Dalston Show
09 August 2025

Stephen Chafer, David Johnston, and Robert McGIbbon

The weather at the start of the day was wet, but David had positioned the van the day before, which was a help as he had another engagement in the morning. Not many visitors came before lunchtime. However, prayers were answered and the sun came out. There were many people during the afternoon. The guessing box was a great attraction for all ages. 

The visitors were mainly local people from Carlisle, the surrounding area, and Dalston itself. We remember talking to the Methodist minister who was also the agricultural pastor. We had many conversations throughout the day with people from different churches. It was really enjoyable to go through the guessing box with the children while their parents and grandparents listened, creating a captive audience. Young children listened and remembered the objects they found, and how they had heard about people or things in the Bible. 

The weather is important for a show like this, not just for us but for everyone to have an enjoyable time. At one point there were queues and three of us were helping. We distributed many tracts to both children and adults. The show also has many dogs and their owners who were happy for their pets to have a drink from the water we provided, and sometimes they also got a dog treat. The tract we handed out is called "Man's Best Friend." It has pictures of different dogs but also tells how they can find a friend in Jesus who, like their pet, is faithful and never leaves them. We had a good day at the show; the people are always friendly and willing to talk, and happy to see the children at the guessing box. The tracts that go home with them are God's seed. We ask for prayers that we will see souls in God's harvest.