Life beyond the Jehovah Witnesses :: Gospel Outreach Report: BITTERNE, Southampton

Today (Saturday), a team of us (Seven) did a Gospel outreach in Bitterne precinct. Note: this was a Spring Road Evangelical Church outreach, headed up by the pastor Mark Stocker.

"faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

An overcast day today in a windy Bitterne precinct. We set up a table with a clear offer of free

Bibles and printed literature. Two men today shared three Gospel messages and there were many people about.

We also had scripture boards that people can read from afar.

An interuption to the preaching

Mark preached first, speaking of the attempt at peace in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine. He also spoke of how some people think the Bible is all about having peace between us as His creation. But he clarified that peace between God and man was the most important type of peace we need - and is described in great detail as the central message of the Bible. Mark went on to explain why Jesus came into the world and how Jesus died on the cross for the sins of those whom would call upon His Name. Appealing for anyone with an ear to hear, to seek the Lord while He may be found - to know true peace with our Creator! Sadly, before he finished his message, a lady interupted him, suggesting he might want to try doing things differently. Such as adding music etc to the presentation. After a short conversation, Mark was able to continue and the lady then spoke with another team member, Keith.

It's not uncommon for people professing to be Christians - who I am sure mean well - to come along and challenge the preaching of God's Word by suggesting we do it in a more "relevant way." But we rest on the verses in scripture that make it clear what pleases the Lord - "it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." 1 Corinthians 1:21

Life beyond the Jehovah Witnesses

As Mark finished his preaching, shortly after he was approached by a lady who had left the Jehovah Witnesses. Knowing that the JWs were wrong, someone advised her to seek a Bible believing / teaching church. So far she had not found one. So she asked if we belonged to such a church and was pleased to discover we are.

Mark was able to share some scriptures with her and point her to our Sunday evening service at Spring Road. She took a Bible and a Seeking God booklet. We pray that this dear lady might find "true life beyond the Jehovah Witnesses" and visit us at Spring Road that we might continue in conversation with her.

The unpredictability of life

Keith Bailey preached after Mark, about the unpredictability of life. That any one of us could be taken from this life into the next - even today! Appealing to anyone who would listen - to get right with God today through the way in which God has ordained.

During this preaching was when Mark was approached at the table by the lady who has walked

away from the JWs.

Also at this time, another gentleman approached the table - who lives near our church - he also took a Bible.

Finally: The alcoholic

During the final preaching session (Mark), a man stopped to listen, he was nodding to what Mark was preaching. So as he began to ride away, I approached him and asked him what he thought of the message. It was clear the man struggled in his conversation - damaged by alcohol abuse. We had a conversation about what he believed and I asked him if he had a Bible. I repeatedly pleaded with him that his only hope for a right relationship with God was found in Jesus. He admitted he feels guilty for his sins and has people telling him in his life that Jesus is the answer. I told him that his drink, his drugs - none of these were the answer he was looking for. That the things of this world are useless and he agreed.

He happily took two Gospel flyers and when we parted company, I noticed he was stood not far away reading them carefully.

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

For His Glory,

-Nigel, Printing Evangelism