After a few years break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, once again the Cardiff and Swansea Urdu/Hindi/Punjabi Church hosted their annual Convention organized by the Revd Irfan John (Synod Enabler Culturally Diverse Congregations). Over 70 people from Wales and a few friends from England gathered on 13th August 2022 in Sketty Methodist Church, Swansea for the one-day convention with the topic of ‘Choose Life’. This was the first time this convention has taken place in Swansea, previously being held annually at the Trinity Centre, Cardiff.
The key verse for the day Deuteronomy 30:19 which reads: ‘This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live’, was explored through various sessions across the day by different leaders.
The first session led by local preacher Mr Munawar Amaf was a morning devotion followed by a session led by Mr Yaqoob Bashir. Mr Daud Irfan, Methodist Youth President lead a session for the participants with a focus on blessings and curses, which was aimed towards the youth as on the day there were over 25 children and young people. Furthermore, as the day went on, Mrs Esther Yaqoob lead a session for women in the sanctuary, whilst Mr Bashir led the men in the Church Hall, and Daud focused a youth session on covenants and what it means to walk beside God each and every day.
Worship was led by Mr Khuram Obaid who is a professional Pakistan gospel singer and travels all around the world to minister through singing. This was the final session of the day before the Revd Irfan John led communion and a time of prayer. Throughout the day, in between sessions and breaks, the Church choir led by Mr Atif Gill led the congregation in different hymns and psalms in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi languages.
Overall, the convention in Swansea was a blessed time focused on the Word, prayer and fellowship. As those in attendance shared in fellowship over food there was also continuous discussions over the topic ‘Choose Life’ and the conversations revolved around what had been shared that day and what this means for people’ individual and family lives.