Finding Answers in Southampton
Our Lord is completely sovereign over the weather (Matthew 5:45); although the wisdom of men predicted today would be wet and windy, it turned out to be pleasant, with the sun shining and blue skies. It was perfect weather for evangelism in Southampton.
From the moment we arrived, we could tell it would be busy. As we were setting up the literature table, people began to stop to chat and take material. One lady shared with Nigel about all the trauma she had been through, and then took a Bible. We pray she finds peace and hope in Christ.
Mike Mellor commenced the preaching by speaking on “Where Are They Now?” Using famous deceased celebrities, he challenged people to consider their own eternal salvation. A few people paused to listen, including some Chinese tourists who took cards with a link to the gospel in their language.
I preached next, speaking on the subject of “Lessons from the Boomerang.” A few people paused to listen, and it was encouraging to see team members engage them in discussion after the open-air session. When I offered the Gospel of John to anyone who wanted to discover more about Christ, one lady who had been listening indicated she’d like one. When I gave her the Gospel, she asked if we could talk. I sat next to her, and soon she was in tears, sharing her story. She spoke about a difficult situation she found herself in and how she had given in to sin. She expressed that she wasn’t sure what to do or where to find answers. But then she said, “I was told there were preachers in Southampton on Friday afternoon who could help.” This lady drove nearly an hour to find answers and help. Using 1 John 1:9, I was able to share the good news with her and point her back to Jesus. At the end, I prayed for her and told her about a good church near where she lives. Despite what she was told, we don’t have all the answers, but we can point to the One who does!
Next, Jeremy preached on “Warning: Six Deadly Lies.” As he preached, Mike found himself in what would become a long and productive conversation with a mother and son. Meanwhile, at the literature table, Ivan was speaking to a man who had stopped to look at the material. This man told Ivan he was seeking a church but wasn’t sure where to go; surprisingly, he wasn’t from Southampton, but from Portsmouth – right near a church that supports our outreaches there! I gave the man the details for Eastney Evangelical Church, and he gave me his contact details so I could pass them on to the Pastor. After we finished chatting, I called Pastor Chris, who has since spoken to the man, and they hope to meet up for coffee on Saturday. May this young man find the answers to the questions he is asking!
Ivan preached next, taking John 3:16 as his text for expounding on the gospel. I didn’t hear much of his message, as I was talking to two Christians who were encouraged by the open-air witness.
Finally, as the outreach drew to a close, Ben preached. He did a good job speaking on “Whether Warning” (God is true, whether you believe it or not). It was great to hear him challenge people with the good news of Jesus.
People have many questions, but often they don’t seek answers. Our prayer is that by being in the same location regularly, people will find the answer – Jesus Christ. Please join us in praying 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.
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