CACO began in the Spring of 2001, as a result of the vision of a small group of church leaders in Cardiff. They had been inspired with the way God was working in Southampton through Southampton Asian Christian Outreach (SACO!) and wanted to start a similar evangelistic cross-cultural outreach in Wales. The initial target area was the Cathays-Roath district of Cardiff, where many Pakistani and Bangladeshi families live. As  the work has expanded, friendships have developed with other nationalities, such as Iranians and Arabs.

The number of churches involved has also increased from the initial 5 – Gabalfa Baptist Church, Glenwood, Highfields, Mackintosh Evangelical, and Woodville Baptist – to include the Arabic Church, the Bay Church, and Tredegarville Baptist Church.

The CACO team currently consists of 4 workers:-

Phillip & Florence James(of Gabalfa Baptist Church) seconded by Urban Vision, a ministry of Interserve. They were the first workers – in May 2003.

Nicole Edkins (of Minister Christina Centre) seconded by Grace Baptist Mission. She joined in 2005.

Sally Beaman (of the Bay Church) seconded by Urban Vision in September 2006.

Ministry has developed in a variety of ways, with help from many other friends from various churches:-

1. One to one visiting, through visitation, help, and Bible studies, especially to asylum seekers and refugees.

2. Literature distribution at Splott Boot Sale Market and in the City Centre (in conjunction with our established Arabic Church Outreach).

3. The international Ladies Sowing Group, now meeting at Tredegarville Baptist Church.

4. Voluntary assistance at a local English language school.

5. Practival help for asylum seekers and refugees e.g. when they move house.

6. Seasonal activities, such as the distribution of calendars in a variety of languages, summer outings, and our annual Christmas Celebration, organised by Rev Bhaskar Rao, a member of the CACO committee.

Phillip James

Updated September 2007