Telling those who wouldn't otherwise hear

What makes a man who serves on local Boards of Governors take to the streets?

"We go out on the streets to help people who otherwise wouldn’t hear about Jesus," comments Geoff Beckingham of Manchester, who serves on two Boards of Governors for schools in the area. He does this outreach in his role as Training Director for OAC Ministries (Open Air Campaigners).

"Whenever we go out into a busy shopping area, we get large numbers of people stopping to listen," he says.

"Those who stay to the end are interested and team members are then able to have in-depth conversations, usually about 15-20 conversations every time.

"These are all people who would never hear unless we go out and tell them. A lot of people have a negative attitude about Christianity. Our brief messages aim to get them to think about Jesus, who He is and the Good News He has for them."

This week several students from Manchester Grammar School stopped. Often these students have an indifferent or even scoffing attitude. Yet this time, a group of five lads remained attentive throughout the Gospel presentation. Afterward, team members, including a retired teacher, spoke with them. The students all took evangelistic leaflets, and two of them also took Gospels of John.

Geoff’s wife Doreen serves on the outreach team. This week she spoke with an Indian man, who related his story – when he came over from India, he knew no one and had no job. He was very lonely and got to such a low ebb that he decided to commit suicide. He put up a rope in his room to hang himself with but wanted some drink to take with some tablets.

Then he realised the local shop was about to close and so ran out and towards it. On his way, he almost knocked an old lady over. He apologised and she said, "That’s alright, but do you know that Jesus loves you?" That stopped him in his tracks. They spoke and she put him in touch with a couple who could help him. He received Christ but has now moved to Manchester, so wasn’t attending church. Doreen gave him details of a church and a contact person who lives in his area.

Team work is basic to the success of street outreach. Although team members vary in age, work background and denominations, all are involved with local churches as OAC partners together with such churches. OAC professional training equips them to effectively reach those who need to hear about Jesus.

Geoff has specialised in training others. His effectiveness in communicating with students has led to his position on Boards of Governors. Yet he values the experience he enjoys of going directly into schools to share with the younger generation.

"It is a great privilege to go into schools and tell the wonderful truths of God. It is great to see the children sit before me so attentively – such a responsibility."