Tony and Ian were out early, preaching on the corner of Court & 3rd. The AA's had a booth set up on 3rd just a stones throw away. No stones were thrown, but the Atheists came out to heckle Ian, complaining that we were stealing: they had to pay money for their booth, but we just came out and spoke without paying a thing. Why, we were nothing more than thieves!
Like our preaching friend Jim said, "What part of FREE speech don't they understand?" I said we should have a pity party for the lads, and maybe take up a collection for them. In all seriousness, we enjoy the opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone down at the FM, including the AA's. May God open their hearts and minds to the gift of eternal life that is in Jesus Christ, and set them free from the darkness in which Satan has them bound in (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
While Tony and Ian had some opposition, we did not. Mary and I got down there around 10:30, and Jim was stationed in the middle of Court Avenue, handing out tracts and preaching to the passersby. I set up in front of Legends, and preached for about 30 minutes. I had the occasional comments "No one is listening", and even a "You're disgusting", at which, at least in my mind, I leaped for joy (Luke 6:22-23). We actually had a lot of support. It was sunny and hot, probably over 90 degrees (Fahrenheit, for any Canadians reading this) with the reflecting asphalt, concrete, and glass. And it was loud. I tried to capture some audio of the preaching, but in doing so I also captured the music from the band 2 spots down.
Overall, we had some good conversations, and I know that Mary passed out a ton of tracts. We also talked to a sincere Christian lady who asked about the "effectiveness" of preaching open-air, etc. We thank the Lord for His grace that sinners saved by grace are allowed to proclaim the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. My God bless you as you reach out with the gospel to seek and to save that which is lost.
Wish I could have been there.
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