The Ripple Effect of One Easter Assembly

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Last week, our team had the privilege of visiting Ysgol Aberconwy, delivering an AS-Level Religious Studies lesson. It was a normal school day on the surface, but God was speaking in ways we didn’t expect.

As we walked back to reception, one of the pupils who was helping to escort us said something that stopped me in my tracks. Earlier this year, she had come to our Easter assembly, where we talked about Jesus being the real meaning of Easter.

She told me that what she heard that day “got through” to her. More than that, she felt moved enough to talk to her brother. Together, they found a Bible and since then, she’s been reading it with her mum, and the family has started looking for a church to belong to.

I don’t know about you, but that gives me goosebumps.

Why This Is So Encouraging

  • It shows that what we do in schools matters. Whether it’s lessons, assemblies, or just building relationships, seeds are being planted.

  • Faith is being passed on in homes. This pupil didn’t just walk away, she took what she heard home, shared it, and her family is starting to explore it together.

  • God is at work in ordinary places. Not just in churches, but in classrooms, corridors, and living rooms.

This moment reminds us that we don’t always see the full picture of what God is doing. Sometimes, all we see is a smile, a “thank you” at the school gates, or a student coming up to say, “I was at that assembly, and …”

How You Can Join In

Would you pray with us? Here’s how you can partner in this kind of story:

  • Pray. Please pray for that girl, her brother, and their mum as they explore the Bible and search for a church. Pray for clarity, community, and courage.

  • Give. This kind of school work — the assemblies, lessons, follow-up — doesn’t happen on its own. Your giving helps us reach more schools, more students, and more families.

  • Volunteer. We’re always in need of people who can come alongside us — whether as school workers, prayer partners, or as part of our youth-worker team. If God is nudging you, let’s talk.

Back in the Saddle: My first few weeks back

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After a season away, stepping back into my role as  Centre Director of Llandudno Youth for Christ has felt a bit like re-joining a fast-moving conversation — but in the best possible way. These first few weeks of my phased return have been full, encouraging, and pretty exciting. I’ve already remembered why I love this work so much.

Redefine Is Back — and Brilliant

One of the biggest highlights has been coming back to our Sunday evening Redefine discipleship nights. We’ve launched straight into exploring the idea of wisdom — what it means, where it comes from, and how young people can navigate a world that feels chaotic, loud, and complicated. Both sessions have gone really well. The group has engaged deeply, asked sharp questions, and pushed into what wise living actually looks like in real life. It’s been amazing to see the energy and thoughtfulness in the room! The young people are awesome!

Back Into Schools

I’ve also had the chance to reconnect with our local schools. I visited Ysgol John Bright to meet the assistant head, which was encouraging — there’s still a real openness to collaboration moving forward. Then it was off to Ysgol Aberconwy, where I taught Religious Studies to AS-level students. They were brilliant — curious, switched-on, and not afraid to wrestle with the big questions. It’s one of those sessions you leave thinking, Yes, this is why we do this.

AskRedefine Returns

Our online work has restarted too, including our popular AskRedefine TikTok series. Young people send in real questions about faith, God, life, doubt, hope, and everything in between, and we respond with short, honest videos that are always under a minute long. It’s always a joy to see how these digital conversations open doors that might not appear in a classroom or youth club. We’ve already got a (huge!) backlog of questions waiting — which is a nice problem to have!

Training, Teamwork, and… Emails

On the ground, things have been just as full. I’ve run a couple of training sessions and begun overseeing our new youth worker, Jaime. It’s been good to get into a rhythm together and start thinking about what comes next for the team.

And yes — I have also heroically battled through a couple of hundred emails from my time off ill. (No medals were awarded, but I feel I earned one.)

Between meetings, visits, and catch-ups with supporters and partners, it’s been a full but deeply encouraging restart. It has at sometimes been overwhelming, but I’ve genuinely enjoyed reconnecting.

How You Can Join In

As we step into this next season of ministry, we would love your support. Would you consider:

🙏 Praying for us — especially for wisdom as we grow our work with schools and deepen discipleship with young people.
🤝 Volunteering — whether regularly or occasionally, your presence makes a huge difference.
💛 Giving — helping us continue and expand this work across Llandudno and beyond.

Thank you for cheering us on. It’s good to be back — and even better to be moving forward together.

Getting Back on My Feet – An Update from Tim

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Hi everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to share a bit of a personal update.

Back in April, life came to a sudden halt. Early one morning, I was meant to be flying to Prague to present a paper at a youth work research conference — instead, I woke up on the floor, my face covered in blood, and ended up in A&E. The doctors said I’d had a major stress event, along with a concussion and a resulting minor traumatic brain injury.

The months that followed were tough. For a long while, I couldn’t drive, walk far, read, or write. Most of the time I was just… asleep. It’s been the darkest season I’ve ever walked through — full of exhaustion, pain, and a lot of uncertainty.

But it’s also been a time of deep gratitude. My wife has been incredible, walking with me every step. My family have stayed close. The medical team have been brilliant. And our trustees at Llandudno Youth for Christ have shown such understanding and care, giving me the time I needed to recover. The team have been amazing, keeping Redefine going strong in my absence. I’m also hugely grateful to those of you who prayed, and to those who gave so that we could bring a second staff member on board — that generosity made a real difference when we needed it most.

Most of all, I’ve been so aware of the nearness of God. Even in the silence and weakness, His presence has been real and constant — sometimes gentle, sometimes overwhelming, but always there.

The good news is that I’m now back at work on a phased return, currently 12 hours a week. Mornings are good — I feel almost like myself again, but as the day goes on, I still tire quickly. Projects will slowly start returning to normal over the next months, starting with Redefine.

Since starting with Llandudno Youth for Christ back in 2011, I’ve seen God do amazing things through countless clubs, schools work, projects, events, and conversations with young people across North Wales. This year has reminded me in a very personal way that this is God’s work, not mine. He’s carried it, and me, the whole way through.

Thank you so much for your prayers, kindness, and support. They’ve meant more than you could possibly know.

With love and gratitude,
Tim

Another assembly week – in a NEW school!

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Last week, we had the privilege of spending five full days at Ysgol Aberconwy, delivering assemblies to every year group. It was an incredible opportunity, and we’re so thankful for how it went!

The response from pupils was genuinely encouraging – they were engaged, respectful, and full of curiosity. We also managed to connect with a number of staff members, and we’re having some great follow-up conversations with a some heads of year, RE, and PSE about ways we might work together going forward. Everyone we’ve spoken to has been really positive, which is so encouraging as we look to build long-term, meaningful partnerships in the school.

Our assembly theme was Easter, and as always, we aimed to be clear about the Gospel while remaining respectful of the school environment. There were some brilliant and memorable moments – from a rubber duckling and a very posh M&S Easter egg, to Tim’s now-infamous ‘Bill and Ben in the Box’ skit, which had the pupils (and staff!) smiling.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported and prayed for us during the week – we felt it. Please do keep praying, especially that the right relationships would form and grow from the conversations we’ve started.

Can you help?

We’re launching new projects in a new school, which is incredibly exciting – but it also means our budget is stretched, and we’re in real need of more volunteers. If you think you could help in any way – whether practically, prayerfully, or financially – please get in touch.

You can also give online by clicking here.

Your support really does make a difference. Thank you!

Listen to the hats! A week of Assemblies

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This past week, we had the privilege of delivering assemblies to the entire secondary school—one year group at a time—over five days. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with students, challenge their thinking, and share a message of deep listening and love.

To kick things off, I brought in my favourite hat. Just one. But then I also brought a huge pile of other hats—ones gifted to me by well-meaning people who assumed that because I had a favourite hat, I must love all hats! This set the stage for our theme: the difference between hearing and listening.

Hearing is easy—’oh, you like hats? Great, have another!’ Listening, however, is about paying attention to the details—understanding that I don’t just love any hat, but a specific one. We explored this idea through active listening exercises, helping students think about what it means to be truly heard, accepted, and loved. And as a Christian, I shared how I believe that’s exactly what God does—He listens, knows us fully, and loves us completely.

The assemblies were filled with energy and laughter. One of the biggest highlights was pouring an entire dustbin full of hats onto a table—only for them to spill onto the floor in a glorious cascade. The students loved it, and the room filled with laughter and engagement. It’s always great when a room of teenagers are so caught up that you can hear a pin drop! Teachers later shared their appreciation, and we received plenty of thank-yous for the sessions.

A particularly encouraging moment came when the assistant head shared a story from a past assembly. During an Estyn inspection, one of our assemblies was described by an inspector as “one of the best assemblies they had ever seen.” It was a humbling and joyful reminder of the impact we can have through these moments.

We’re incredibly grateful for the relationship we have with the school and the chance to be part of their journey. It’s a privilege to share meaningful messages with young people in a way that’s fun, thought-provoking, and full of life. Here’s to many more opportunities to listen well, love well, and maybe even spill a few more hats along the way!

Justice, Fairness, and a 19-Foot Tom: A Conversation at Recess

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This week at our afterschool club, Recess, we had one of those big, deep conversations that make youth work so exciting. The topic we were focused on for the session was ‘Justice and fairness.’ We explored huge questions, debated different perspectives, and even ran a mock court to see how people’s views played out in practice. It was fun, engaging, and we could hear them still talking about it when they left!

What became clear very quickly was just how differently we all think about justice. Some leaned towards a version of absolute fairness—everyone gets exactly the same. Others argued for situational justice—different circumstances require different responses. The discussion was passionate, thought-provoking, and, at times, hilariously unpredictable.

As we wrapped up, I reflected with them on the problem of suffering and its relationship to belief in God. One of the classic objections to God’s existence is the presence of injustice in the world. I pointed out that a challenge with this argument is that if even we, in this room, struggle to agree on what justice even is in the first place, then how could we decide God and justice are incompatible? A couple of young people engaged with this idea, asking really thoughtful questions about why they personally reject the idea of God due to suffering and unfairness in the world.

I carefully suggested that sometimes we decide what kind of God we want before deciding whether or not He exists. I gave a silly example: Imagine you’ve been told about a guy named Tom. But you decide before meeting him that Tom is 19 feet tall, has three eyes, and pink hair. Well, because no one like that exists—that mean’s Tom himself can’t possibly exist, so you couldn’t ever possibly meet a Tom. In the same way, rejecting God because He doesn’t match our personal preferences might not be the best approach.

It was amazing to see the students pause and really take this in. You could almost see their grip on unbelief loosening just a little, their minds opening to fresh possibilities.

We love helping young people take small, meaningful steps in their thinking—never pushing, never forcing, just creating space for discovery. Because we believe that’s the most respectful and lasting way for them to encounter God for themselves.

 

Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash

Farewell and Thank You, Karen!

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It’s with a mix of sadness and deep gratitude that we say goodbye to our Staff Worker, Karen, as she moves away from the area. Karen has been an instrumental part of our team, and her impact on our work cannot be overstated.

From the very beginning, Karen poured her heart into building relationships with young people, creating a welcoming and supportive space where they could grow, learn, and have fun. Whether helping to run our regular projects and events, or simply being a trusted presence, she has played a vital role in shaping our community.

Karen’s leadership and dedication were particularly evident in our Summer Programs. Her hard work and vision made Camp-Not-Camp and The Lock In incredible experiences. She was also a familiar face at Reverb Café, always ready to lend a hand and bring encouragement to those around her.

One of Karen’s lasting contributions has been the creation of our ‘Prayer and Pancakes’ evenings—combining spiritual nourishment with delicious home made food  in a way that truly embodied the heart of our work. Behind the scenes, she kept things running smoothly, taking on much of our admin work, including registers, ensuring that every detail was taken care of with diligence and care.

During her time with us, Karen also continued to grow in her own learning, completing training in safeguarding, additional needs, and youth work—further equipping herself to serve young people in meaningful ways.

Karen, you will be truly missed. Thank you for all you have done to make this organisation what it is today. We wish you all the best in your next chapter, knowing that wherever you go, you will continue to make a difference.

With gratitude,

Tim & the Llandudno Youth for Christ team

Important Safeguarding Update

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We are deeply saddened to inform you that one of our volunteers, Revd. Sam Erlandson, has recently appeared before Mold Magistrates Court on charges related to indecent images of children. He has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to appear before Llandudno Magistrates Court on Monday, December 30th.

Upon learning of these serious charges, Llandudno Youth for Christ immediately followed the procedures outlined in our Safeguarding Policy. Revd. Erlandson has been removed from his volunteer role, and all necessary reports have been made to the relevant authorities.

We want to reassure you that the charges, as we understand, are not related to any of the young people involved in Llandudno Youth for Christ projects. However, we recognise the impact that this news may have on the community, and we are offering pastoral support to all of our young people, staff, and their families during this difficult time.

We ask for your prayers for everyone affected by this situation. We trust that God, in His grace, can bring healing and justice, and we continue to pray for His will to be done.

If you have any concerns, or if you would like to report any information related to this case, North Wales Police have requested that you contact them quoting reference number Q179109.

Thank you for your understanding and support

The Llandudno Youth for Christ Trustees

Nerd Night Triumph & Visiting 11 Churches in 3 Months!

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Nerd Night Triumph: A Galactic Gathering of Geeks

At our recent Nerd Night event, Halloween took a back seat to an intergalactic celebration of all things geeky. Packed to the brim with arcade machines, comics, board games, and extra rooms screening Lord of The Rings and classic Star Wars movies, the event was a spectacle that transcended the ordinary. Attendees from across all our groups, donned in an array of imaginative costumes, mingled together, transforming the venue into a lively melting pot of nerdy camaraderie. Nerd Night was more than just an alternative to Halloween; it was a testament to the power of fun, inclusivity, and celebrating our shared love for all things fantastical while steering clear of the dark side.

 

Engaging with the Local Tapestry of Faith:

A Journey Through 11 Churches in Three Months

Embarking on a spiritual adventure, we have traversed the sacred halls, coffeeshop gatherings, and community centres of eleven different churches this term. Each visit unfolded as a warm embrace.

At each stop, we shared insights from the Bible and shared the unique work that defines our mission. The warmth of fellowship and the resonance of shared values echoed through every congregation. As we wrap up this term’s church visits, the invitation extends to all. If you would us to visit your church in the next round, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Nurturing Hearts, Minds, and Creativity: A Spotlight on our three pillars projects

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Llandudno Youth for Christ proudly presents our three main regular projects, each catering to the diverse needs and interests of the youth, fostering growth, connection, and creative expression.

  1. Redefine: Fortnightly Fun with Faith

Redefine is not just an event; it’s a community—a thriving space where young Christians and inquisitive seekers come together to redefine what it means to be a young believer. Every fortnight, the air is charged with excitement as laughter, games, and camaraderie fill the room. However, amid the joy, Redefine is a sacred space for reading the Bible, prayer, and heartfelt conversations about the challenges and triumphs of navigating faith in a dynamic world.

The success of Redefine speaks volumes about the hunger for authentic connection and exploration of faith among young people. With capacity reached, the call for more leaders is not just a need—it’s an invitation to be part of a transformative journey, shaping the spiritual landscape of the next generation. Could you be part of this team?

  1. Recess: Weekly Reflections in School

In the hustle and bustle of school life, Recess emerges as a beacon of fun and introspection. This weekly meeting goes beyond the traditional boundaries of faith, reaching out to young minds without a church background. It’s an opportunity for them to ponder life’s profound questions—about the universe, God, and everything in between.

As Recess has also reached capacity, the need for more leaders is palpable. This project is not just about expanding numbers; it’s a chance to guide young minds through the labyrinth of life’s big questions, providing a safe space for exploration and understanding. Could you be one of these leaders?

  1. Show Up and Write: Crafting Creativity in a Digital Realm

Enter the virtual realm of Show Up and Write, an online community that transcends geographical boundaries. Run by three published authors, this project is a haven for young writers, where encouragement flows as freely as ink on paper. The community is a space for sharing, honing craft, and navigating the unique challenges that young writers face. In a world driven by digital connection, this project stands as a shining example of the potential for community to flourish online.

In conclusion, Llandudno Youth for Christ’s three major projects, Redefine, Recess, and Show Up and Write, are not just initiatives—they are pillars of inspiration, growth, and creativity. As these projects continue to flourish, the call for more leaders echoes not only as a practical necessity but as an invitation to invest in the shaping of young lives, providing a foundation for faith, reflection, and creative expression that will resonate far beyond the borders of Llandudno.