Page 14 - News Autumn_Winter 2024_Print

GAME, SET AND MATCH!
Members from Region 5 decided on three
locations for their first ever Tennis Scripture
Focus: Wimbledon Underground and
Mainline Stations, Southfields Mainline
Station and the nearby Piazza. The team
involved share what happened.
On six days of the tournament, fifteen members
made the journey from all over the South of England
complete with their cases full of London HOPE
magazines. Most travelled by train whilst some took
the opportunity of London based accommodation with
friends and family.
The magazines proved extremely popular and,
encouraged by the first day when 100 copies went
before 11am, the teams gave 2450 copies, 15 Discover
magazines and 90 New Testaments over the six days.
Many people were in a great rush to get from the
station to the buses and taxis waiting to whisk the
spectators to the Lawn Tennis Association. Locals
seemingly bemused by the rush and bustle at their
station were also pleased to be offered a copy with an
invitation of “Free Hope today?”. Shopkeepers looked
on and were invited to have a copy. Overseas visitors
were just as keen to take a copy from an outstretched
hand. In the relaxed atmosphere, Transport Marshalls
and the Police were happy to have us there. Many
conversations were enjoyed, and many people prayed
for and with. Seven people wonderfully confessed
Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Although not many wanted to stop and talk, one
gentleman wanted to know what it contained. He was
told: “two different parts of the Bible.” He said "It's
religious then? Okay, I'll definitely read it".
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Mario, who was part of the GOOD NEWS for Everyone!
team, had a long conversation with a German man who
said he believed in universal spirituality. Mario had the
opportunity to share his faith in Jesus as the only way to
God but when it came to accepting a HOPE magazine
he sadly declined. Many others however accepted the
magazine gladly and at times we were being stopped by
people asking for one!
Other questions asked of us were: “What local church are
you from?” “What denomination are you from?” Refusals
were usually couched in the phrase “I’m alright, thanks.”
But were more than offset by encouragements of "you're
doing a wonderful job” and "I'm a believer too, God bless
you."
The weather affected the distributions. Rain meant there
were fewer spectators and those that were there were
not so keen to stop. But this did not dampen spirits. At
Southfields station the team sang during the rain and
when stocks were exhausted, a busker promised to learn
the words of “Amazing Grace” to include in his repertoire.
For some it was their first experience of street outreach,
and many admitted that they were more than a little
nervous. Nevertheless, we all knew that we were about
God’s business and that He promises to bless His Word.
We thank the Lord that we were all kept safe, that we
were received well and that copies of God’s Word were
given to those who did not previously have a copy. Please
pray for the recipients to become readers and disciples
of the one true living God in Jesus Christ.
The question is, should we repeat the Wimbledon Lawn
Tennis Association outreach? Surely the answer is YES!
Game, Set, Match and Championship 2025.
Submitted by the Region 5 Wimbledon Distribution Team.
18/09/2024 12:22
18/09/2024 12:22