From Wales to Vermont

My first connection with Vermont was back in 2011 when Wes Pastor, a member of BCNE and founder of NETS, took a special module at my Bible College in South Wales. I remember him saying that he saw many parallels between the general culture and spiritual climate of New England and Northern Europe; and Wales, in particular. Little did I know then that just over a decade later I would visit him and others in Vermont.

With the Rathiers

The second connection was made at the beginning of 2021. My good friend Ian Parry, a pastor in Cardiff, South Wales, had been invited to a Zoom Prayer Meeting organised by the International Mission Board. By God’s providence, he was led to a Breakout Room with Russ Rathier (Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Moscow, Stowe, Vermont and BCNE’s Regional Coordinator for Vermont). The parallels between Wales and Vermont became apparent once again, and as a result, a series of prayer meetings were held on Zoom over the next few months. It was a blessed time as we got to know each other as a small group of pastors.

In August, my family and I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting New England due to the generosity of Phil Waldrep Ministries and the hospitality of Russ and Julie Rathier. We first had a week’s vacation, before meeting up with the Rathiers, who took us to Rumney Conference Center, NH, then onto their home in Barre, VT. During this week I was given the privilege of preaching at Grace Bible Church in Moscow and Precision Valley Baptist Church in North Springfield, as well as attending two meetings for pastors and their wives in Rutland and East Randolph, and a prayer meeting for pastors in Barre. In the final week (after my wife and sons had returned home), I attended the Phil Waldrep Pastors’ Retreat at Mount Washington, NH, and had the privilege of speaking at the Northeastern Baptist College in Bennington, VT.

I described Vermont to my church as being like North Wales, but vaster, more forested and with a sparser population! There are other similarities too. As in Vermont, there are closed and liberal chapels in most communities in Wales, and Welsh politics is also increasingly secular and liberal. Some aspects of Vermont state law, however, was an eye-opener for us and a sign of where the rest of the Western world could follow without a mighty intervention of the Lord.  

At Grace Bible Church in Stowe, VT

We were so encouraged therefore to see the great work God is doing in the state. To grow from 30 to 50 BCNE churches in a decade is such a blessing. We were struck too by how mission-minded the church leaders are, with clear Gospel priorities. There is an inspiring willingness to engage with the community and to be faithfully optimistic about church revitalization and planting. Hearing about the new venture at Waterville, VT, was a particular highlight.

We are praying about our relationship with Vermont and look forward to seeing how the Lord might use these new friendships for His glory and our mutual encouragement and benefit.

Steffan Jones is the pastor of Mount Elim Evangelical Church in Pontardawe, South Wales.