Yesterday, as we set up our book table, we realised that we were only a few yards away from a team raising awareness and support for a charity. We didn’t want to cramp their style or overwhelm the public as they passed down the road between us. So I went over to say hello. This is what happened.

I began by listening. The young guy had a good knowledge of the charity and communicated in a clear and friendly way. I explained that I wasn’t in a position to give more money but then I had the opportunity to explain what we were doing.

I began by speaking about the “quiet revival” that is taking place as more and more 18-24 year olds are calling themselves Christian and going to church. Well you can imagine my surprise when the guy replied …

“Yes I know. I’m one of them”

He explained that a year and a half ago he had very little thought about God, but a near miss in a car accident for him and his friends got him thinking. He began reading the Bible and now goes to 2 churches in the Yorkshire city where he lives.

As we talked further he shared that Christianity was very new to him still. He struggled to explain to me the gospel message in the same way he had just clearly communicated the charity he was representing. So it was a lovely little opportunity to share John 3:16 – God’s gift of Jesus who died on the cross for sinners in our place. He was pleased to take a John’s Gospel. And we both went back to our work encouraged.

In the end there wasn’t a problem having the charity team and our gospel team in the same area – it was quite a wide street. But the next time I see a “Chugger” I won’t be so quick to walk on by on the other side!

Ps. We bumped into each other again today for another little chat. I had a copy of the excellent book – Have You Ever Wondered? – Finding the Everyday Clues to Meaning, Purpose & Spirituality with me, so I passed it on to him. I hope it helps him on his journey to and with Jesus.