While a record number of 220 female MPs have taken their seats in the new parliament (34%), there have been a number of significant changes lately among the rural chapels and with women in the news here too!

The bible has many stories of heroic women and where would we be without women taking prominent roles in our local communities?

Many of us have known Sandra Williams – for years a faithful supporter of the rural chapels and an inspiration to many in Gaerllwyd and beyond. She has requested our prayers – What does God want next for Sandra as she recovers from her recent health and life changes. She has spare time for training and wants to know what the Lord’s will is for her future.

Revd Joy James, who is the minister at Ewyas Harold, has recently joined Salem Chapel, Longtown in a part-time capacity as their Transitional Minister for 18 months.

In September Carol Soble started in her new role as the pastor at Raglan Baptist Church.

In Zoar Chapel, Pandy. the Rev. Sue Barker, completed ten years as the minister and has just begun a new season in her life as she passes on that particular baton to the deacons. She says “Sunday 20th October, ten years after being inducted, was my last official day as minister at Zoar Chapel so I invited a couple of friends to share the service. Thank you Fiona and Paul, the congregation were so encouraged by your message. Bob and I will remain at Zoar as members”.

Do pray for:

• Sandra, her health and future,
• Joy, and those who gather in Ewyas Harold and Longtown,
• Carol in Raglan, and
• Sue in Pandy,

That as these women of faith move forward in their ministry God would guide them.