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Open-Air Mission
‘Holding fast the faithful word...’
(Titus 1:9)
(Titus 1:9)
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‘Holding forth the word of life...’
(Philippians 2:16)
(Philippians 2:16)
Keith Bullock
& Marian
Indoor and outdoor opportunities across the North West
Click here to read
Keith’s Testimony
RATTLED CAGES
There are times in open-air work when a quiet situation suddenly changes! One minute hardly anyone seems to be listening; indeed many seem oblivious to the preacher, when suddenly sparks begin to fly. It’s just as though you’ve rattled a cage! This can be triggered by a few words on display, or a sentence from the preacher, but instantly the whole scenario changes. Rattled cages, remind me that many people are trapped by sin and Satan. They need their cages rattled by the challenge of the gospel, so they can be set free! So we thank the Lord for these opportunities, though we are aware that we need a lot of wisdom in knowing how to handle them.
Without any warning, a well-dressed woman in Lancaster marched up to me and began to shout abuse! ‘Why don’t you shut up!’ she said, ‘People don’t want to hear that rubbish!’ I tried to respond calmly, but she persisted in ranting and raving. This marked the start of a brilliant day when contact after contact came along and obviously did want to hear. Simon, a young street salesman, came over to me and said he had a question he was desperate to ask, ‘When did I think the world was going to end?’ I shared what the Bible said, and he informed me that he was fascinated by religion. An amazing conversation ensued and I felt the Lord was working in his heart. He accepted some literature and I sensed Simon was close to the kingdom.
In Manchester I had only displayed one point of my open-air talk when a young man appeared and fiercely protested against what I was saying. He was an evolutionist and I had obviously touched a nerve! He was truly rattled. This led to a huge crowd forming and a very interesting session ensued, which involved all kinds of people.
A young Muslim man observed from start to finish. In talking with him afterwards he told me he was soon to be married and was having a re-think about his whole life, including his religion. He soaked up the gospel and seemed touched by the wonderful message of grace. He willingly received a gospel of John and a booklet about 5 Muslims who became Christians.
During what had been a fairly quiet open-air meeting in Newcastle, a middle-aged lady called Shona really had a go at me about all the suffering in the world. Although rattled, she was gracious enough to listen as I tried to answer her questions. Eventually we had a lovely conversation. Shona accepted a copy of the Mission’s booklet, ‘Why all the suffering?’
Without any warning, a well-dressed woman in Lancaster marched up to me and began to shout abuse! ‘Why don’t you shut up!’ she said, ‘People don’t want to hear that rubbish!’ I tried to respond calmly, but she persisted in ranting and raving. This marked the start of a brilliant day when contact after contact came along and obviously did want to hear. Simon, a young street salesman, came over to me and said he had a question he was desperate to ask, ‘When did I think the world was going to end?’ I shared what the Bible said, and he informed me that he was fascinated by religion. An amazing conversation ensued and I felt the Lord was working in his heart. He accepted some literature and I sensed Simon was close to the kingdom.
In Manchester I had only displayed one point of my open-air talk when a young man appeared and fiercely protested against what I was saying. He was an evolutionist and I had obviously touched a nerve! He was truly rattled. This led to a huge crowd forming and a very interesting session ensued, which involved all kinds of people.
A young Muslim man observed from start to finish. In talking with him afterwards he told me he was soon to be married and was having a re-think about his whole life, including his religion. He soaked up the gospel and seemed touched by the wonderful message of grace. He willingly received a gospel of John and a booklet about 5 Muslims who became Christians.
During what had been a fairly quiet open-air meeting in Newcastle, a middle-aged lady called Shona really had a go at me about all the suffering in the world. Although rattled, she was gracious enough to listen as I tried to answer her questions. Eventually we had a lovely conversation. Shona accepted a copy of the Mission’s booklet, ‘Why all the suffering?’