Young Life outreach
A team of more than 50 young people met on Maundy Thursday to challenge people in the seaside resort of Southport about their knowledge of why Jesus died and what their response is to his sacrificial death.
Aged 15 years and over, they were from four Young Life branches in the North West of England. Similar ‘Easter Speakouts’ were organised by Young Life branches in the North East, Midlands and Ireland.
In Southport’s shopping precinct, open-air meetings were held on Friday and Saturday with challenging talks from members of the team, while others gave their testimonies. More than 100 shoppers willingly answered questions about Easter and whether they thought they were good enough for God’s perfect heaven.
The answers showed much confusion. For example, many realised they were far from perfect, but thought they would still enter heaven, not realising the polluting effect sin has and the need to be cleansed by Jesus’ blood.
Those who showed interest were given gospel leaflets and John’s Gospels. Invitations were given out for an After Church special, where Euan Murray, Scottish International and British & Irish Lions Rugby Union player, would be interviewed.
After participating in Easter services in five Southport churches, the team regrouped at Grace Baptist Church. Additional seating had to be arranged as hundreds arrived to hear what made a rugby player turn to Christ, despite being paid to play a game he loves and having the fame that goes with it.
By Monday morning, the team knew of one person who had professed faith in Christ and others seriously thinking about eternity. Team members continue to pray for and follow up people. They were blessed by the ministry of the speakers.
What a privilege to spend a weekend explaining God’s plan of salvation to so many who would not normally go into a church building, while being built up in your own faith!
Janet Wilcock (Lancaster) & Rob Edwards (Stoke)
