Copyright © 2011 The Open-Air Mission
Open-Air Mission
‘Holding fast the faithful word...’
(Titus 1:9)
(Titus 1:9)
Registered as a Charity: No. 215409
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‘Holding forth the word of life...’
(Philippians 2:16)
(Philippians 2:16)
NORWICH REVISITED
In my article for the January 2010 Master and Multitude I wrote: ‘There was a real desire among the churches to begin a regular open-air work and we look forward to returning next year, not as pioneers, but as partners’. Thanks to the combined efforts of Associate worker Alec Molton, and the local churches in Norwich a fortnightly open-air witness began in February 2011, with many good conversations resulting on each occasion. This meant that we did return to Norwich, (in September), as partners, just as we had hoped.
It was a real joy to meet up with many who had supported us the previous September and to get to know some new supporters who stood with us for some, or all, of the week. One innovation we tried was a book table, which proved a real asset, as folk would come up and browse through the literature and then engage in conversation. One was David, a polite atheist, who seemed to be searching. We discussed a number of aspects of faith, including whether someone giving their life to save another was suicide. I was able to point out the greatest self-sacrifice of all, Jesus Christ on the cross. I then gave my testimony and he listened well. After further conversation David received a John’s gospel. He seemed, underneath it all, to be searching, so I urged him to seek the Lord with all his heart.
Tony listened all the way through the preaching and accepted a gospel. He said he believed in God because a church had helped him when he was homeless and he had started going to church. However, he didn’t read the Bible and knew little about the Lord. I explained the gospel and he gladly received literature.
Lauren and Rosie listened to John Hawley while he was preaching and I spoke with them afterwards. They were atheists and thought that evolution had disproved the Bible. Lauren did most of the talking and for a while there was a sterile discussion. Then Lauren asked me how I became a Christian and Rosie said that she was going to ask that also! I was able to give my
testimony and there was a visible change in their attitude, especially that of Lauren. They left without taking literature, but I trust that they were given something to think about. May the Lord be at work to soften their hearts!
Please pray for the ongoing work in Norwich, that the Lord would bless the outreach.