Plain Talking – Episode 21

We begin the podcast by hearing about a performing arts group called Ny Ako from Scripture Union Madagascar who have been touring Europe and Wales during the summer months. Miara Rabearisoa, Mission Enabler from the Presbyterian Church of Wales, tells of Ny Ako’s deep Christian connection with Wales that all started way back in 1818 by two Welsh missionaries.

Then, we learn about how Christians living in Port Talbot are preparing for the likely closure of the UK’s largest steel works – and the profound social impact it will have. Gethin talks with Margaret Jones, a resident of the town, Andrew Saunders, the mission worker on the Sandfields Estate and his wife Tina Saunders, Manager of the local Baby Bank and Clothes Bank about the impact of up to 3,000 job losses at Tata Steel.

Finally, Brother David Jardine tells the story behind one of the most widely sung hymns in the world – ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’ He talks about its composer Joseph Scriven from Northern Ireland, who thought a poem he wrote for his dying mother would bring some spiritual comfort in her last days. Scriven’s life was full of hardships and trials, but, as Brother David points out, his hymn written 150 years ago is still relevant for Christians in every age and generation.