Cockermouth Show - August 2023
A pleasant change from Penrith, not because of geography, but by reason of weather. The organisers expressed their deep thanks to the Winters for the use of the field, and noted that the Committee had been deliberating only days before whether the Show would be cancelled owing to the wet weather. Well, the Lord saw fit to permit the Show to take place, and for this we give thanks.
We thought we were going to be placed in the centre of the field, which would have put us right next to 3 food stalls, all with their generators, but not so, just as we thought we had been shown our stand, we were relocated to our ‘proper’ allocated stand on the perimeter of the field.
No rain protection needed, we were able to ‘spread out’ the display and even have place for the
‘Guessing Box’ in a prominent position, which did attract several over the course of the day.
As we began to give out tracts and seek to engage in conversation, many simply did not want to accept, some said ‘they were all right’ but as the by mid-morning more seemed prepared to stop and talk.
One such person who initially accepted, saying ‘they were all right’ was challenged, and this led into his sharing that he attended a local Anglican Church.
S. confessed he had not heard the Gospel being presented in such a ‘simple’ manner – going to church and ‘conforming’ to its teaching seemed to be more prevalent. Rejoice – the conversation concluded that he would go away and seriously consider the merits of ‘having a Personal Relationship’ with the Father and His Son, and that he would begin to read his Bible more regularly, not just listen to a short portion read out on a Sunday.
The guessing box attracted a number of young people – T & A were among those who drew an item out of the box and were able to bring to mind something of the Scriptures.
A reciting the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son in answer to the question “what does money remind you of in the bible?” Another young lad drew out a lion and with some prompting from his family recalled the story of Daniel in the lions’ den.
Another youngster was surprised to find a torch in the box and we discussed the saying of Jesus “I am the light of the world”. He was delighted to receive John’s gospel with that very “I Am” saying on the cover. He also took the tracts “Amazing Journey” and “Science confirms the Bible.”
‘A’ the young girl (9) came back a little later and was happy to receive a Gideon’s New Testament with a sleeve, which she thought would be useful on some occasions rather than the full bible she generally uses at home.
‘JL’ drew out a basket from the box and after discussion regarding the feeding of the five thousand and Moses in the ark among the reeds, he was encouraged to read his Bible which he had at home.
‘B’, a very courteous young lad drew out the lion and Daniel in the lions’ den was again recounted. He responded by saying, well, I’ve learnt something this afternoon and thanked us for sharing this portion of God’s Word with him. He appeared to be genuinely touched. Do pray for these young ones that they may grow in the knowledge and love of the Saviour.
A young teenage girl ‘A’ from Penrith enjoyed the ‘challenge’ of seeking to identify the objects in the ‘Box’, but although she had heard of these only through attending a Sunday School in her Primary days, she had no Bible of her own and little or no encouragement to continue going to a church now she was in Secondary School. She gratefully received a New Testament for her own reading – please pray the Lord will revel Himself to her through His Word. The ‘furry toy’ – a lamb – led to her listening intently to a short discussion from John 10 “My sheep know My voice”. Yes she said she would listen….
Similar discussions took place – especially with young teenagers – “beyond Sunday School, but not yet fully grown” – youngsters who were thinking about life, its problems, cares, worries etc etc. Many of these responded in brief discussions regarding life / Life – discussing the questions, such as,
“Where did we come from? How was the world made? What will happen to me when I die?”
It is wonderful to see such responding to the “simple” truth that the Life is in the Blood; the Saviour shed His precious Life Blood; and that basic fundamental Biblical Truth provides all the answers to these searching questions.
Many of these youngsters shared that whist they did not have their own Bible, or even part of it, they did have access to Bibles in school – presumably as part of RE lessons. We praise God that there was a good response in many Gospels, New Testaments and even whole Bibles being received by several who approached the Stand.
‘M’, a mature gentleman from the Methodist denomination was content to stop and chat. He like so many had a knowledge of God but no relationship. He was encouraged to read John 3 regarding the new birth. Before leaving our discussion, he asked to be reminded of the chapter so we do pray he will read and respond to the words “You need to be born again”.
Many tracts were shared with passer-byes. Josh & Jades were popular among young families along with “Family Matters”. A few received the “Secret of life” and one elderly lady, an avid reader, accepted a “gifts of the Spirit” book marker.
A Jewish family were seating themselves to watch the various activities of the afternoon. We approached them with the Hebrew New Testament only to be told they were happy with their Testament. They were very pleasant and thanked us for speaking with them. Please pray the veil will be removed from their eyes and that the light of Christ may shine upon them.
One conversation really stood out later in the afternoon. A gentleman ‘H’, approached the Stand and after a few pleasantries asked very directly what it meant (these days) to be “Evangelical”. He attends a C of E church probably monthly at the most, together with Christenings, Weddings, Funerals, Easter & Christmas…. So, managing to avoid a lengthy discourse on the present state of the church, we addressed the definition of the word Evangelical form its relationship to the Gospel, and how people would generally answer the question, “What is the Gospel?” with “The Good News”, which is what it is, but what it comprises is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, where we find that Jesus died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, He was buried, He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by witnesses. CGO simply seeks to continue that Witness to this wonderful Biblical Truth. This whole conversation lasted less than 5 minutes – he went away confessing he had never heard the Gospel in such manner. Pleas pray for his conviction by the Blessed Holy Spirit.
It is always an encouragement to meet other believers, a family from Dorking spent some time asking about CGO and taking pictures of our displays looking to do a similar work in their area, may thy be blessed in their outreach.
John met a retired farmer who he had known for many years, he had been really ill with sepsis, we were able to share our hope as Christians, that the Lord was preparing a place for us, he took Eternity Stakes leaflet, do pray he may find hope in our Lord.
We met lots of local people including our village school head teacher, who like so many others happily took the gospel home to read, The Purpose of Life, Family Matters, and many others, please pray the seed will fall on good ground.
David & Lily Garnett, Ronnie Marston & John Heron