That remarkable Christian, George Muller, once said, ‘Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.’ In his day, Muller proved the validity of his statement, and it can be an encouragement (for those seeking to work for God) to hear of how God has responded to the faith and dependence of his people. It was in this spirit and with this conviction that a gospel work began on the Bournville Estate in Weston-super-Mare, which has gone on to see God do remarkable things.
Beginnings
When David and Irene Farley moved back to Weston in 1990, it was to this area they went. The Lord had put it into their hearts to establish a gospel witness and bring hope to an area known primarily for its deprivation and extreme needs. There had been a small gospel witness for a number of years, but that had declined and eventually closed. However, the building was still in reasonable order and was standing empty.
David and Irene persuaded the trustees of Bethesda Church to reopen the building. And so, after extensive door-to-door visitation, on 10 March 1991 an afternoon service was held which was attended by over 40 people. For the next few years, afternoon services continued and also a weekly prayer meeting with simple Bible studies. Door-to-door visitation, a twice-weekly mother-and-toddler group, and a range of other activities were also undertaken.
One activity was practical training in basic daily living skills because of the disordered lifestyles families pursued. Throughout this time, David worked as a self-employed gardener and handyman as well as leading the work in the church. In 1992 the door-to-door visitation was strengthened by the regular involvement of Chris Gadd from Somerset Gospel Outreach, a ministry that still continues today.
