In spite of the long and steep decline which Wales is continuing to experience, God has not abandoned the nation. The Evangelical Movement of Wales arose out of a work of God in some North and West Wales communities, and amongst students in Bangor and Aberystwyth, in the 1940s.
In 1948 a Welsh-language magazine was established (Y Cylchgrawn Efengylaidd). Within ten years this was joined by an English-language magazine and the work extended to include conferences, youth camps and other activities.
The work sought to fulfil aims set out in the first Welsh Magazine.
- First, to give expression to the evangelical faith that is founded on the Word of God.
- Second, to guide others to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Third, to nurture growth in the spiritual lives of believers.
In the words of one of its joint founders and General Secretary for 45 years, Rev. J. Elwyn Davies:
the Movement became a focus for fellowship, nurture and service for Christians who found themselves placed at a considerable disadvantage in churches and denominations which, to a very considerable extent, had departed from the main tenets of the Christian faith.
Experiencing increasing hostility within the denominations, a number of pastors and congregations left in the 1950s and 1970s and independent evangelical churches have since been established in many parts of the country.
More than fifty years later the Movement continues to play a key role in supporting and encouraging churches and individuals, and in enabling them to do together what they cannot do on their own. There is a strong emphasis on re-evangelising the great majority of our nation, who are ignorant and often hostile to the gospel, and its work now includes a variety of ministries.