Jesus said, ‘Let the Children come to me’.

I'd like to tell you about an amazing group of children that I met earlier this week from Belarus.

Belarus is part of what we formerly called the Soviet Union and they came to South West Wales as guests of the Charity 'To Russia With Love'.

We all remember the horrific explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station which led to a massive leak of radiation in 1986.

Three-quarters of the fallout from the Chernobyl reactor is said to have landed in Belarus. Many of its' residents still live in relative poverty and areas of the country remain at best, difficult to farm.

In a recent study of 500 children only one was found to be clear of any illness: the rest had some form of radiation-related condition.

The children that I met last week had a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a break here in South West Wales and visit local attractions.

I met them at a fund-raising concert at The City Temple Church in Swansea last Tuesday.

I was invited to go along with my good friend and Christian singer Mal Pope who sang in the first half whilst I was to compere and tell some stories and gags.

The children filled up the second half with singing and dancing - many of their songs and dances were Belarus.

What a lovely evening! The children were so talented and happy - it was a joy to meet them again. I had met them for a similar event two years ago. That night they insisted that I accepted a set of Russian dolls which I really treasure.

It grieves me that we live in a world in which children suffer.

I realise that sometimes we can become immune to statistics. However the truth is that over 200 million of the world's children are severely malnourished and here in the UK this past winter 2.4. million children lacked the basic necessities such as properly fitting shoes, warm coats and heated homes.

Children are dreamers! Every child in the world should have the right to see those dreams come true and be able to realise their hopes and ambitions.

Find out about organisations that are working to bring about change that will improve the lives of children.

When you find them do something to help - however small - you will make a difference.

Please pray for children everywhere but particularly for the children and the Christian Church of Belarus.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, ⁴who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.‘   1 Timothy 2: 1 – 4.

‘And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.’       Ephesians   6: 18.

Finally it was a really joy to take part in the concert as the City Temple Swansea was for many years my Home church. I became a Christian there in 1975 and was sent out into ministry from the church in 1981.

It was so encouraging to see how the church has grown under the leadership of the Senior Pastor Phillip Hills. Praise God for what is happening there and I Thank the Lord for the way that the church helped me grow as a believer.