|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Gaskin Family
Cathy and I have been part of SGCM from the beginning and moved up to Merthyr soon afterwards from Cardiff. We have experienced Gods great kindness to us in many ways over the years, and becoming part of this local church has been yet another example. It has been wonderful to get to know people who are excited about what Jesus has done for them, honest about their imperfections and tolerant of ours.Moving up to Merthyr has also been a treat, is there a more underrated place in the U.K?
|
||
Dave Alyson and Family
Allyson and I joined SGCM as part of the church planting team that moved to Merthyr from Christchurch in 2005. We had both been part of Christchurch for over 10 years but believed that God wanted us to be a part of what was happening in Merthyr. Allyson is a local girl and her family still live locally. We got married in 2004 having been friends for over 7 years previously and now by God's wonderful kindness have two children - Nathan and Kaitlyn.We are excited to be a part of SGCM and to live in Merthyr despite it supposedly being in the top 5 worst places to live! (we would disagree). We are so aware of God's continual kindness and faithfulness to us - His grace is too wonderful for words! |
|
|
|
|
|
Cerys & Ashleigh
Growing up in Merthyr I went to church as a child and young adult. Although I enjoyed my time there it was always something I ‘did’ on a Sunday. When the church service finished so did my time with God. I went home and didn’t think about what I’d heard or let it affect me, instead I just carried on with my daily life as normal – out of sight out of mind! Since being at SGCM my experience has been quite different. My time with God is no longer limited to a Sunday morning it carries on every day throughout the week.
The messages Gareth and Tony give on a Sunday have been fundamental in me finally understanding the true meaning of the gospel. The message of the gospel is taken seriously at SGCM and the teachings we receive reflect this but there is also room for light heartedness too! The teachings both on a Sunday and at Care Group enable me to apply the gospel to my everyday life in a practical way that constantly encourages, convicts and challenges me! What is really great is that the teachings are not just reserved for adults. Ashleigh is also able attend the meetings and I think its good that our children are getting a chance to hear the message of the gospel too. Ashleigh attends a youth group ‘X=Change’ which has been a great help and encouragement to her both in forming deeper relationships with her friends and being able to talk openly about the gospel with kids her own age. Being a part of SGCM is like being part of a wide extended family and people are always ready to support, counsel and encourage you. Both Ashleigh and I have formed wonderful and long lasting friendships with people that we would probably never have met had it not been for God’s grace in placing us here. We have been welcomed with open arms and that is a testimony to the way that God is working in the lives of the people at SGCM. We are thankful to be part of this church and are constantly grateful for the blessings it has brought us.
|
