All Bibles gone! :: Gospel Outreach Report: SOUTHAMPTON

Today (Friday), a team of us (Seven) did a Gospel outreach in Southampton. Note: this was an Open Air Mission outreach, headed up by Josh Williamson.

"walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7

Another beautiful day, and a man walked up to us instantly (before we set anything up) who had met us before, and asked for a free Bible. This one of the many good reasons why it is important, where possible, to have a regular outreach, in the same spot, at the same time.

Over the weeks and months, people get to know us and visa versa. Conversations can carry on where they left off. Christians know where we are if they find they need literature on a certain subject to witness to others.

Celebrities: Where are they now?

Mike Mellor Started to preach near the beginning. His message had the title "Where are they now?" Under the title were pictures of famous celebrities who have died over the years. This included people from a range of different genres - Music (Tina Turner, Micheal Jackson etc) to scientist Stephen Hawking.

Mike often tries to encourage people to try and name as many that are pictured as possible. This leads into Gospel conversations. This week, I was praying that the Lord might draw people in and He did! Three young lads in the picture below. These boys were not saved, but were engaged in conversation and took literature - urged to get right with God.

An annoyed busker

Josh took a turn to preach his message "God is love." This stirred up a busker who was a stones throw away from us (pictured below).

The busker is not a stranger to us being there. But something in the messages this week really effected him. He wanted Josh to stop. Supposedly it was the volume. Later he has a problem with one of our other preachers (who is certainly not as loud as Josh). With Josh, he actually came right up close to him and started playing his guitar. This continued for some time. Josh tried to engage with him, without success. It even led to a random person who walked by to come up and pray against the busker. After he prayed, the busker backed away!

New Testament for a lady's daughter

At one point a lady stopped at the table to take a new testament for her daughter. I tried to engage with her, but it was clear she did not want to hang around. With her in mind, I gave her a Gospel tract saying to her "Here is a summary of the Bible for you." She happily took this. It is a shame that she would not stop. But this is the advantage of carrying Gospel tracts. Some people may take a New Testament or Bible, for themselves, or someone else. Those who handle such things may never get around to reading them. But a good striking Gospel tract may just be the right seed to work in their heart.

Spurgeon said "When preaching and private talk are not available, you need to have a tract ready . . . Get good striking tracts, or none at all."

Why not check out our article "5 reasons to use Christian tracts" by clicking here.

Do you have a favorite Gospel tract? Why not share details in the comments below. To request free Gospel tracts, please click here.

To find out more about what went on while we were in Southampton today, you can read another report from Josh Williamson by clicking here.

Please take a moment and pray for the receivers of many tracts, booklets, New Testaments, Gospels of John and Bibles that were handed out today.

-Nigel, Printing Evangelism