A Discussion with a Muslim Doctor from Gaza – Reading Evangelism

Due to a deputation meeting last month, where I got to share about the work of The Open-Air Mission, I hadn’t been in Reading for two months. This is one of my favourite outreach locations, so I was happy to return and join the brothers and sisters in the town to share the gospel. We had a good-sized team today, with fourteen people joining us on the streets.

Fergus commenced the preaching by doing something a little different. He set up a sketchboard and painted as he shared the gospel. He spoke on the subject, "Which One Are You?" In this message, he challenged the beliefs people hold before presenting an apologetic and gospel message.

One man who listened to Fergus preach made his way over to the literature table, where I was able to speak with him. The man was older and very friendly. His accent and appearance revealed he wasn’t local, so I asked where he came from. He smiled and said, "I am from Palestine!" As he said these words, he examined my face closely, almost as if he were looking for some kind of objection or comment. I simply replied by asking how long he had been living in England.

The man went on to share that he was a retired surgeon from Gaza and was a convinced Muslim. After marrying a Hungarian Christian, he had moved to the United Kingdom to enjoy his retirement.

The man was very easy to talk to and extremely friendly. He presented his case for Islam and, unlike many Muslims, he was knowledgeable about the Qur'an. We had a good discussion about the person and work of Jesus, and the trustworthiness of the Bible.

Like many Muslims, he misunderstood Christianity, with some of his objections having no basis. For instance, he claimed that Christians believe in three gods and that Mary is part of the Trinity. He was one of those Muslim men who enjoyed being challenged, so I pushed back on his claims and told him plainly that he was wrong. He liked the cut and thrust of the discussion. He made his case, I responded, and presented the gospel. I also challenged the claims of Islam and its validity.

At the end of our conversation, we shook hands and parted as friends. Before he left, he took a copy of John's Gospel in Arabic, as well as a couple of apologetic booklets. As he was leaving, he lamented that so many Europeans say they believe in God but do not live as though He is there. I had to agree with him on this point, and then stressed that it is important that we know who God is. He smiled, waved, and went on his way.

As all this was taking place, other team members were busy. One member of the team was having a good discussion with a French lady, while Richard preached. I couldn’t tell you what Richard said due to my conversation, but I am confident the gospel was made clear.

Something else that took place was that Rich interviewed Ollie in the open air. Ollie then shared his testimony of how he came to faith in the Lord Jesus. It was a creative way of presenting the gospel in public.

When it came time for me to preach, I spoke on the "Three S's". A few people seemed to listen, and some even laughed at my poor sense of humour! At the end of the message, one man received a copy of John's Gospel.

Next up to preach was Trevor, who used the illustration of needing an advocate in court. He then explained that, just as we need someone to defend us in court, so we need a great Advocate to defend us on Judgement Day. He did a good job proclaiming Christ as that Advocate.

Rich Baxter was the final preacher of the day. He spoke on, "What's Wrong with These Statements?" Taking three secular quotes about life and death, he showed the folly of worldly wisdom by comparing it with Scripture. He finished by proclaiming Christ, the One who gives life.

It was an enjoyable afternoon in Reading. Please pray that the Lord would open the hearts of many and that they would be saved.

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