Autobiographies should be written by those who have lived long, reflected on their lives, and have something to tell. That is all true of Dr Eryl Davies. He is now in his tenth decade, but, as the last chapter of this book declares, he is still here! Yet, why write at all? Why not let others write about you? Dr Eryl answers that in his introduction: he wanted to give his children and grandchildren an account of a life that has been very varied and interesting; he has been asked several times to write an autobiography; his life is a record of change in the last half of the 20th Century and the beginning of the 21st Century; and, supremely, he has found in his own research that it is often difficult to find primary source material. Whilst researching the life of Rev. John Pugh (1846-1907), whose selfless gospel work in Wales led to the formation of the Forward Movement of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, Dr Davies found precious little written by John Pugh himself.
This is a most interesting book to read. In the early chapters, we discover why, as a young man, he supported Everton rather than Liverpool, his experiences as a police cadet, and his various jobs, such as working in the Homepride flour factory. We learn that he felt called to ministry before he experienced Christian conversion. The book covers his training, his two pastorates in Maesteg and Bangor, and his call to become Principal of the Bible College in Bridgend. Throughout the book, two great themes emerge: his love for his wife Magwen, his children and grandchildren, and his dependence on God. He freely admits his failings and struggles, but glories in the God of providence and love.
Christians of all ages and backgrounds will benefit from reading this book. It is a window into the struggles of evangelical Christians through the 1950s to the 1970s, and it is also a personal journey of faith and love for the Lord Jesus. Readers will be challenged by the pastoral heart, prayerful spirit, and devotion to family that are revealed by this humble servant of God.
