Our story began when Pastor Wilhoite and his family felt a clear calling from God to leave their home and move to Wales. They didn’t know much about the country, but they followed God’s voice and came by faith, trusting that He had a purpose waiting for them here.
While walking through the Cardiff city centre, Pastor Wilhoite was warmly invited to a local church meeting. There he met Pastor Gwynfor Roberts and his wife Avis, who had been praying for God to send help for their ministry. It was clear that this meeting was no coincidence, it was part of God’s plan.
Together, their shared vision and dedication led to the founding of New Hope Centre in Llanrumney, Cardiff, 1984. With hard work, prayer, and a lot of faith, a new church was born, one rooted in hope and love for the community.
Pastor Wilhoite and his family faithfully served for 4 years before returning to the state of Maine in the USA, to continue their ministry there. The church continued for 15 years before relocating to Grangetown, Cardiff. Since then, New Hope Centre has continued to grow, moving to its present location and welcoming new generations into our church family.
Today, we remain committed to the same mission: to be a place of hope, faith, and belonging for everyone. Whether you’ve been walking with God for years or are just beginning your journey, there’s a place for you here.
Jesus heard the continuous prayers of Pastor Roberts’ sister, Anne who loved her older brother Gwynfor dearly. He had gone through many tragic events in somewhat of a short space of time. Firstly he injured his back at work badly, which left him mostly bedridden. His first born son of 5 children passed on a school swimming trip. His marriage was broken down, the start of alcoholism, chain smoking, and bitterness took over. Later he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given 6 months to live.
He was invited to church by a persistent friend, not realising this would transform his life. He was helped to the altar, and when the pastor laid hands on him and prayed, he felt a heat going through his body and the pain left. He was able to stand up straight by himself, pain-free. He went home to find he could no longer drink or smoke as “any attempt made him vomit” he would say laughing. Later he went to his clinic without an appointment to tell of his healing to his doctors and to announce that he was cancer free. The doctors could not believe how healthy he was and could only agree it was a miracle. “Jesus healed me”, he said. After that, he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ, doing street ministry and spreading the gospel of healing and deliverance, and laboured until The Lord Our Saviour Jesus Christ called him home more than 60 years later.