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Statement from the Bro Dyfri LMA
"Please continue to pray for Rhandirmwyn.
Thank you to everyone who has been holding the people and community of Rhandirmwyn in your prayers as the wildfire continues to burn.
We are thankful that overnight the fire has moved away from the village itself. However, local farms remain at considerable risk, the fire is still active, and there continues to be a significant Fire and Rescue Service presence in the area.
Last night a member of the LMA Ministry Team met with members of the congregation and community. Again, this morning, members of the congregation and community gathered with a member of the Bro Dyfri LMA Ministry Team in St Barnabas’ Church, Rhandirmwyn, to pray for our community and all those affected. The church remains open so that any in the local community can gather to pray.
There was something particularly moving about hearing today’s New Testament reading from Acts 4 in a church dedicated to St Barnabas. Scripture tells us that the apostles gave Barnabas a name meaning “Son of Encouragement.” At a time of anxiety and uncertainty, we were reminded of our calling to encourage one another, to stand alongside our neighbours, and to place our hope and trust in God.
Please continue to hold Rhandirmwyn and the surrounding countryside in your prayers, particularly:
- For the weather: that conditions will change, bringing the rain and relief needed to help extinguish the fire.
- For the Fire and Rescue Service and our rural community: for all those actively engaged in firefighting and fire-suppression work, that they may be kept safe and given strength and endurance.
- For those who have been evacuated: particularly elderly and vulnerable people who have had to leave Rhandirmwyn and the surrounding area because of the smoke; that they may be safe, supported and reassured.
- For our precious local environment: particularly the RSPB reserve, its wildlife and habitats, and the local red squirrel project, all of which remain in harm’s way.
- For a renewed seriousness about climate change: that the reality of our changing climate, and its consequences for communities, agriculture, wildlife and the natural world, will be taken seriously; and that we may recognise our shared responsibility to care for God’s creation and act with wisdom, urgency and hope for the sake of generations yet to come.
- For an end to “fire tourism”: that people will resist the temptation to travel into the area simply to watch or photograph the fire. Unnecessary visitors can place themselves at risk and potentially hinder those working to protect lives, homes, farms and the countryside.
And we pray especially for all who live and work in Rhandirmwyn and the surrounding valleys, and for those watching anxiously as this situation continues.
St Barnabas, Son of Encouragement, pray for us.
“There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’).” Acts 4:36
Please keep Rhandirmwyn in your prayers."
Statement from the Bishop of St Davids
As we continue to hold the people of Rhandirmwyn and the Bro Dyfri LMA in our prayers, our hearts are with all those affected by the ongoing wildfire. We give thanks for the courage, skill and dedication of the Fire and Rescue Service and all emergency personnel who continue to work tirelessly in difficult and hazardous conditions to protect communities, homes, farms, and the countryside.
We pray especially for the local farming community and for all whose homes, livelihoods and land remain under threat. We remember those caring for livestock, those who have been displaced or affected by smoke, and all who are living with uncertainty and anxiety as the situation continues to unfold. May they know the support of their neighbours, the strength of their communities, and the comfort of God's presence alongside them.
This situation is causing concern not only in Rhandirmwyn but across Wales and beyond. As we witness the increasing impact of extreme weather events, we are also mindful of recent reports of destruction, displacement, and loss of life elsewhere in Europe. Such events call us to deeper reflection, both as individuals and as nations, as we come to terms with the reality of global environmental change and its effects on communities, agriculture, wildlife, and future generations. We pray that governments and leaders will respond with wisdom, courage, and resolve, seeking the common good and exercising faithful stewardship of the earth entrusted to our care.
May the Lord grant safety to all involved, strength to those on the front line, wisdom to those making difficult decisions, and relief through changing weather conditions. In this time of trial, may the communities of Rhandirmwyn and the surrounding valleys be sustained by faith, hope and mutual encouragement, bearing one another's burdens and trusting in God's unfailing love.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
+Dorrien Tyddewi
