Return Encounter 08 at Folly Farm
On Saturday 8th March international musician and worship leader, Andy Bromley and his band visited Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire. Encounter 08, described as 'Fabulous, excellent and amazing!' by some of it's 520 guests, was the first of it's kind in Pembrokeshire.
Steve Lee, minister at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland was inspired to arrange Encounter 08, a family fun night with a message of hope for all. Working together with the Pembrokeshire Baptist Youth Committee and local Christians, the vision became reality.
Travelling from Birmingham, keyboard player and band member, Martin, gave his reason for visiting Pembrokeshire: 'Jesus came to bring a message of hope, He commissions His followers to share His message. We have travelled from Birmingham bringing that message of hope to the people of Pembrokeshire, using our simple gifts of music. Nothing is so desperate that Jesus can't deal with it. Whatever your situation, Jesus is the answer. He can restore relationships; He is the master of dealing with difficulties. It's a matter of handing things over to Him, trusting Him to turn things around.' said Martin.
Opening with free vintage fair rides, followed by a live musical celebration in the theatre, children and adults sang lively songs and enjoyed the band performances of Andy's own songs. Andy described his personal encounter with God, and journey of faith, sharing how he went to church as a child: 'I saw something in the people around me that captivated me; I just knew the one who created me was present.'
As a teenager Andy drifted on his journey of faith: 'What I saw in the church and what I knew God was like, didn't match up, so I drifted away from God.' Andy said he believes 'It's not about living for the church; it's about living for God'.
At age 19, in Swansea, Andy had another encounter with God that changed his life. 'As I cried out to God I felt his love and acceptance. Nothing we can do can turn us away from God's love. I found a place in God's presence and Jesus turned my life around. Now I am walking in a new direction.' He invited everyone to consider their own lives, encouraging them to involve Jesus in their journeys.
Andy reminded followers of Jesus that it is easy to forget their first love: 'Eight years later on my journey Jesus reminded me of how I first loved him, which inspired me to write 'You Stole My Heart'. The band and Andy shared this song, concluding the event by inviting all to join them in singing some celebration songs.
After the event I, spoke with some of the visitors. Nine year old Vicky Powditch said: 'It was really fun, my favourite part was when everyone was singing and dancing.' Four thirteen year old girls described the evening as: 'Really good, an amazing experience!' Jamie Hatswell shared how: 'we really enjoyed ourselves with lots of worship; it's good to see things like this in Pembrokeshire.' This was echoed by Laura who said: ' It was so good to see so many people together worshiping God, as it doesn't happen often in our area. The style of music catered for all ages.' and Ann Watkins thought 'It was a fantastic evening!'
I asked Andy Bromley what his message of hope was to the people of Pembrokeshire: 'The one thing that can give hope to the people of Pembrokeshire is Jesus Christ. When you invite him into your life, he brings hope for your future. God has plans that He would love the people of Pembrokeshire to play a part in, bringing hope and purpose for now, with hope and purpose for the future, that your eternity will be spent with Him.'
Sharron Hardwick
on behalf of Bethesda Baptist Church, Neyland
Posted: 26/06/08