Open Air: One Fine Day

Looking back on last Wednesday, “One Fine Day” would sum it up admirably. The sun was shining and the X43 got me to Chorlton Street with time to spare. There was a stall just around the corner from where we stand, offering bibles in English and Arabic, staffed by some fine Christian folk whom we’ve met before.

As I was setting up, I was accosted by a young man from one of my previous lives, who remembered our time together as pleasurable and profitable.

Peter and Brendan arrived as I prepared to preach, and Kieran and Gareth came later on to help out. There were few catcalls, and many words of encouragement, including one elderly lady who called out (as she so often does) “Preach it, brother, preach it!” I was glad to oblige.

Many conversations were had, and, as time went on, several of the folk from round the corner drifted over and joined in with us, targeting those whom they took to be Arabic speakers. And though I’m hardly a Whitefield or a Wesley or even a Dr E. A. Johnston, I found the agreeable atmosphere helped me along no end with what I had to say.

When I was done, Brendan and Peter joined me for refreshments, while Gareth and Kieran stayed on to take the second shift, as it were.

On the way home, I felt inordinately happy. Thinking about it now, Van Morrison’s “Coney Island” comes to mind. You remember the last line of the song, surely? Half-sung, half-spoken: “Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time?” It just goes to show: sometimes there are such days.

The writer of Proverbs counsels caution: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Nevertheless, I’m encouraged in Him, and looking forward to next Wednesday. Feel free to join us if you can, usual place, usual time. If not, please pray for us, if the Lord puts it upon your heart to do so.

Every blessing!