A Chinese Official and the Gospel – Portsmouth Evangelism

The city centre of Portsmouth was perfect today; not just because of the pleasant weather, but because, as we entered the city centre, we could hear singing. Normally, singing doesn’t help the open-air outreach, but today was different. About halfway along the street, an Asian man stood singing wonderful old Christian hymns. These hymns magnified God and proclaimed the gospel. It was great to hear singing in the street.

Moving further along Commercial Road, we set up and began to engage people with the good news. As we laid out material on the literature table, a man stopped and began to talk. He shared that he attends a Pentecostal church in Portsmouth, has been baptised, and that he has been free from drugs for nearly a year. We commended him for being free from drugs, but I wanted to make sure he was truly saved. Sadly, I have found over the years that many who attend church aren’t converted, so I asked, “Why do you think God would let you into Heaven?” The man wasn’t sure, but said he thought everyone would go to Heaven.

I asked, “Do you think Hitler is in Heaven?” The man shook his head, saying Hitler wasn’t there, and then admitted that not everyone would go to Heaven. So, we circled back to the first question: “Why do you think God would let you into Heaven?” This time, the man said that the way to Heaven was by being a good person and having your good deeds outweigh your bad.

Sadly, these kinds of answers are all too common from those who attend churches. There has been a real lack of biblical teaching, and as a result, many who come to services week in and week out are still lost.

I was able to share with the man what Jesus has done, and how it is only through God’s grace that people can be saved. The man listened and said he agreed with what I had said. He took a Bible and a couple of other booklets, including one that stresses the importance of trusting in Christ.

Once everything was set up, we began to preach. My first message was on the “Three S’s”. There was little interaction, though two people did take copies of John’s Gospel when offered.

Next up to preach was Jim, who spoke from John 3:3 on the need for spiritual birth. He did a good job explaining the wonderful grace of God.

Around this time, I found myself talking with two young men at the literature table. One of them was a Hindu who was questioning, and the other was a former atheist who, after studying the resurrection of Jesus, had become a Roman Catholic. We had a good chat, with the Hindu taking a book about the resurrection of Jesus, and the Roman Catholic man receiving a Gospel of John and a tract designed for those enslaved to Rome.

On my board, I have tracts specifically aimed at Roman Catholics, but I give them out sparingly. Not all Roman Catholics understand their doctrine or beliefs, so those kinds of tracts aren’t always helpful – in those cases, a simple gospel leaflet is the best way to go. However, this young man knew his stuff – he was quoting councils and history – he was switched on. In this case, a tract specifically addressing the errors of Rome was ideal.

I think we need to be careful when reaching out to Roman Catholics, as they aren’t all the same. A helpful book for those wanting to understand and evangelise Roman Catholics is written by a mate of mine, Rich Baxter – "Sharing the Gospel with a Catholic Friend".

Around this time, I was called into a conversation with a Chinese lady, who turned out to be a Chinese government religious scholar studying in Portsmouth. The lady had received a Bible but was now talking about the ‘glories’ of the Chinese Communist state. She wanted us to know that there is complete religious freedom in her country – if Christians don’t question or tell the government what to do.

I challenged her claims and pointed to Christian persecution in China (click here for more information). She said that in her village there were five churches, all of which had freedom to believe in God. I asked if those churches were government-registered and supportive of the Communist Party, and she told me they were.

I then asked, “Would I be allowed to set up a free Bible and literature table in China, especially if I wanted to reach out to those under the age of eighteen?” The lady refused to answer. Instead, she kept reciting Communist Party propaganda.

As we spoke, I explained that Jesus addresses all people and all governments. Using Psalm 2, I mentioned how all rulers, chairmen, presidents, kings, and individuals are called to submit to the lordship of Christ. She didn’t like the idea of the Communist Party and its leadership bowing to Jesus, so I went on to explain that if they don’t, He will judge them.

Unfortunately, the lady received a phone call and had to go, but she said she’d come back to talk another time. Please pray that the Lord will open her eyes, especially since she said she wants to read the Bible.

To finish off the outreach, I preached on John 3:16. A few stopped to listen, and one old man shouted out that sin is good. Beyond that, we had little interaction, though three people did receive John’s Gospels at the end of the message.

Throughout the day, there were many gospel conversations. The team was busy, and it was incredible to see the number of young people showing interest. The literature table was busy, with much material being taken. 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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