Gosforth Show - 16 August 2025

Tom O'Donnell and Robert McGibbon

We want to record some of the conversations we had at Gosforth this year. This is one of the smaller shows that we attend. We had people visiting the stand from locally, then the rest of the UK and even one lady from Italy, whose parents lived locally. Frankly speaking, we were not in a good site, few people called but we did have freedom to talk as long as we liked there. Children enjoyed the guessing box as everywhere else. It tells us how much or even how little they knew of the Bible. 

Tom has some card tricks which he uses to engage children and adults alike. The skill is to try to decide which line is longest when in fact they are identical and then to flip the cards over where is written the Ten Commandments, which are very worthy of discussion. One lady was keen to get literature for her children. We talked to her and showed her the flipper flappers. When we reminded her of Jesus coming to earth to die to give us eternal life, she interrupted, saying she didn't want eternal life, she just wants to die and that is it. We cry within at how can this lady, who says she believes in Jesus, lead her children to the Lord. 

Another lady, who teaches at a Sunday School, was impressed with the flipper flappers and so she took a few small flipper flappers and one large one for teaching purposes. 

The show ground draws people from all walks of life and particularly those who work nearby at Sellafield. It is some years since I retired but it is easy to relate to the areas that people work at. Dogs also accompany their owners and enjoy the bowl of water that we have made ready for them. So they go on their way with a dog tract for the owners and a dog chew for the dog. 

Two ladies arrived together and explained that one had recently had her husband die. She was a believer and attended church. She explained how the Lord had dealt with her through this time of sadness. Tom talked with the other lady and she was pleased to receive a copy of, 'what the Catholic Bible Teaches'. 

Another lady Robert spoke with was a farmer's wife and a nurse. She promised to read the New Testament she was offered and when she was shown the page of Bible helps and when it was pointed out that this was a version especially for the NHS, she was so thankful. 

We believe the messages given by word of mouth, and by literature will bear fruit in the days to come. We will know the whole truth in eternity. To those reading this, please pray for those we have mentioned and share with us the rejoicing that is to come.