Keswick Show - August 2023

Despite recent rains, the field this year was pretty firm, and although there were a few clouds about, anticipation of the Lord’s enabling and keeping the rains at bay were high. This proved to be the order of the day, and so we give praise to the Lord and thank Him for His favour. Yes, there were two or three light showers, but the Literature was simply ‘pulled back in’ displays under cover and on with the work.

Whist setting up, ’N’ from Lancashire dropped by to enquire about Jari, who had been with us last year, and who had been a great encouragement. This was a joy to hear, and whilst not yet ‘coming to a decision’ one could see progress from his condition this time last year. Please pray that with the further encouragement and more detailed literature, he will ‘come through’ to Salvation. It is a joy to see fruit, albeit not fully ripened, and to know the Lord is ‘wooing’ him.

Also, whist setting up, we were asked if our ‘step’ could be borrowed by another stall-holder who was having difficulty in erecting their screens around their display. Gladly, we obliged; the steps were returned, but sadly, no opportunity for further discussion ensued. 

Opportunities to share bible stories abounded such as “Daniel in the Lions’ Den” and the “Good Shepherd”.  Some of the children who came to the GB had heard such stories at school during “Religious Studies” which was encouraging.  One young mum had recently had one of the children christened but wasn’t presently attending a church.  Her gran had been a great Christian influence in her life and had died recently.  She expressed her desire to go to church but was shy and struggling to take that step.  She said she would come back and give her contact details but sadly didn’t return.  Do pray that there will be someone else in the link to help her on her journey.

The GB also gave opportunity for a Bible to be given to one of the parents who was so surprised that his daughter was able to recall a couple of bible stories and expressed his desire to read the Bible.  We were happy to provide him with a copy.  

Man’s Best Friend (MBF) was given to a young lady from Latvia, presently living in Workington.  May she find “the friend that sticks closer than a brother”.  (Pvbs. 18:24)

Rob and friend were universalists who believed all roads lead to the same God!  

Many took tracts but didn’t stop to chat.  Pray they will still look at the tracts given and consider the claims made.  

A young lady came over to the van to encourage us in our work.  She was from Hamburg, Germany and was involved with outreach in her home town.  She said it wasn’t easy but she wanted to share her faith.  She came from a Christian family but, Praise the Lord, had her own testimony of how she had realized she needed more than just intellectual assent, she knew she had secured that precious relationship with the Lord for herself.

One couple from a ‘contemporary church’ suggested it would be much better and attractive for the children to be guessing objects which were ‘slimy and dirty’. We gently gave our opinion that the focus on display (or not actually displayed in the GB!) was more appropriate. (Philippians 4:8 came to mind.)

What springs to mind when a couple pass by where the man is in an open necked shirt and sporting a heavy gold chain with a crucifix dangling from the bottom? Yes, an invitation to discuss the Cross! But, as you will already have discerned; a couple viewing a ‘different Jesus’. A ‘good’ conversation did occur, but both were content to have left the RC church but yet to hold on to the superstitions associated with the jewellery. The rich ruler sadly turned his back on the Lord; these also have heard and (presently) have also turned their back on the Truth.

Another ‘religious’ couple followed immediately on their heels – from the North of the County and wanted to know what we thought of some Americans promoting a sort of new Baptist Church in that city. We were able to share that the organisation would appear to be single minded regarding Bible Version, and the ‘sponsors’ are looking to plant churches where works have happened before, on the basis they will happen again. They agreed there was not a Biblical Precedent for this – the Spirit / the Wind will blow where He wills. What will bring Revival is more likely to be where the Lord is being sought for who He is, and not just what He can do. They went on their way grateful and encouraged, and, in their words, edified. They had not expected to have their doubts / confusion so easily dispelled.

Man’s Best Friend (MBF) once again was going out in profusion by way of engaging in conversation. Two dear (recent) widows, again one just after the other, took great comfort in simply talking about the companionship of their dogs, but acknowledged such was only temporal; the real companionship was to be found in the knowledge of the Lord.

Family time – first up was a Swedish lady with her two boys, and a three-way conversation ensued – the torch in the GB was identified, and with a little help the ‘light dawned’ – Jesus being “The Light of the World”. This was ‘news’ to the Mother! Then from the GB followed the sheep – again completely new to her. So a 7-year-old lad had his 1st ever Bible Study – he gladly received the Gospel of John, Chapters 8 and 10 having been read to him, along with his Mother (and younger brother).

Now a lady, E, with a young child, just of ‘bouncy castle’ age. Living locally, had come from Odessa, and it was the Van, Banners and Signage which drew her in. She quickly wanted to be taught how to pray!  Suffice to say, we did engage in conversation and she realised her ‘form of religion’ was ‘a little different’ to this Van in the middle of a field! To cut a long story short, she had to excuse herself to take youngster to the castle – her 1st experience of such – but would come back later when youngster was tired, and yes, she would like a Bible for herself. Not in Ukrainian – she wanted to learn / improve her English at the same time. Praise the Lord  - half way through the afternoon, she returned for her gift of a Bible – and to say “Thank you”. She is close to the Kingdom. Please pray the Lord will reveal Himself – as she prays (as she has been taught) for Him to reveal Himself in the pages…..

Keswick, Cumbria – the local Show! Now we are approached by ’N’., a lady from Pretoria! Having lived in the Transvaal, conversation was easy, and once again another was led to realise that religion does not save! Only Jesus saves! You can imagine the conversation. But, it did not bring antagonism, but rather the question, “What must I do to be saved?” Again we pray she will take the instructions to heart and ‘get before the Lord’, to use a somewhat old, but essentially excellent phrase.

More families – ‘R & H’ with their two youngsters, and large dog – a cross / hybrid of Alsatian / Husky (or even a wolf!!). Because of the numbers who were milling around the stall / display, ‘L & I’ did not realise until later that we were talking to husband and wife  - she spoke with R, I spoke with H. As before, the Way of Salvation having been ‘simply’ presented, one could tell by the gulps in her throat, the moisture in her eyes, the Lord was speaking to her, just at the point where she was listening. I confess to wanting to ‘press in’ with ‘the ‘sinner’s prayer, but, no, sufficient for the time.

Then the four of us recognised we were two couples – yes she would share R’s Bible which he had just been given. We could have wept with joy, and they went off together, for a future we believe will be better – with Christ!

‘G’, from up in the hills dropped by with his friend. We had seen him in a local church recently, and rejoiced for the opportunity to chat with him, such not having been possible earlier. No apologies for repetition, but he also was appreciative of our discussion; yes he would take the literature offered, and yes, he would ‘consider Jesus’. Perhaps this was the first time he had ever spoken of ‘things eternal’. We don’t know, but, the opportunity presented itself, and so we preached the Word.

It is our practice to try to make notes, as the day goes by, of conversations for your encouragement and ‘specific’ prayer. This day, however, did not result in many notes being made – dare I say, too many people! So, these are only a few – John concurred in our debrief later – so many young people – seeking – seriously. We had not experienced such a day.

Perhaps it would be opportune here to mention the Market Stall of the previous Saturday. Generally, the Bank Holiday is different from most weekends in Keswick, but last Saturday was, in a word, hard. John had asked on Sunday if we had had a good day, “No”, was the immediate response! “Well, that was honest!”

I made note of only one ‘conversation’ – a Glaswegian on holiday, who simply did not want to talk about ‘religion’. He had been an altar boy in an RC church and “That put me off for life” was his precise response. The fact that I shared that some of my Father’s ministry was in a High Anglican Church failed to provide even a starting point for any conversation. Had there been abuse?? We don’ know. However, things did not ‘improve’ over the day – the ‘battle’ seemed to rage all day.

But, like the “But Gods” 

in the Scriptures there are Blessings out of Buffetings. The events of Monday put sway to the memories of two days earlier! We seek to press on and in.

Lily also noted only a couple of conversations on the Saturday: - An elderly lady stopped to look at the literature table and was interested in selecting something for her grandchildren.  

A little while later a family from Newcastle area stopped at the stall – mum and children – They responded well to the “Illusion” activity.  The son took the “Reasons to Believe” tract.  Then the elderly lady returned who turned out to be the grandmother of these children!  She confided that her daughter, children’s mother, was very distressed as a child had died at one of the camps.  This youngster, aged 13, came from a Christian family and had attended the camp and had volunteered to lead an element of prayer.  That same day she had acknowledged that she needed to ask the Lord into her life, recognising that she needed to have her own relationship with the Lord Jesus.  On returning home her family were delighted to hear of her response to the gospel. She attended the camp the following day but shockingly died whilst at the camp.  The grandmother agreed that whilst this was heart-breaking it was also wonderful how the Lord had led her.  Please pray for family of E as they grieve as well as all those who had been involved in the camp.  

A young girl “C” and her sister were interested in the Josh & Jade tracts but thought they would have to pay for them.  They were delighted to hear that the literature was free so happily took a tract each; their brother took the Albert Brainstein tract.

“C” & “J” took a copy of the Gospel of John & the Gospel of Mark.  They had seen the van at the Cockermouth show where tracts had been received.

To return to the Monday….

Lily and I used to live in Banbury – yes we have had a nomadic life – and to our surprise two late teenage sisters, G & S, arrived at the stall, engaged in very serious conversation, and revealed they were on holiday with their parents – from Banbury! We do have occasion to visit family there, and so we suggested we might call on them, as Paul the apostle visited people he had met, to see how they were doing, having both gladly accepted the gift of their first Bible each. 

As most young ladies do, they had a love of horses, so the (Appleby) card of the beautiful horses galloping through the snow was given, as a bookmark, and they acknowledged they would refer to the clear guidance on the reverse side to help them with knowing the way of Salvation through the Scriptures, and trusting in the Person of the Lord Jesus. They both listened intently to the life or death offer in the Word!

You may have notice how often the term, “approached the van / display” has been mentioned! Yes we did go out and about sowing Seed as well, including ‘doing’ the queue (more than once) for the Rotary Club Burger Van next door around lunchtime (11 -2) – the opportunity for people to ‘read something worthwhile’ whilst standing in a queue! Most accepted graciously, only a couple did not, grumpily. Yes, dear friends, the Lord is stirring hearts – we may not see many – but He is working.

Later in the afternoon, just as John was witnessing to an ordained liberal lady*, her (late) teenage son (unknown at this stage to me) passed the van with his hand out, waving to seek someone else’s attention. What an opportunity. A tract was put into his waving hand; his mother saw, and called out that he was all right. So, had I got it wrong? Often the case! And so, suggested simply he took the tract and pass it on to another in need. This seemed to both to be a good idea. It transpired he was already doing some short-term mission work, but appreciated the encouragement in witnessing. No, it does not come readily and it is not easy. However, J and I got into a private discussion away from the parents, and to cut a long story short, yes, it was right to have given the tract, and no, he had not been to the foot of the Cross. As the ‘picture’ on the Banner graphically portrays the three Crosses of Calvary, it was impressed very deeply that that was where he had to go in order to be equipped for service. Again the whole Counsel of God speaks into people’s hearts just where they are. His confession was that he had not ‘seen’ Calvary. It is only by revelation. J was honest. I believe J will if not by the time this report goes out to print, will see, and that the Lord will use Him in these coming days. Again, it was evident by the lump in the throat; the moisture in the eye….. Business was being done, indeed.

A penultimate visit to the display. Three girls. Not to the GB, but to the display of Gospels and Bibles. ‘JP’ of OAM had ministered only the day before, showing how he often broached Gospel Preaching by asking the rhetorical question, “Is the Bible True?”  The question and ‘message’ was virtually repeated – and the 1st lassie responded, “I’d like to think so.” Well, that led deeper….. all three took Scriptures and Tracts. All were aware that the True Believer has no fear of Death. (All we need is for someone to dig a 6x2 x6 hole for us!)  Yes, it was direct, yes we did feel emboldened, yes, these youngsters were responding. But we are dealing with a situation not dissimilar to that in Deuteronomy 30:15ff. “…… choose life…..” Hallelujah!

And so finally! At the very end of the day, just as we were beginning to pack away the display a young man from Durham University appeared with his girlfriend. We knew G & E were from Durham University by their sweatshirt / hoody tops! It transpired they were RC, but after a brief interchange, it was obvious they were ‘only nominal’ RC. Once again, the Scripture speaks- we do not need to defend, simply to speak the Word and trust the leading of the Holy Spirit. Man’s catechisms and religiosity will never win the day or bring a soul to Salvation. They went on their way; with literature and much to think about. He had been studying law – we pray that not only will he find work in his chosen field, but that both he and E would find the Lord Jesus.

John Heron, Lily & David Garnett

John’s ‘Diary’ of the Day of just a few of his many conversations…..

’S’ a Jew, had lived in Tel Aviv but now living in London.  We talked about the Jewish religion and what Christians believe and how we supported the Jewish people, we explained that we believed Jesus was the Messiah, God’s Son, came to die for our sin and rising from the dead and now sending His Holy Spirit to those who received Him as Lord he left taking leaflets and much food for thought. 

‘M’, a young man from York, although saying he was an atheist, he was open to sharing about a God of Creation and Redemption sending His Son to rescue mankind and he was happy to receive the “Missing Peace.”

‘A’, young lady  ‘S’ from Devon was so open to listen to the Gospel and took leaflets including “On the Right Track, which is Romans and Johns Gospel,

What a joy it was to share with 2 young people in their 20’s ‘J’ and ‘J’ from Manchester as they listened as we explained the way of salvation as they were seeking the Lord.  They were so appreciative as they accepted “God’s Story” and the “Missing Peace”, also the ‘Secret of Life’s Meaning.’  Pray this lovely couple will open their hearts to the Lord.

‘J’ and his girlfriend both lovely Christians  called to say “hello” ‘J’ having often visited Kirkby Stephen E.C. before Covid.  

In contrast, a gentleman passed by saying “I am a pagan.”

A mother with a little boy from Greystoke said there was no Sunday School or Christian input into their lives.  May their visit to Keswick prove to be a turning point in their seeking the Lord.

‘M’ and ‘R’ from Spain stopped by, now living in London, hoping to come and live in Cumbria, even looking at houses in Kirkby Stephen.  May their visit to the CGO stall bring direction and finding a new home but also finding new life in our Saviour.  What a joy to see them leaving the stall with the leaflets “Secret of Life’s Meaning” and “Missing Peace.”

‘J’ a Church of England Minister and Lawyer from London, asked how the Church of England was being attended in the North of the country.  We commented that where the church was preaching the ‘Word’ and evangelising, there was often a good attendance others being poorly supported, after chatting for a while, she was not happy to accept the Biblical view of marriage, although  we were encouraged to see her family talking and accepting leaflets from David and Lily.

‘B’ and ‘J’, a young couple relying on their church upbringing and works, we explained that to be a disciple was to have Jesus in the driving seat of your life, ‘B’ said I would be happy for Jesus to be a passenger.  What a joy to see them re-evaluating their relationship with God, shaking hands as they left us saying “we have lots to think about.  Please pray as they read the “Purpose of Life” and the “Secret of Life’s Meaning” that the light will shine into their lives.

As we discussed and thanked the Lord for the day we all simply looked back over a busy day, and praised God for meeting so many seeking souls and open hearts particularly among teens and twenty-year olds. 

‘Praise God for answering prayer.’

John Heron