Trwyddedu Hannah Seal, CA

Congratulations to Hannah Seal, CA, who has been licensed as Lead Evangelist of the Gwent Valley Centre of Mission in Monmouth diocese.

The service was held at St John's, Six Bells on 10th June.

Speaking after the special service, Hannah said: "Since moving to Abertillery just after Easter (in the snow) I've begun to find my way around without getting too lost, and I've begun to get to know some people in the local community. It's a lovely and friendly place to live and it's surrounded by beautiful countryside too. I'm excited about getting to know people better and seeing what God has in store for the communities.

"Psalm 139 speaks of how God knows us intimately. When no one else notices us, God sees us and loves us inside out. I think people want to belong, want to know that they are loved and want to be seen. Often people are searching for love and hope but seek it in the wrong places. My hope is that as a Centre of Mission we will be able to help people to find that love and hope in Jesus. I hope that they will feel like they belong, that they know that they are loved by God who thinks they are amazing, and that they can come to know him for themselves. Hopefully now that restrictions have eased a little we'll be able to have "Cuppa in the Courtyard" when the weather allows, giving people the chance to chat and to share about how they have found the last year or so.

"One of my favourite bible verses is Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" It is my prayer for the Centre of Mission and my ministry here that the hope, peace and love of God will overflow and people will come to know that for themselves."

At the heart of this new project is the desire to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and action. The new Centre of Mission aims to be a bridge between the church and the local community, developing a close partnership which will encourage evangelism and mission within Abertillery. It is hoped all denominations will work alongside the project all as we seek to express God’s love for everyone.

The Rt Revd Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth, said: "Hannah Seal comes to us from Llandaff and will be leading an exciting project in Abertillery as Lead Evangelist in the newly established Gwent Valleys Centre of Mission. Monmouth diocese is working in partnership with the Church Army to set up this project and Hannah, who has been trained by the CA, will be working towards establishing a new church community by building relationships with people in the locality and drawing them into faith and discipleship. This is innovative and hard work at the coal face, engaging with people who have no experience of Church or understanding of faith, and will require patience, perseverance and lots of prayer.

"We look forward to working with Hannah and assure her of our prayers and support as she begins her ministry in the Monmouth Diocese."