Open Air: Patience

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. (Col. 3.12.) Sometimes that’s what we need. Here is Stephen’s account of last week’s Open Air.

The team this week consisted of Peter and myself though Solomon also joined us briefly. After spending a few minutes with us, he took some tracts from me then departed to distribute them elsewhere. Sadly, Brendan didn't make it. Milan called by and spoke to Peter for a bit. Vincent also appeared and we exchanged a few words but he didn't stop when he realised that Brendan was absent.The weather was mainly dry and comparatively warm but we did have some spells ranging from spitting to a very light drizzle.

Sadly, I didn't preach at all and the reason was this. Just as I had finished setting up and tested the speaker a man began to preach about 20 yards away and his amplification was quite considerable. This was just before Peter arrived. I said to Peter that I would preach after this man had finished. However, he went on from 12:45 to 14:10 when we ourselves were packing up. What is worse is that he was teaching error, saying that the Trinity was a lie and that Jesus Christ was not the name of the Son of God but was a name "of the devil". Peter has come across him before in other towns and cities and he often disrupts true gospel witness. Let us pray that he does not return.

I hope that we were far enough away from him such that people didn't think he was with us, but some might have done. So Peter and myself spent the whole session tracting and I gave out quite a decent number of tracts even though I stayed close to the equipment rather than going over to the shops.

I had one fairly lengthy conversation with a man called Paul. He is a former drug addict who is a believer. However he is not currently attending a church or reading his Bible though he does have one. I gave him a John's gospel to carry about with him and dip into when he gets the chance.

So, as Stephen puts it, “Let us pray…” I will be there next Wednesday, usual time, usual place, with - well, whoever turns up. I think I’ll spend a little time in preparation now, just in case I am able to get a few words in. Watch this space…

Please continue to support us in your prayers, and by your presence, if the Lord lays it upon your heart to do so.

Every blessing!