mouth of the gele.” In reality, I don't think most people have any idea who St. Elfod is, although the local primary school is named after him. The anniversary is basically an excuse to have a community fair, sponsored by local businesses.
The good news for us is that we have been given space in the fair. We are hosting a couple of small carnival-type games for children as well as manning a table with gospel literature. It's a great way to take part in a community event, develop something of a presence and identity in the minds of people, and get the gospel out to those in whom the Lord might be working. Please pray for this!
04 September 2009
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