Literature evangelism – any takers?

Chester presents extraordinary opportunities for evangelism. While local people flock in regularly to the shops, a further 6 million visitors of many different nationalities pass through its historic centre each year.
As one with a strong interest in world mission, especially among Moslem peoples, Ian Cameron-Swan welcomed retirement from full-time employment nine years ago as an ideal opportunity for contacting overseas visitors to Chester. His idea was to befriend them on the streets and present them with Christian literature in their mother tongue.
With the support of his home church – Upton Baptist Church – this was realised. The need to carry and display an attractive stock of literature was solved using a mobile ‘trolley’, designed and built with the help of another church member.
Fully stocked with Bibles, Bible portions, and Christian booklets and leaflets in many languages, it began work in August 1997.
To date Ian has had one thousand days on the streets. He has extended a hand of friendship to very many people and ­presented literature in 55 different foreign languages. On average he has given out 150 pieces of Christian literature per month, including some in Arabic.
For health reasons his ministry drew to a close this summer; we thank God for this unique and loving ministry.
While alternative options are being explored for making good free Christian literature available in the centre of Chester, the church would be delighted to pass the trolley on to any other church that could use it in evangelistic ministry in some other part of the UK (more information from www.ubc.org.uk).