Newport Chapel Opens its Doors to Local Charities
In 2020 the world was thrown a curve ball when we were all subject to the pandemic caused by Coronavirus. Through such devastation, Newport Ward offered a ray of light to their community.
Bishop James Hayes had the prompting to offer casual support to the “Helping Caring Team” (HCT), a local charity who collects food donations from various local shops and restaurants, who create and deliver food packages to the homeless and vulnerable of Newport City Centre. His diligence in acting upon the promptings given to him enabled a close working partnership between the Newport ward and the HCT, and soon the HCT were asking if they would be able to utilise the church building for the collection and packing of the food packages.
The ward also supports Sesame Counselling Services, a charity who specialise in providing discounted counselling services that people so desperately need, but cannot afford. When Sesame Counselling was unable to use their regular meeting place, a member who was aware of this asked the Bishop if they could help. Bishop Hayes enthusiastically arranged a visit to the chapel to showcase the space. The Board of Trustees attended and the head of the board was heard saying “Isn’t there a restful atmosphere here?” and “There’s a nice atmosphere here, a feeling of safety.”
The final group the ward supports regularly is the Gwent Family History Society. The group was looking for somewhere to meet, and when they had reached out to their community someone suggested asking the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gwent Family History use the computers and run a zoom link from the building, which is recorded and shared on their social media pages.
During this time there have been many blessings that have come to Newport Ward, and to the charities that they support. Bishop Hayes remarked, “In some ways it is missionary work like you have never known it.” This naturally occurs because of the inquisitive minds of those who use the building. Both Missionaries and members have gotten involved in this service, usually alternating the responsibility of opening the building for use and just being on hand to support wherever needed.
When asked about the blessings they have been able to witness from opening the doors of the chapel to its communities, Elder Hyrum Little stated, “Watching the joyous faces of those who are selflessly giving of their time and talents, gives me a greater sense of joy through my own service and it increases my desires to magnify my own mission efforts.”
Elder Samuel Jaccod commented, “Whenever service is done to anyone who is in need, the service is not just blessing their lives, but blessing those who are helping them too. Finding true happiness in your life will come as you strive to increase the joy in the lives of those around you.”
Both Elder Little and Elder Jaccod have been able to witness the blessings that have been brought to those who use the chapel, but also to the members and missionaries of the Newport Ward through the selfless, compassionate and loving service of those who have come to use the chapel.
Bishop Hayes encourages others to get involved with their communities by serving charities that they are passionate about, utilising their ward council, and reaching out to the community. “Being visible helps people recognise us and helps them trust us.” He finished by quoting Mosiah 2:17, “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”