We are delighted to welcome Mavis Martin as the new Anna Chaplain in Bridgend, Wales, and the first Anna Chaplain for the Pentecostal denomination, The Assemblies of God, Great Britain.
Mavis tells us: 'I moved from Belfast to South Wales in 1972, where I met my husband Ray. We have lived in Bridgend since then and been involved with local churches since coming to faith in 1981.
'I have always had a love and concern for those who are vulnerable and excluded from society in general. In recent years, having volunteered in the chaplaincy team in our local hospital, I developed an absolute passion for the elderly and especially those walking their journey with dementia.
'As a Dementia Champion, God opened doors for me to visit care homes in Bridgend doing craft & communion sessions in addition to the Brain & Soul sessions with the hospital chaplain. It has been an honour to serve the residents and walk their road with them.
'I believe that I am now in the perfect will of God for my life and that the most effective way of showing His love to our precious elderly generation is by serving them as an Anna Chaplain.'
Our Anna Chaplaincy Lead in Wales, the Revd Sally Rees, joined Mavis' family and well-wishers in the congregation at her local church Emmanuel Christ Church, Bridgend, for the commissioning service on Sunday (9 May 2021).
'It was wonderful to be with Mavis Martin for her commissioning as Anna Chaplain for Bridgend,' said Sally. 'She was commissioned by her pastor, Vernon King. I gave the address, preaching on Mark 12:42–44, the story of the widow's mite.
'It was all a marvellous celebration of Anna Chaplaincy ministry. Her church family are very warm and supportive' said Sally.
Proudly holding her new Anna Chaplaincy certificate, Mavis was joined afterwards for photos by some of the longest-serving members of the Emmanuel Church.