Cockermouth Show - July 2022

The show was held on Saturday 30th July which happened to be the day when the first heatwave came to an end. From approximately 8am when the van arrived and the display was set out until it’s departure around 5pm, it rained continuously. Some of the time the rain was not heavy, but it did mean that we were unable to make use of the freestanding tables to display some of the materials. Raincoats were worn all day by everybody. Fortunately, it seemed that the wet weather only had a marginal affect on those visiting the show and most people seemed happily consigned to view the various stalls wearing raincoats and holding umbrellas. Understandingly the weather did have a detrimental affect on some who might otherwise have been willing to pause, view the display and engage in a conversation. To stand and talk in the rain was not a very attractive proposition. Despite the rain the guessing box was on display and attracted a number of children during the day. These children were all spoken to. They were reminded of various bible stories and particularly the importance of the cross. Before they left, they all received suitable literature. Sometimes when the children were accompanied by adults, the adults would listen to what was said to the children and where possible they were spoken to separately and then when leaving were given a tract reflecting as far as possible any conversation held.

Robert had a conversation with a couple from Liverpool who were visiting the area. They had with them 3 dogs, a Maltese Terrier, Border Collie and a Lurcher. While they were not Christians Robert’s knowledge of dogs proved to be a point of contact and when they left, they were happy to take a copy of the booklet ‘’God’s Story’’ together with the tract ‘’Man’s best friend’’.

Despite the inclement weather the seed of the word of God was sown, many children were reminded of the Bible and of the one it speaks to us about and many passersby received a tract.

Robert McGibbon and David Johnston