Welsh churches put money where the heart is, says Church Army's Ralph

Church Army’s Ralph Upton has been busy this week taking part in a number of initiatives in Wales ’ Rhondda and Cynon valleys. Ralph is part of a new Christian enterprise in the Rhondda valley, Treherbert Community Shop, which supplies quality new and used goods to the people of Rhondda .

The recently opened shop, located in Bute Street Treherbert, is the vision of Christians who belong to Oasis Church , Ynys Wen. Profits from the new shop will fund a number of Christian social action projects, including Church Army’s Valley of Hope and Oasis Church ’s work with Rhondda residents.  

“Today Treherbert, tomorrow the Rhondda !” states Ralph Upton . “This new shop will give great value for money and help a number of exciting projects in this area. We hear so many stories of shops closing and people leaving the Rhondda , but we want Rhondda people to know that there is good news on their door steps and we are here to stay.”

Ralph has also teamed up with local Christians to sponsor chaplains in Ethiopian prisons. By donating £75 per month to Friends of Prison Fellowship Ethiopia, the local Christians of Rhondda and Cynon valleys , are able to meet the salary of a full time minister. This sponsorship scheme has already resulted in 33 full time prison chaplains, complemented by 30 volunteers.

“I’ve been a prison chaplain and now work with ex offenders. I have first hand knowledge of the difference the Christian message makes in the lives of prisoners,” explains Ralph. “Through its various projects in the UK , Church Army works with people who are on the margins of society, offering practical Christian support. By giving £75 a month to this excellent work, thousands of lives are being changed.”

Ralph Upton is project co-ordinator at Valley of Hope, which provides transitional housing and life coaching for ex offenders and substance misusers. For more information on Valley of Hope , visit http://www.valleyofhope.co.uk