Continuous Gospel Conversations – Brighton Evangelism
Due to travel, injuries, and weather, it has been a little while since I was last in Brighton, but today it was good to return and work alongside the saints from Grace Church – Brighton in reaching this needy city.
Our usual preaching location wasn’t available due to roadworks, so we planned to go to another spot to preach. However, when we arrived, there was a pro-Palestine protest taking place there. Thankfully, a bit further up the road was an open space where we could set up. This was the first time any of us had been in that location, and it proved to be the best place for evangelism that I’ve seen in Brighton. The footfall was constant, and it was wide enough for us to set up without blocking traffic. It was also an ideal location for continuous gospel conversations. So many people were open to talking, with many receiving a Bible after a gospel discussion.
Julian, an elder from Grace Church, began the preaching. He spoke about how Jesus came down to be with us — that Christ entered our darkness and that God has not abandoned us. It was a very clear and faithful gospel message, showing people the love and kindness of Christ towards sinners.
I preached next, speaking on “Steps to Peace with God.” I explained that the reason we have so many issues in our world and in our lives is because we have all chosen to turn our backs on God. After explaining sin and our inability to rescue ourselves, I shared how God the Son, the Lord Jesus, came down from heaven to save sinners. One lady who listened to the preaching received a Bible afterwards.
While the preaching was taking place, I noticed team members were busy talking with people. Every time I looked around, someone was in a gospel conversation — a trend that continued throughout the day.
Around this time, I offered tracts to two Muslim men who were passing by. They stopped, took the literature, and began to chat. They shared that they were from Oman and told me a bit about their families and lives. As we spoke, the conversation naturally moved towards spiritual matters. They explained what they believed, and I shared what the Bible says.
Both men thought they would go to Paradise because of their good deeds, so using the Ten Commandments, we examined how good they really were. When they recognised their sin, both said they would be guilty before God. I then asked, “How will you get to Paradise if you are guilty?” They paused, then replied, “God is merciful and forgiving.”
This is a standard Islamic response, so I countered by saying, “Imagine we had lunch together, but then decided to rob the restaurant where we ate. We’d be arrested and taken before a judge. When found guilty, if we said, ‘Judge, you are merciful and forgiving, please let us go,’ would he let us go free?” Both men answered in the negative — they could see that justice needed to be done.
They agreed that a penalty would be imposed and that some form of punishment would be necessary. I then asked, “So, since God is good and just, how can He simply let you go free?” The men replied that God would have to punish them. I continued, “Imagine, back in court, if we were found guilty but someone stepped forward and paid our fine — could we go free then?” Both men agreed and saw that they needed someone to pay for their sin. The problem they faced was that Islam has no saviour — thankfully, Christianity does!
This gave me the opportunity to explain the gospel to them — a message they said they had never heard before. At the end of our chat, they both took copies of the Gospel and a booklet written for Muslims.
As soon as that conversation ended, I found myself speaking with two young men who were interested in learning more about Christianity. They told me they rejected Roman Catholicism (which is a good thing!). When I asked why, they replied that it didn’t make sense to confess sins to a priest when they could go straight to God themselves (correct!). I was able to explain the gospel to them and urged both to go directly to Jesus for forgiveness. Each took a copy of the Bible.
During this time, team members continued to speak with people, and the literature table was busy. I wish I could say all my gospel conversations were like those mentioned above, but not everyone is open. My next discussion was with an older man who professed atheism and wanted to argue.
He wanted me to know how foolish Christians are, so I asked what had convinced him of atheism. The man faltered, then said, “It’s clear!” I gently pushed back, saying, “No, it isn’t. What convinced you to become an atheist?” He mumbled something, so I began to engage him in some basic apologetics.
Eventually, he admitted, “I don’t have an argument — I just trust what I’ve been told.” I pointed out that this was a position of faith, not evidence. I then asked if I could tell him why he was really an atheist. He scoffed and challenged me to do so. Using John 3:19–20, I pointed out that the real reason for his unbelief was a love of sin and an unwillingness to submit to God. At first he denied this, but then admitted he wanted to chart his own course in life. He didn’t stay long after that, but I pray our conversation has at least given him something to think about.
As I returned to handing out tracts, a new-age lady took a copy of “Is Life Worth Living?” from me. She shared that she had Christian morals but wondered if life truly has value. I was able to share with her that we have value and worth because of who made us — but the problem is that we’ve turned our backs on Him. She listened to the gospel and was very open and receptive.
Next up to preach was Skully, an elder from Grace Church, who spoke about the futility of life and materialism. He then showed that Christ brings hope into the darkness and did an excellent job of explaining the gospel.
As the outreach continued, we also met several Christians who were encouraged by the work. One was an older gentleman who helped start OAC Ministries in Brighton in the 1960s. He used to preach regularly but can no longer do so due to health issues. He was excited to hear that I was with OAC Australia before moving to the UK and that I’m now with The Open-Air Mission.
Another Christian was amazed that we were able to share the gospel, as she had heard that people in Brighton were generally violent and hostile to the Bible. Through misinformation and social media clips, her courage for evangelism had been taken away — she now lived in fear and was nervous about mentioning Christ. I did my best to encourage her by sharing what had happened today, and she left feeling a little less fearful.
Today was an excellent day of outreach in Brighton. We rejoice in all that the Lord has done. Please spend a few moments praying that those who heard the good news would come to trust in Jesus.
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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