Many Gospel Conversations in Portsmouth
You can learn much about an area just by observing what posters have been put up recently. Over the past couple of weeks, I have noticed that there has been a growing number of posters in Portsmouth advertising the Communist Party and calling for people to join them in their struggle. This is concerning, as Communism is anti-God and very much opposed to Christianity. They long to silence the gospel and suppress the church. The 20th century demonstrated the absolute evils of Communism, yet here in Portsmouth we are seeing it raise its ugly head again. They call for revolution, but we call for a biblical reformation. They shout works; we proclaim a message of grace!
Yet even though darkness was trying to put out the light, the gospel still shone brightly in the city today. Not long after we arrived, some Christians stopped by to encourage us and pray for us. That is always welcome!
We noticed today that people seemed very open to receiving gospel tracts. One of our team members commented that it has been a long time since he has handed out so many tracts in Portsmouth. Even though it was hot, people would stop in the shade to read the literature and speak about the Lord Jesus.
I was the first to preach today, speaking on the subject of "Steps to Peace with God". I urged people to consider Christ. As I preached, a few of those listening made their way over to the literature table, where they received a copy of the Bible or a New Testament. At the end of my message, two of those who had listened each received a copy of John's Gospel.
Next up to preach was Jim, who preached on "Jesus, the only Saviour of sinners!" He clearly explained the gospel, and people listened. Two workmen paused to listen for a few minutes, then began to walk away. As they left, I offered them tracts and asked what they thought. They were in a hurry, but both said they agreed with the preaching and that they would read the tract.
A couple also listened to Jim preach. I had a long conversation with them, as they had questions about how to get to Heaven, and they were concerned about the rise of Islam in the United Kingdom. After hearing the gospel, they received a Bible and an in-depth gospel booklet.
While this was taking place, Margaret was talking with a Nepalese man who is here studying at university. The man has no religious background and was a complete blank slate when it came to Christianity. He had so many questions, which she answered from Scripture. She then asked me to join the conversation. The man was very open and asked more questions about the Bible. He took a copy of John's Gospel in English and Nepali, as he wants to understand more about Jesus. We were also able to refer him to a good local church.
By now, the outreach was nearing its normal finishing time, but the work was still underway. Team members were busy handing out tracts and having conversations with people. Over at the literature table, I spoke with two young ladies, one of whom professed to be a Christian, and the other who said she was leaning towards Buddhism.
We had a good conversation about the gospel and how Christ can change people spiritually. We also discussed how Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the Truth. Both were very friendly and open, so they each received a copy of John's Gospel and an in-depth tract.
It was a busy and productive day in Portsmouth. The gospel continues to spread. 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.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAGAZINE AND PRAYER NOTES