Chariot of Fire launched (From Free Press Series)

Chariot of Fire launched

GET ON board the Chariot of Fire. A new bus is hitting the streets of Torfaen - but it won't take you to Cwmbran for a spot of shopping.

It's offering salvation for young people from pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse and a whole range of teenage traumas.

The Chariot of Fire bus is the idea of Gary Reynolds, pastor of the Zion Church Fellowship, Pisgah Road, Talywain. It aims to help young people find answers to their problems.

Although run by Christian volunteers, Mr Reynolds is adamant young people can come on board without being bombarded by Bible quotes.

Many young people may be familiar with the volunteers already as the bus is an extension of work they've been doing for the past three years.

"We used to walk the streets of Pontypool until around 3 or 4 am on a Friday night, meeting kids, talking to them and trying to help," said Mr Reynolds.

"We found there are quite a few 15-year-olds who can't tell their parents they are in a mess and we were able to help them.

"But these gangs are territorial. They don't move about very much so we didn't reach as many on foot as we wanted. The bus will be able to go all over Torfaen."

The project is backed by Gwent Police which contributed £1,500 to the project.

A police spokesman said: "We welcome anything that engages young people in a positive way and helps them stay out of trouble.

The bus cost £2,500 to buy. Organisers are looking for volunteers and cash to keep the project going. Volunteers will be subject to police checks.

"It's taken us three years to convert the bus ourselves," added Mr Reynolds.

The old seats were ripped out and replaced with benches, cushions, tables, a fully fitted kitchen. Visitors can watch TV or video and play on a Playstation. Trained volunteers will also be able to offer more serious services such as pregnancy counselling or access to drugs help.

"This is no magic solution," he added.

"The bus is just somewhere they can come. They won't go into church or a youth club so yes, it's a gimmick, but if it works...

"This is about reaching the kids. We find out where they congregate. We park up and then go and introduce ourselves. We talk to them and get their trust. We're not pushing religion down their throats but it's there if they want it.

"There are so many kids just hanging round the streets. They are looking for something in life but in the wrong place."

Mr Reynolds added: "The church is known now for taking. The church is about giving."

The name Chariot of Fire comes from the mount the prophet Elijah used to ascend to heaven in the Bible tale.