A Sunny Outreach in Newbury
I was running late for today’s outreach in Newbury, but the witnessing began at the exact time the Lord had ordained. Due to the sunny and warm weather, the street was busy with people going about their lives — living, working, shopping — all getting one step closer to eternity without hearing of Christ. It was those very people we endeavoured to reach today.
Trevor was the first preacher of the day. He challenged those in the town centre to answer the question of how they would fare if they were called into the presence of God this very day. He asked a very pointed question: did the people in Newbury have true hope?
As Trevor preached, Bill was busy speaking with two young Muslim ladies from Afghanistan. One was more open than the other and took gospel literature in her own language.
When it came time for me to preach, I spoke on “The Message of the Cross.” A few people listened as they sat nearby, and one man took a copy of John’s Gospel at the end of the message.
While I was preaching, Bill was engaged in a conversation with a young man from a Jewish background. At first, the man wanted to argue that Jesus was black, but he quickly realised he had no basis for such a claim. He listened to the gospel and said he would soon be trusting in Christ. Bill urged him to repent and believe today. The man took a copy of John’s Gospel before heading on his way.
Over at the literature table, Trevor spoke with a young Muslim man who was very friendly and open. He had numerous questions, so Trevor gave him a copy of Ultimate Questions by John Blanchard. The man said he would read it and would come back next time to talk further.
Around this time, Bill preached on the subject, “Are You a Real Christian?” A few people listened, and one Christian was greatly encouraged. At the end of the message, two people took Gospels.
While Bill was busy preaching, I spoke with an older Roman Catholic lady at the literature table. She loved what we were doing and asked if she could have a book to read later. We gladly gave her a couple of gospel booklets, including one aimed specifically at Roman Catholics.
Shortly afterwards, an Afghan Muslim lady stopped at the table. She was interested in Christianity and wanted a New Testament. We gladly gave her a copy, along with a gospel booklet in her language. For a place like Newbury, I was surprised at the number of Afghan ladies we met today.
To finish the outreach, I preached on “The Big Picture of Easter.” As before, a few people sat to listen, and one man took a copy of John’s Gospel.
It was an enjoyable day of outreach in Newbury. Our prayer is that these gospel seeds which have been sown will grow and that, in time, the Lord will bring in a mighty harvest. Would you please join us in praying for the conversion of this community?
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.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAGAZINE AND PRAYER NOTES