The wind was bitterly cold, the sky grey and dreary - ominously threatening to pour rain on the drab day. People shuffled quickly between shops, wrapped in big coats, keen not to spend too much time exposed to the cold air. It certainly wasn’t an ideal setting for busking, but the strange group that began to set up their amplifier and microphone were not there to busk. We were in fact, an eclectic bunch, who’d come to worship Jesus on the streets of Cardiff.
Our hope was that, simply by hearing the truth in the songs we were singing, and through walking past us as we created an atmosphere of worship - passers-by might be in some way impacted by the love of God for them. We also hoped that some would stop to listen and that this might lead to some good conversations around faith and Jesus. Looking at everyone walking briskly by as we shivered and sang, good conversation didn’t seem all that likely… We did see some interest though, mostly in the form of perplexed looks, maybe the odd smile, and even a few taking out their phones to film us from the other side of the street. The few conversations I did have didn’t really feel like they’d gone anywhere and I was feeling a little despondent when, just before we were about to leave, I got talking to two young muslim students.
Omar*, 17, was from Saudi Arabia, and he’d come to the UK to study English, and then do further study once his language skills had improved. He asked what we were singing about and why we were singing. After explaining that we were Christians, singing to Jesus, I asked him what he thought about Jesus. He said that Jesus was a prophet in Islam. I asked him whether he’d ever read the Bible to read about Jesus. He said he hadn’t. I asked if he’d like to read the Bible. He said yes!
At this point I was able to show him studentbible.org so that he could get a free Bible sent to him. He typed in his details to order a Bible to his place and smiled as he waved goodbye.
It was just a small conversation, and I have no idea if Omar will read his new Bible, or what impact it will have on him - but I was so encouraged by the interaction! All we did was show up, worship in a public place and waited to see what God would do. It was amazing to see what God can open up when we simply show up. Even on a cold grey afternoon, God can move in remarkable ways.
How could you show up in your town or city to see what God will do? What conversations could you have? Whose life could be impacted by God working through you?
*Name changed to protect identity.
