Good News in the Heart of Salisbury
It was a warm day in Salisbury as we set up for today’s outreach. We had one good problem today – we had eleven people on the team sharing the good news. This provided a challenge, as the street in Salisbury is narrow, but at the same time it was a tremendous blessing, as it is a joy to see so many Christians sharing the good news.
The first preacher for the day was Paul Adams from Open-Air Campaigners USA. He did an excellent job preaching on “What is Sure?” In this message, he explained how certain things in this life are assured, but then he turned it around to show that Christ is the sure Saviour.
I was next up to preach. Today, I spoke on “Steps to Peace with God.” The area was proving to be quite challenging, I think partly due to the heat, but it also seemed quieter than usual. As I preached, a couple of people stopped to listen, and some shopkeepers came out to stand in their doorways and pay attention. One lady who listened walked forward at the end to receive a copy of John’s Gospel.
Two Nepalese men also listened for a while. Their English was poor, but they knew we were talking about Jesus. They were very excited to receive copies of John’s Gospel in their own language.
Another man who had listened returned later to ask for a New Testament.
I then had an interesting conversation. A lady noticed we had given literature to the Nepalese men, so she asked if we had anything in that language for her. I found this rather odd, as she was British and spoke better English than I do as an Australian! She wasn’t interested in English material, only Nepalese. It turned out she is a Buddhist who is employed by Salisbury Cathedral. She has visited Tibet and Nepal and even met the Dalai Lama. We had a brief chat, and she said she would be back the next time I’m in Salisbury to talk further.
Paul Stinchcombe was the next preacher. He did a superb job speaking on “What’s on Your Bucket List?” In this talk, he asks what people want to achieve before they die, then asks, “Is getting right with God on your to-do list?”
The final preacher for the day was Tony. He did a great job tying everything together. He preached about how people are responsible for what they hear. He stressed to those present that they had heard the good news, but they must respond to it.
Overall, the team did an excellent job in Salisbury. Tracts were handed out, conversations took place, and people stopped at the literature table to take material. I’m very thankful for everyone who served today.
Please pray for all who heard the good news. May this city be changed, not by religion, but by Christ.
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