Battle Log
Friday, 3 May, 2019
Posted 3 May 2019, 6:51 PM by Glen Richards. Permalink
Please pray. Pray for labourers for the harvest and for God to use us for his glory: the salvation of the lost, and the saving of lives. As we were leaving our second Gospel + abortion outreach, we afresh had the realisation of how desperately we need God’s help in the battle to bring the Gospel to the lost. In our own effort, we won’t achieve anything.
As we turned up, again the media were outside the hospital. This time, sadly, it was because one of those injured in the mosque attack had died, bringing the toll to 51. And again, we had no idea this had happened, and we were not planning our outreach for media attention. But it was a poignant reminder of the sanctity of life. Murder is wrong, and there is hope in the Gospel of Jesus.
So, as planned, we pulled out our new signs, and took up our positions. There were four of us over the two hour outreach.
It again had a polarising effect: many in support, and many against. Tracts were accepted, and conversations were had. Andy had a wonderful opportunity for a follow up conversation from last week with someone who works in the hospital.
Today I was called judgemental, and a purveyor of hate speech, all this while holding the sign that says: “There is hope, we will help, talk to us.” Ironically, this came from people who were judging and hating me.
An hour and a half into the outreach, all of a sudden, security staff started to appear. There were at least six of them - it felt like they brought the army out (see pic). I was nervous and started praying. Finally, after they had all found positions, two of them approached from the side.
Thankfully, the spokesperson was great. We had a friendly chat, he confirmed we were fine doing what we were doing, as long as we didn’t block any paths.
Eventually, the security staff dispersed, but one stayed. At the end of the outreach, I thanked him for his protection - and he smiled.
But I think it shows that we are being noticed - which is encouraging. If so few can get a reaction, what would happen if more Christians started standing up and joining the line? In our weakness, God shows Himself strong.
If you are a Christian, PLEASE join us! Required ability: standing with a sign. This is something that families can get involved with. The more sign holders we have, the more other Christians will be able to talk to people about the Gospel - our only hope for ending abortion.
After the Gospel + abortion outreach, we moved into the City for flip charting, and tract distribution.
And on the previous day, Thursday, we held our regular City and Eastgate outreaches.
I’m out of time to write about some of the interactions of those outreaches, but we encountered some strong opposition (see picture of man pointing), talked to a rugby player from South Africa, and (as always) had wonderful conversations at Eastgate: the highlights of which included multiple people realising that good works were not the way of salvation, but instead it's grace, through faith in Jesus. And I had a wonderful follow up conversation with a guy I had talked to for “about an hour outside the hospital” (which I can’t remember) - praise God that people continue to be reached with the Gospel multiple times.
As always, may God be glorified through our feeble efforts! Thanks to all who are supporting us. I really mean it: thank you!
