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What God can do with a little oil: Church Growth in a Desperate Situation
The story of how a poor Welsh chapel facing imminent closure has been transformed into a thriving community.
Learn from the principles shared in this book to help your church grow and be encouraged by this modern revival story that has captivated the hearts of many Christians around the world.
“The story of the work at Noddfa Church so far is about sacrifice, love of people and God’s Glory above all things. It is a testimony to God’s power seen in those who take Him at His word. Read this and be encouraged” Philip Swann, Pastoral Director, Evangelical Movement of Wales.
“In the midst of darkness, God lights a flame at Noddfa Church that brings hope to a desperate world.” Mihai Dumitrascu, Pastor, Biserica Crestina Emanuel, Galați, România.
“Noddfa Church is a jewel. A powerful home-town revival story that endures.” Rhys Stenner, Pastor, New Hope Baptist Church, Atlanta Georgia USA.
“What is happening at Noddfa Church is what “East Meets West” in Korea has been praying for. God is at work and is bringing His perfect purposes to pass in the lives of the brothers and sisters at Noddfa Church”
Sam Koh, Pastor, Sarang Church, Seoul, South Korea
"God is using Noddfa Church to make himself known in poor communities across Wales."
Christ Street, Chairman, Welsh Leadership Forum
"What God can do with a little oil strengthens faith in our Lord's promise that 'His power is made perfect in weakness.' Ponder anew what the Almighty God can do"
James Allen, Chairman, Association of Evangelical Churches of Wales
“Amidst the spiritual darkness that envelopes the once blessed South Wales Valleys, the Lord has lit a gospel flame at Noddfa Church.”
Trevor Archer Chiar of the Sychar Gospel Fund and former Director of the FIEC
“What God has and is doing at Noddfa Church is a powerful reminder that the gospel still works.”
Andy Pitt, Pastor, Emmanuel Evangelical Church, Wales
Learn from the principles shared in this book to help your church grow and be encouraged by this modern revival story that has captivated the hearts of many Christians around the world.
“The story of the work at Noddfa Church so far is about sacrifice, love of people and God’s Glory above all things. It is a testimony to God’s power seen in those who take Him at His word. Read this and be encouraged” Philip Swann, Pastoral Director, Evangelical Movement of Wales.
“In the midst of darkness, God lights a flame at Noddfa Church that brings hope to a desperate world.” Mihai Dumitrascu, Pastor, Biserica Crestina Emanuel, Galați, România.
“Noddfa Church is a jewel. A powerful home-town revival story that endures.” Rhys Stenner, Pastor, New Hope Baptist Church, Atlanta Georgia USA.
“What is happening at Noddfa Church is what “East Meets West” in Korea has been praying for. God is at work and is bringing His perfect purposes to pass in the lives of the brothers and sisters at Noddfa Church”
Sam Koh, Pastor, Sarang Church, Seoul, South Korea
"God is using Noddfa Church to make himself known in poor communities across Wales."
Christ Street, Chairman, Welsh Leadership Forum
"What God can do with a little oil strengthens faith in our Lord's promise that 'His power is made perfect in weakness.' Ponder anew what the Almighty God can do"
James Allen, Chairman, Association of Evangelical Churches of Wales
“Amidst the spiritual darkness that envelopes the once blessed South Wales Valleys, the Lord has lit a gospel flame at Noddfa Church.”
Trevor Archer Chiar of the Sychar Gospel Fund and former Director of the FIEC
“What God has and is doing at Noddfa Church is a powerful reminder that the gospel still works.”
Andy Pitt, Pastor, Emmanuel Evangelical Church, Wales
- GenresChristian
69 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
5 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 4, 2025
What an encouraging book that shares of how God is working in Aberysychan. There are many lessons to be learned. Among them:
1. The absolute importance of prayer and reliance on God. Too much tries to get done in our own strength very often.
2. Willingness to get involved in the local community to gain opportunities to preach the gospel.
3. Understanding that the gospel is what doesn’t change and everything else is potentially up for grabs if done in the right way.
1. The absolute importance of prayer and reliance on God. Too much tries to get done in our own strength very often.
2. Willingness to get involved in the local community to gain opportunities to preach the gospel.
3. Understanding that the gospel is what doesn’t change and everything else is potentially up for grabs if done in the right way.
March 8, 2025
"Where else do you see an asylum seeker, a teacher, an Elvis impersonator, a boxer, a bouncer, a baby, a chef, a traveller, a recovering alcoholic, a teenager and an OAP walk into a building for an hour to meet, read, pray and sing together? Only Noddfa church."
I wrote these words after I had the privilege of spending a couple of weeks on placement at this church back in 2019. Therefore I was beaming when I saw John had included them here in this wonderful book documenting God's goodness and mercy in a small valleys town.
My two weeks there were incredibly formative and it's wonderful to read of all that has happened there in the last 10 years but I'm even more excited to see what the next 10 years holds.
Soli deo Gloria!
I wrote these words after I had the privilege of spending a couple of weeks on placement at this church back in 2019. Therefore I was beaming when I saw John had included them here in this wonderful book documenting God's goodness and mercy in a small valleys town.
My two weeks there were incredibly formative and it's wonderful to read of all that has happened there in the last 10 years but I'm even more excited to see what the next 10 years holds.
Soli deo Gloria!
March 6, 2025
In many ways, this is an amazing little book that points to Christ on every page. I loved the way the Biblical story of the widow and the oil was used as a metaphor for God's grace to the church at Noddfa. This book is a testimony to God's faithfulness and power to change lives. The descriptions of individuals encountering Jesus as saviour and acknowledging Him as Lord were powerful and moving. The book also highlights the importance of counting the cost in Christian ministry. The second half of the book outlines some great principles for authentic witness in modern times.
However, for me, there is a "but," and this is the reason why I couldn't give this book 5 stars. It is a big but! I did not recognise the community and area presented in this book, even though it is intimately known by me. Yes, there is poverty and need in the valleys, but that is only part of the story.
I suppose fundamentally, I see the valleys and their people as rich in strengths and resilience, needing Jesus, yes indeed ( but who doesn't!) but with an inherent dignity and beauty. The landscape (whilst ravished by industry in the past) is God's workmanship in all its glory .I feel strongly that those of us who live, work, and witness in these communities need to champion them and not give in to denigrating stereotypes, so prevalent in the media and political discourses.
So overall, it is a great little book which I would recommend. However, I hope this review adds something positive to the way readers perceive the area.
However, for me, there is a "but," and this is the reason why I couldn't give this book 5 stars. It is a big but! I did not recognise the community and area presented in this book, even though it is intimately known by me. Yes, there is poverty and need in the valleys, but that is only part of the story.
I suppose fundamentally, I see the valleys and their people as rich in strengths and resilience, needing Jesus, yes indeed ( but who doesn't!) but with an inherent dignity and beauty. The landscape (whilst ravished by industry in the past) is God's workmanship in all its glory .I feel strongly that those of us who live, work, and witness in these communities need to champion them and not give in to denigrating stereotypes, so prevalent in the media and political discourses.
So overall, it is a great little book which I would recommend. However, I hope this review adds something positive to the way readers perceive the area.
February 18, 2025
I have read lots of books about Church and Church history. Often I question what is written - is it true?
I know the author of this book, and live a stones throw away. I have watched what he describes over the last decade.
This book is real.
It is a very brief account of a blessing that will impact eternity.
If you want your faith to be built, read this book.
If you want to do ministry in the Welsh valleys, read this book.
The author is a chaplain for boxers. And he writes like a boxer. Expect to receive a few blows. But it’ll be worth it.
I know the author of this book, and live a stones throw away. I have watched what he describes over the last decade.
This book is real.
It is a very brief account of a blessing that will impact eternity.
If you want your faith to be built, read this book.
If you want to do ministry in the Welsh valleys, read this book.
The author is a chaplain for boxers. And he writes like a boxer. Expect to receive a few blows. But it’ll be worth it.
March 4, 2025
A great little book that I was able to get through in a couple of hours. An encouraging account of how God has been at work in one of the Welsh Valleys. Funny, and easy to read, but also true and straight talking. He doesn't dress things up or dress things down. And at the end they have practical principles and lessons learned, it's not just a historic record, it's a book to be used! Would totally recommend 😊
April 25, 2025
A beautiful read. What a wonderful story, and what a wonderful God who has made it all happen! Pastor John is a dear friend, and his directness, clear-sightedness and love come through on every page. God makes no mistakes when it comes to choosing his instruments. The way John weaves the narrative with that of the widow with a little oil is both poignant and insightful. Heart-warming and encouraging from start to finish.
December 1, 2025
Very encouraging. It is no secret what God can do.
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June 22, 2025The only book I've ever read in one day. Typically takes me a couple months. Amazed by Noddfa's desire to meet people where they are at and the considerable cost of that. Can't help but be moved hearing how God is softening hardened hearts in the Welsh valleys.
July 1, 2025
It is a joy to read about this faithful church and the gospel work happening in their valley. The end of the book is full of ministry wisdom. John is careful to say that he is not writing about a model that is to be copied, as everyone's situation is different, but there are valuable lessons here.
September 20, 2025
Honest read on an amazing work being done in the Welsh valleys. Puzzled by the focus on the brotherhood as being in the pulpit but no denying the amazing move of God following the ministry of this pastor.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews