Liverpool Outreach – Day 1
Today was the first day of The Open-Air Mission Team Event in Liverpool. It was encouraging to be around so many like-minded brethren, who are all passionate about reaching the lost for Jesus. We come from different backgrounds and have different styles, yet we come together with one gospel.
Throughout the outreach, we had numerous preachers share the good news. I can’t tell their stories, so I can only share what I experienced today.
My first conversation was with an Indian man from London. He had stopped to listen to the preaching, and then as he began to leave, I engaged him in conversation. He told me he enjoyed the preaching as he was a Christian. Sadly, I’ve discovered that just because someone says they are a Christian, it doesn’t mean they truly are. So, I asked the man, “When did you become a Christian?” He smiled and answered, “I was born a Christian.” This set off alarm bells in my mind. The question I now faced was how could I gently share the gospel with this man who most likely is self-deceived. I asked him, “I want you to imagine I am not a Christian, and I’ve only got three minutes left to live. What would you say to me so I can become a Christian?” A look of blankness crossed the man’s face – he didn’t know what to say. This allowed me to share the gospel with him, although I had to do so quickly as his family wanted to leave. He did take a tract before departing.
My next gospel chat was with a Muslim man from Turkey. He had listened to John Hawley preach, and then as he went to leave, I spoke with him. He told me he had many questions about Christianity, as in his mind both Islam and Christianity are the same. We discussed the differences between the two religions, and I stressed that Jesus made exclusive claims about Himself. I then asked the Muslim man if he knew he was going to Paradise. The man shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t know. If Allah wills.” I told him I had 100% confidence that I’d go to Heaven, then asked, “Would you like to know how I’m sure?” The Muslim man eagerly asked to hear more. This allowed me to share the gospel and to stress the certainty of salvation. As we finished talking, he asked for a copy of John’s Gospel, which I gladly gave him.
I had one more kind of good conversation before I preached, this time with a new-age pro-Palestinian protester. He handed me his leaflet and asked for my thoughts on the conflict in the Middle East. I answered, then asked him, “How do you think we can end the hate?” The man suggested sanctions and embargoes on Israel, the USA, and the UK. I asked, “How will that end the hate?” The man admitted it wouldn’t, and he didn’t know how to change the hearts of the people. I told him there is a way for hearts to change, but the moment I mentioned Jesus the man became hostile. His mantra of peace and tolerance quickly disappeared as he expressed his hatred towards Christ. I pointed out he was opposing the very solution to the evil in the world, and then I made it personal. I said Jesus could solve the problem of the new ager's heart. I challenged him to consider Jesus, but the man was opposed. The seed was sown.
Towards the end of the outreach, it came time for me to preach. I decided to speak on “Who is Jesus Christ?” A few people paused to listen, and then along came an atheistic heckler. He was engaging and opinionated – this helped build the crowd. Unfortunately, I think he realised he couldn’t answer the questions, so he made his excuses and left. I presented the good news to the crowd and was encouraged by three people who took copies of John’s Gospel.
Day One is complete. I look forward to seeing what the Lord does tomorrow. Please pray for all those who heard the good news.
SDG!
__________________
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