Penrith Show - July 2022

The Penrith show was held on Saturday 16th July and it will be remembered by many at the show as being one of the hottest days of the year. Despite the heat, the organisers have reported that approximately 10,000 visitors entered the showfield. Many of these at sometime during the day would find their way to where the Gospel Van and the display of Christian Literature was situated.

Robert had brought along a dog’s drinking bowl and a plentiful supply of water. This attracted many people who had dogs with them to bring their dogs for a drink. Being thankful for the provision while their dogs had a drink, many were willing to enter into a conversation. Depending upon the conversation these visitors were all offered suitable literature together with the folder ‘’Man’s Best Friend’’. This folder has a picture of a dog on the front cover.

The guessing box continued to be attractive to children and was frequently used during the day to introduce various Bible stories and teaching as the children attempted to identify by touch what was in the box. Before leaving all were given suitable children’s literature according to their age eg. ‘’Josh and Jade’ ’or ‘’Meet the King’’.

A long conversation was held with the lady from the next stall. She was from Lancashire and attended most of the shows in that County. During the conversation she said that she was not a churchgoer but revealed that at one of the shows she had attended, someone had visited her stall handing out Christian leaflets. It seemed that this had sparked some interest and a desire to learn more. In answer to her questions the purpose of the Gospel Van and its organization was explained and particularly the message of the Gospel and its importance for everybody. She was happy to receive the booklet ‘’God’s Story’’ together with the leaflet ‘’The Purpose of your life’’.

Several farmers were met and after speaking with them they were offered either the leaflet ‘’Faith in Farming’’ or another from the farming series eg.’’ Breaking New Ground’’.

It is always an encouragement when believers approach the ‘’Van’’ and make themselves known. As the Penrith show was held during the period when the Keswick Convention was on, a number of Christians from all over the Country were present. One of these, a gentleman from Cornwall (a Gideon member) came to the Van and it was good to talk with him. He also personally knew several Christians in this area. 

Despite the heat we were able to speak with many visitors and give out literature explaining the way of salvation. Pray that the seed sown will bear fruit.

John Heron, David Johnston, Robert McGibbon