Croeso i Gymreu. This is Welsh for “Welcome to Wales!” Wales—the land of the ancient Britons and the origin of King Henry VIII, Puritan John Owen, war Prime Minister David Lloyd-George, and “the Doctor” (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)—is the venue for the 2010 British Reformed Fellowship (BRF) Family Conference (7-14 August).

Although perhaps little known by most Standard Bearer readers, and possessing a human population only a third that of its number of sheep, the natives quip that, if it were flat, Wales would be larger than England!

“The Word of God for Our Generation”

Profs. Engelsma and Hanko are the main speakers at the 11th BRF Conference, the theme being “The Word of God for Our Generation.”

One of the Sunday sermons is to deal with the authority of Holy Scripture, with the special lecture by the Senior Deputation Speaker for the UK branch of the Trinitarian Bible Society explaining “The Preservation of the Biblical Text.”

The six main conference addresses will build on this foundation. Prof. Engelsma will develop the Reformed world-view, while Prof. Hanko will trace the organic development of sin. The next three speeches focus on issues of pressing concern for us and our children in our increasingly liberal and anti-Christian Western society, covering pragmatism and moral relativism, covetousness and profligacy, and pornography and fornication: “The Abolition of Truth,” “The Reformed Believer and Money,” and “The Sexual Revolution.” The final address, “Towards a One-World Government,” will trace the “progress” of the church’s apostasy and the world’s degeneracy as they desire, and prepare the way for, the universal reign of Antichrist—who will be destroyed with the brightness of our Lord’s coming!

At least, these are likely to be amongst the issues explored in the six conference addresses, given the titles the speakers have settled upon. Profs. Hanko and Engelsma have full liberty to develop their subjects as they see fit! Here I simply want to whet your appetite.

Hebron Hall Christian Centre

Hebron Hall (www.hebronhall.org) is well situated, being just a ten-minute taxi ride from Cardiff Airport (CWL). A short walk from our conference centre will take you to a station with frequent trains to Cardiff (Wales’ capital city) and the coast—both only a few miles away.

All rooms are en-suite, with bedding and towels provided. Accommodation is full board. Free wireless Internet access is provided in designated areas of the centre. Hebron Hall has several tea/coffee areas, ideal for good discussions for young and old.

Hebron Hall has an indoor, 20 meter, heated swimming pool; an indoor sports hall for 5-a-side football (US: soccer), volleyball, basketball, etc.; an indoor games room with a pool table, a snooker table, and a table-tennis table; and two outdoor tennis courts.

The BRF has the whole centre to itself, so we will not be disturbed by the “worship” (or raving) of Pentecostals!

Two Day Trips by Coach

We think you’ll enjoy the day trips! When in South Wales to give lectures, Mary and I scouted the local attractions, and those that have been chosen stood out. One trip is to the old Roman town of Bath, a World Heritage Site famous for its naturally heated spring waters, its beautiful buildings, its association with Jane Austen’s novels, and its Royal Victoria Park.

Day-trip 2 takes us to Tintern Abbey, the best preserved medieval abbey in Wales. I’ve spoken with our tour guide over the phone. He is a mine of information! Attired in his monastic cowl, he will show us around this beautiful, historic site. The other half of this day trip takes us to Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales, with its moats, islands, leaning tower, and siege engines. Yet it is surrounded by shops and cafes—an unusual sight!

Do Come!

The costs are as low as the BRF can make them—and we don’t waste money or aim at making a profit. Those in N. America (which would be most SB readers) can contact Cyndi Kalsbeek for prices in US dollars (16247 State Street, South Holland, IL 60473; (708) 331-1026; ckalsbeek@yahoo.com). Those in the British Isles and the rest of the world should get in touch with Stephen Rushton (5 Clayton Lane, Clayton, Bradford, W. Yorkshire, BD14 6RE; 01274 883909; stephen_rushton@btinternet.com). The BRF conference booking form provides more details and comes in both US and UK-sized paper to make it easy for people to print out (cf. www.cprf.co.uk/articles/brfconference.htm).

We hope many of you can join us for an enriching time of fellowship (D.V.) in Wales!