A HAVERFORDWEST minister has dodged gun-toting tribes to renew a historic link between Wales and northern India.

Rev Gareth Edwards, minister of Hill Park Baptist Church in Prendergast, spent seven days in the poor Churachandpur region, near the border with Burma.

The married father of three followed in the footsteps of fellow Welshman Watkin Roberts, who spread the gospel in 1910.

Rev Edwards said: "The people are still very interested in Wales. They regard us almost as being their mothers and fathers.

"They are sad about the decline of the church here. They find it heart-breaking that the country that brought the Christian message is now turning its back on it."

Rev Edwards, 50, gave sermons, trained ministers, visited a refuge for widows and met with youngsters studying at bible college.

He was even invited to spend an evening with a family who had gathered to remember their son, who had died a year earlier.

The family presented Rev Edwards with a condolence shawl in memory of his mother, who had died several months previously.

"It was a very humbling experience. These people have so little to give but their generosity is amazing," he said.

But despite a thriving church scene, the region has many troubles.

"It is plagued by political instability and violence. Heroin and guns are readily available. Different tribes tend to take pot shots at each other and at the Indian Army."

Six people were killed during his visit.

"I was very well looked after and they made sure I was totally safe. If there was ever a possibility of danger things were instantly cancelled."

Rev Edwards plans to return next year and hopes to raise funds for a security wall around the bible college.

Anyone who can help should contact Rev Edwards on 01437 762994.