Mrs Mari Jones (1915-2012)
One of the early pioneers of the work of the Evangelical Movement of Wales (EMW), Mari Jones (‘Anti Mari’), went home to glory last year. Mrs Jones had been present in the first EMW Welsh Conference in Bala in 1952, coming to help as a cook in 1954.
She came to faith through the testimony of her sister and, in 1953, married farmer John Jones, from Brynuchaf, Llanymawddwy. Together they built up the farmstead to offer hospitality for Christian workers and friends. Their welcome was described as ‘a foretaste of heaven’.
A book of allegorical tales was penned by Mrs Jones to help encourage Christians in their walk with God. She called the trilogy of books: In the shelter of the fold, In the shadow of Aran and When swallows return. Copies are still to be found in the EMW’s bookstores.
When they retired from farming, they moved into Bala and helped to serve the church there. Mrs Jones survived her husband by a few years, before her own death last year.
Edited from the Evangelical Magazine January/February (2013), with permission
