Our First Missions Trip: Serving in Wales
Bridgett and I had the opportunity to serve an IPHC church and its community in Bridgend, Wales.
In 2023, Bridgett and I were making plans to serve on mission trips to Honduras and Nicaragua scheduled for 2024. Those plans were derailed when Bridgett was diagnosed with cancer. We waited through her chemotherapy and followed the medical advice of her oncologist until the timing was better. All along, we trusted that the Lord would provide another opportunity for us to serve His church abroad.
That opportunity came last week when we were privileged to join a team of 15 short-term missionaries from The Well in Pamplico, SC, to serve at Compassion Church in Bridgend, Wales. It was a trip filled with challenges, conversations, and the unmistakable presence of God.
The journey didn’t begin smoothly. Technical issues canceled our departure flights and delayed the rescheduled ones, causing our emotions to run high. Most of us had barely slept by the time we arrived at our rental home in Llandaff, Cardiff. But throughout that chaos, we saw the Lord’s guidance and protection. Despite the rough start, we were exactly where He needed us to be; on the ground in Wales, serving.
The Well Wales Missions Team
Being part of The Well Wales Missions Team is something I’ll never forget. Serving on this trip reminded me that mission work isn’t about perfection. It’s about the Lord’s presence. About being available. About being obedient. About persevering when plans go astray.
For three days, we served at Compassion Church and in the Bridgend community by:
Leading Vacation Bible School
Sharing the Gospel through street evangelism
Training local pastors
Providing meals for those in need
Organizing a revival church service
And much more
This trip blessed me in ways I didn’t expect. I truly believe the Lord wanted me in that city for those few days.
Let me say thank you for praying for us and supporting this work.
Vacation Bible School
Although I’m not entirely certain, it’s possible The Well Missions Team organized the very first Vacation Bible School ever in Wales. We taught the children to discover the greatness of God through Bible lessons, music, and crafts. While the children were having fun, we connected with the men and women of Compassion Church through honest conversations about faith and prayer. These men and women were hungry to talk about the Lord, to explore spiritual things, and to encounter God personally.
It was my honor to lead the men in Bible studies. Many of the men in Bridgend are struggling spiritually, mentally, and practically. Some of them just need someone to believe in them and remind them that the Lord has not given up on them. It was amazing to see how the Lord led me to discuss topics like healing, humility, salvation, and restoration by studying John 5 (the man healed by Jesus at the pool of Bethesda) and Luke 19 (the restoration of Zacchaeus).
Training Local Pastors
During our time there, I was invited to teach a training session for local pastors. My topic of discussion was confidence in being sent by God. We studied the powerful words of Jesus in John 12:44–50.
In these verses, Jesus spoke with confidence; not in Himself, but in the One who sent Him. He knew His identity, His mission, and His message.
That same clarity is essential for leaders and followers of Christ. When we talk about confidence in leadership, it’s not about charisma or control. It must be deeply rooted in our identity in Him.
Here are a few reflections I shared:
We can believe like Jesus.
Jesus knew who He was. He was sent by the Father and never wavered in that truth. In the same way, we, as ministers, are sent by the Father to serve and lead.
We can serve like Jesus.
Jesus served with obedience. We must ensure we are walking in obedience to our callings.
We can lead like Jesus.
Jesus was constantly surrounded by people who needed to hear the truth. Our communities are full of people who need salvation, deliverance, and discipleship.
Interestingly, this training became something of a support group. The pastors shared their struggles and hurts as they tried to shepherd their people. They serve in some of the spiritually darkest places in their city. They’re faithful, but tired. Under-resourced, but not without hope.
My heart hurt for them, knowing my time in Bridgend would end while theirs would continue in the trenches of spiritual warfare. They need our continued prayers and encouragement.
Street Evangelism
Another impactful part of this mission was going out into the streets to share the Gospel. Most of the people we spoke with were strangers, while others were known to the church as individuals experiencing homelessness who spent their days in the public spaces throughout the city.
One person received salvation through this ministry. For that, we praise the Lord for a new brother in Christ.
One particular interaction stood out to me personally. I met a homeless man near the local bus station. He was struggling with alcoholism due to tragic circumstances. Later, this man walked into the church completely drunk. As I talked to him again, he kept apologizing for the intrusion and admitted he knew he had a problem but didn’t know how to break free. I tried to pray for him, but he refused, then left the church. I watched with sadness as he walked away down the sidewalk.
Other Opportunities and Ones We Missed
We were also blessed to participate in unplanned opportunities:
Providing food to families in need across Bridgend,
Completing a maintenance project in the Compassion Kids facility, and
Hosting a mid-week revival church service.
Although we accomplished much, there were still things we couldn’t do. Due to the delays causing our delayed arrival, we were unable to preach at Compassion Church and PHC Bristol on Sunday, June 29. I was scheduled to preach at the Bristol church and was disappointed when that couldn’t happen.
But I’m reminded that missions is never about completing a checklist. It’s about planting seeds and trusting the Lord to bring the harvest in His time.
Continue to Support the Church in Bridgend
If you feel led, please continue supporting the ministry in Wales. Here are a couple of ways to help:
Click here to support Lemuel and Tobey Turner — pastors of Compassion Church UK
Click here to support The Link Coffee House — a coffee house ministry serving the Bridgend community
This trip has been a beautiful reminder that the Lord is working everywhere. Thank you for standing with us, praying for us, and sending us. We couldn’t do it without you.