Numerous Conversations in Manchester
It was good to join Stuart and The Open-Air Mission team in Manchester this afternoon. The city centre was busy, with people rushing around exploring the Christmas markets and doing their shopping. I arrived at the outreach a few minutes late, so when I got there, Stuart was already preaching on “What is Christmas Really About?” When he finished, I set up the literature table and began speaking with people.
As others from the team preached, I found myself talking to numerous people who stopped at the literature table. The first person I spoke with was a lady from Romania. She is from Maramureș and was stunned to discover that I had preached the gospel in that region. This connection opened the door for the gospel – at the end of our conversation, she took some material.
Next, I spoke with a Chinese student who had grown up as an atheist. While studying in Manchester, he had become intrigued by the person of Jesus. We chatted about Christ, and he took a copy of the New Testament and several booklets.
The table was a magnet for people. Next, a lady stopped to share that she had been wanting to read the Bible. We chatted about the gospel, and she took a copy of the New Testament and a booklet by John Blanchard. As soon as that conversation ended, I spoke with a Roman Catholic man who wanted to read the Bible, as he wasn’t sure what happens when he dies. He, too, took a copy of the New Testament and a booklet by Blanchard.
The final person I spoke with at the table was a young man from Africa. He said he’d been a Christian his whole life but wasn’t sure how to get to Heaven. He listened to the good news and took an in-depth tract.
While all this was happening, one preacher after another was proclaiming the gospel to all who would listen. Eventually, it came time for me to preach. I spoke on “Christmas Signs.” A few people paused to listen to snippets of the message, then moved on. This included a young lady from the Gold Coast, Australia (my home region!).
After I preached, the brothers all preached again. Then I got to speak a second time; this time, I preached on “Name that Carol.” I was encouraged that three people took copies of John’s Gospel at the end.
Finally, Daniel preached. He concluded the outreach by sharing a message from Romans 6:23.
It was an enjoyable outreach in Manchester; many people heard the gospel and took literature. It was a pleasure to labour alongside this team – all of them do an excellent job. Please pray for all those who heard the good news.
SDG!
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Josh Williamson is a full-time evangelist with The Open-Air Mission. Since 1853, OAM has been sharing the good news on the streets of the United Kingdom. To stay updated about the work of the Mission, please sign up for the free quarterly magazine and monthly prayer notes.
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