About

It is with great sadness that the North Nibley Romania Team announces the death of its founder George Stephens.

George was the pastor at North Nibley Congregational Church during the 1980s and was there in 1991 when the first visit was made to Romania. The story goes that they were praying for the people in Romania after the media showed the dreadful conditions, then someone said "As well as praying, why don't we go out there and help".

George made contact with churches in Romania, particularly with the Hungarian Baptist Church in Strada Lunga in Brasov.

He was a well known preacher in the vicinity of Wotton Under Edge and also had many contacts in Wales.

He died on 11th September and the funeral took place on the 18th September at the North Nibley chapel - just for family members.

On Saturday 1st November, there was a memorial concert in memory of George at the West End Congregational Church in Ebbw Vale. Peter, Vanessa and Wendy attended from the Charity. About 300 people sang some of George's favourite hymns, ably assisted by a Welsh Male Voice choir. George's son Ian spoke intermittently about his Father's life and afterwards the lady members of the church provided tea, sandwiches and cake to a very large crowd. Donations were given in aid of creating a Youth and Retreat Centre in Wales. This apparently was his dream.

It was a stirring tribute to the founder of our charity and a very warm feeling pervaded the gathering.