From 7-11 July, a group of churches in Stratford, Greater London are using the success of their World Cup-themed mission last year to bring evangelistic events to their communities.

 

Last year, 200 people responded to the World Cup mission, and this year the mission will be using opportunities for open air interaction and events, which the churches plan to repeat in 2012 for the Olympics.

 

Being led by evangelist Roger Murphy from Through Faith Missions (TFM) at St John's Church, Stratford the mission involves more than 17 churches in the Stratford area from a number of denominations.  Teams have been drawn from churches all over the country and will also be joined by professional evangelists. 

 

Churches in the area will also be holding their own local events with St John's Stratford running music and creative events as part of the mission in the church grounds. The five day mission will include music, escapology, pub visits, street entertainment and questionnaires, as well as volunteers who will offer chat, refreshment or prayer to passers by.

 

Evangelist Steve Gurnett from OAC Ministries (Open Air Campaigns) will also be entertaining and evangelising in a unique way. He said: "I give a simple gospel message and paint on a large sketchboard. Painting the key words helps reinforce the message. Then too, the pictures create interest."(Open Air Campaigns) will also be entertaining and evangelising in a unique way. He said: "I give a simple gospel message and paint on a large sketchboard. Painting the key words helps reinforce the message. Then too, the pictures create interest."

 

 “We are really looking forward to the outreach opportunities that the 2012 Olympics will bring next year, but we don’t want to wait till then.  This is a real expression of our love for Stratford. We are passionate about talking about Jesus and demonstrating who He is, in relevant and interesting ways to our community. The Church will continue to do this for a long time after the Olympic torch moves on.”

 

TFM and OAC Ministries work with churches together throughout the UK helping them to reach out to the local community through mission. It is all part of the big picture of encouraging local mission.