A Profitable Time in Winchester
It has been a very wet start to the year. Each day we’ve had rain, which meant we were wondering whether our Winchester outreach would even take place. Thankfully, there was a break in the weather for the entire time we were on the streets. Drizzle before, rain afterwards — but in the middle it was windy, yet dry.
Before today’s outreach, I had the honour of meeting with a couple of church leaders and believers from two different local churches. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how we can better reach this city for Jesus. I was encouraged by the meeting and am looking forward to seeing how we can all labour together in the gospel.
As we prepared to set up for the outreach, I saw (and heard) something that isn’t helpful for open-air evangelism — a busker! He had set up near where we normally preach, and with his amplified music it would have been a challenge to use our usual spot. Thankfully, he was singing country music, which made his busking much more bearable!
We set up a bit further down the road. This location proved to be quite good, as it allowed people more space to stop and listen.
I was the first preacher of the day; my message was, “Why Christianity?” In this talk, I explained our spiritual condition and why we need to consider the claims of Jesus and respond to them. A few people listened, including two young ladies who later came back to speak further with Colin. Several people also made their way over to the literature table to receive gospel material.
Next up was Paul. He spoke on the importance of change — why it is needed, and how it only comes through Jesus. He also had a few people listening.
As Paul preached, I spoke with a lady at the literature table. She told me she had come from a Jehovah’s Witness background but had left the cult when she realised they had produced their own translation of the Bible. She is now on a journey, trying to find a good church and discover the truth. I was able to give her a couple of gospel booklets and connect her with a Christian from a local evangelical church. Hopefully, she’ll attend services and find a church home.
Colin preached next. He did a great job explaining the gospel and interacting with a lady who asked a couple of questions (she was a new Christian). After Colin, Alex preached. This young man has only been saved for about a year. He comes from a rough background, but the Lord has truly taken hold of him. He did a good job explaining the gospel, and a few young people paused to listen as he preached.
It was a profitable few hours in Winchester. This is the hardest outreach location I visit, but with the ploughing of the gospel and the prayers of God’s people, I am sure this place can be won for Christ.
Would you 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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