2026 Saturday Market's Reports

Saturday was quite cold but dry weather. A 80 year-old man called David gave me a carved cross  for Cumbria Gospel Outreach. He goes to church in Wiltshire (originally a Farmer from Keswick)  and makes crosses and "praying hands"  for churches and Believers. It transpired that David is still searching and is "not quite a Christian".  I gave him a leaflet, "I go to church - does that make me a Christian?" and a "God's story" booklet.  He came back later in the day - said he had read them both and that it was "thought provoking".

Steven (staying in a camper van) wanted me to recommend some Bible reading notes.  I gave him a copy of "Our Daily Bread"  He said he believed Jesus died for our sins - and that "Heaven is not for "good" people but for sinners like us.

Giles ( with his pre-teen son) was looking at the "True or False" poster, and was discussing it with his son. I asked him if he thought "life had meaning"?.  He replied that when we are creative we tend to give it meaning.  He asserted that human intelligence was evolutionary and that we were headed for a great Cosmic Intelligence dawning upon us as a human race.  I commented that many of our ancestors were equally intelligent in being capable of doing mathematics, geometry, astronomy and construction, but that whereas we had increased in knowledge, we had not increased in intelligence or wisdom.  Knowledge has not brought wisdom - as is evident from all the harmful things in the world that are man-made. Giles agreed.  I commented that for all men's knowledge it is evident (as the Bible says) that Man has a continual inclination to do wrong. Giles agreed.  He accepted ,happily, a "God's Story " booklet and a "Looking for peace?" leaflet.  He was happy for me to give his son a "Josh and Jade" children's leaflet.

Tom, who had been standing nearby listening to our conversation, said he had spoken to Robbie Williamson before -  just after he had been baptised.. He thanked Stephen Caffer and myself for our witness.

Phil and Olive ( Believers from Harrogate) were sharing of the work they do in ministry to Ukranian soldiers.  They took samples of leaflets to give them new.

Stephen Chaffer spoke to Jen, a Methodist from Whitby.  She took an "Eternity Stakes" leaflet.

Steve, a Believer from the Wirral who goes to an Elim church encouraged us and prayed that people would be drawn to the stall and for God to come against a spirit of general unbelief.

We thank God for a good day of using even us to plant "seeds" and share the "good News".  Isaiah 43:11-12 tells us, "I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no Saviour.  I declared and and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses" declares the Lord, "and I am God"

Barry Cummings and Stephen Chaffer