Interview | Rev. Aneurin Owen (Zolawma) leh Aled Owen

Summary

In this insightful interview, Reverend Anin Owen, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, and his son Aled, share their personal stories and experiences with faith, family, and their connection to Mizoram. Reverend Owen discusses the challenges and responsibilities of his role, including the need for new leaders and the growing mission work. They both reflect on their time in Mizoram, the strong bond between the two regions, and their mutual desire to strengthen the church through prayer and focus on Christ. The conversation highlights the importance of Christ-centered faith and the role of mission and leadership in revitalizing the church.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reverend Anin Owen is the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Wales and has a strong family network with children and grandchildren based in North Wales.
• 😀 Reverend Anin’s extended family is international, with members living in Africa, Barcelona, Paris, and Geneva, reflecting the global nature of their connections.
• 😀 The Presbyterian Church of Wales (PCW) faces significant challenges, such as declining membership and a shortage of human resources, making the need for new leaders urgent.
• 😀 A major challenge for PCW is the revitalization of the church and the planting of new churches, especially in areas where there is a lack of pastors and spiritual leaders.
• 😀 Aled, Reverend Anin's son, is visiting Mizoram for the first time and is impressed by the vibrant youth culture, including the choirs and youth activities in the church.
• 😀 Reverend Anin has a passion for landscape painting, particularly of Welsh mountains and valleys, and he finds joy in capturing light and atmosphere in his art.
• 😀 Reverend Anin shared a story about painting a nativity scene with symbolic meaning, including a cross above the Christ child and a swallow representing the house of God.
• 😀 The decline of Christianity in Wales is a pressing issue, with many people turning away from faith, and the church has lost sight of the true person and work of Christ.
• 😀 Reverend Anin emphasized the importance of keeping Christ at the center of the church’s work and reminded leaders in Mizoram to focus on Christ as Lord of all.
• 😀 Reverend Anin and Aled expressed hope for continued partnership between Wales and Mizoram, encouraging exchange in mission work, music, and arts, to strengthen the church’s growth.

Q & A

Can you tell us a little about your family back home in Wales?

Reverend Anin Owen has three children: Nia (the eldest daughter), Aled, and Emir. Additionally, they have six granddaughters. The family lives in North Wales, where they often see each other and share great joy as they watch the children grow up.

What challenges do you face as the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Wales?

The main challenge is managing the Presbyterian Church of Wales’ mission work, especially in planting new churches, maintaining links between traditional and new church expressions, and fostering leadership among young people. The shortage of human resources and finding new leaders in Wales are significant concerns as well.

What is the role of ecumenism in the Presbyterian Church of Wales?

Ecumenism is very important to the Presbyterian Church of Wales as it aims to collaborate with other denominations to address the common challenges they face, such as declining membership and resources. The church hopes to strengthen ties with international partners, including those in Mizoram, to develop new leaders and workers.

What was Aled's impression of Mizoram during his first visit?

Aled was excited to visit Mizoram after hearing many stories and seeing pictures. He found the experience very different from Wales, and he expressed a deep appreciation for the youth activities in Mizoram. He especially enjoyed the youth choirs and football match, although he prefers rugby over football.

How has Reverend Anin Owen's connection to Mizoram impacted his life?

Reverend Anin Owen’s connection to Mizoram is deeply personal. He was born in Mizoram in 1956 and spent part of his childhood there. He often reminisces about the missionary work of his father and the annual Mizo gatherings. His emotional return to his birthplace shows the strong link he feels with Mizoram and its people.

What role does art play in Reverend Anin Owen's life?

Reverend Anin Owen has a passion for painting, particularly focusing on Welsh landscapes. He began painting as a child and, after retiring, built a studio to continue his work. His landscape paintings emphasize light and the natural beauty of Wales. He also integrates his faith into his art, creating meaningful pieces such as nativity scenes that convey biblical messages.

Could you tell us more about Reverend Anin Owen's painting process?

Reverend Anin Owen primarily uses oil paints, which he keeps in a dedicated studio due to their strong odor. His paintings often focus on the Welsh landscape, capturing mountains, valleys, and light. He strives to evoke the atmosphere of the scene through the interplay of light and darkness in his work.

What story did Reverend Anin Owen share about one of his nativity paintings?

Reverend Anin Owen painted a nativity scene where Christ was laid in the straw, with Mary lying down to protect him and Joseph kneeling beside her. He included a shadow of the cross formed by Joseph’s staff and the beam above, symbolizing the connection between the nativity and the crucifixion. He later shared this painting with a local school, explaining its meaning to the children.

What is Reverend Anin Owen’s view on the current state of Christianity in Wales?

Reverend Anin Owen acknowledges the decline of Christianity in Wales and the challenges that come with it. He believes that a loss of focus on Christ is at the heart of this decline. For the church to thrive again, he emphasizes the need for a renewed vision of Christ’s supremacy and the importance of biblical teaching.

What plans does the Presbyterian Church of Wales have for the future?

The Presbyterian Church of Wales has a strategic plan to maintain its mission and ministry by using resources from the sale of chapels in small congregations. They aim to focus on church planting and the development of new leaders, especially through partnerships with international communities like Mizoram. Prayer and biblical teaching will be central to their efforts in reviving the church.