Over the past two years, Europe has seen a dramatic rise in the number of Islamist terror attacks that have alarmed many and brought a sense of fear to societies once thought exempt from such barbarity. Sadly, the shores of Great Britain have recently seen an increase in terrorism carried out in places such as Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge. In the aftermath of these terror attacks, many politicians and celebrities attempt to suggest a path forward in order to console anxious citizens and limit the frequency of these seemingly random acts of violence.
What is the real answer for those in the local communities affected by the attacks? The hope that is most needed by the neighbors, co-workers and friends of the victims is the hope of the gospel. The affected community needs hope in Christ.
In 2015, after the Bataclan Theatre attack in Paris, the Crown Christian Heritage Trust conducted an initial attempt in Paris to understand how to help in the aftermath of such a tragedy. Gospel tracts that had been written the day after the terrorist act by a French-speaking pastor were quickly designed and printed, then distributed. The response was overwhelming. In 'secularist' Paris, people queued to receive more gospel tracts, such was their desire to find anything that would give them hope in their despair. As a result of this reaction, the Trust prepared in the event of another emergency of this kind. Nearly eight months later, the tragedy in Nice, France occurred and within a short time, the team was there to offer the gospel and pray for and with local residents. Again, the response was exceptionally positive. After the Nice tragedy, the Trust sought the Lord's will as to putting together an organised team of volunteers who would be willing at a moment's notice if terrorism or a national emergency were to occur in the UK; to be in the community affected as soon as possible to offer hope and encouragement through the gospel. In the aftermath of such an event, people often ask profound questions about themselves and eternity. As Hosea the prophet spoke, ''break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD." (Hosea 4:12) Many lives are shaken by these events and a brief window of opportunity to engage them in meaningful conversation is not to be wasted.
God has blessed the work and gospel outreach was conducted recently at the Manchester Arena area as well as the latest London Bridge scene within a short time of the locations being reopened to the public. Numerous gospel conversations have been had and many more have received evangelistic literature gladly and read the message of hope in Christ. Facebook messages and phone calls from enquirers who received literature have been fielded with encouraging outcomes.
Please pray for the Gospel Emergency Outreach Team as they are preparing themselves, as the Lord provides; to be on location in the event of any mass emergency in the United Kingdom within 24 hours. The hope is that there will be no more attacks or mass emergencies; but the Gospel Emergency Outreach Team plans to stand on the ready if the need ever arises. The gospel light is much needed in dark days. The Team asks for prayer that God would give them safety and open doors for witnessing for the Saviour.
If you would like to know more about or join with the Gospel Emergency Outreach Team on location, please contact the Team coordinator at director@cchtrust.org.uk or follow the Crown Christian Heritage Trust on Facebook for regular updates about the G.E.O. Team.
What is the real answer for those in the local communities affected by the attacks? The hope that is most needed by the neighbors, co-workers and friends of the victims is the hope of the gospel. The affected community needs hope in Christ.
In 2015, after the Bataclan Theatre attack in Paris, the Crown Christian Heritage Trust conducted an initial attempt in Paris to understand how to help in the aftermath of such a tragedy. Gospel tracts that had been written the day after the terrorist act by a French-speaking pastor were quickly designed and printed, then distributed. The response was overwhelming. In 'secularist' Paris, people queued to receive more gospel tracts, such was their desire to find anything that would give them hope in their despair. As a result of this reaction, the Trust prepared in the event of another emergency of this kind. Nearly eight months later, the tragedy in Nice, France occurred and within a short time, the team was there to offer the gospel and pray for and with local residents. Again, the response was exceptionally positive. After the Nice tragedy, the Trust sought the Lord's will as to putting together an organised team of volunteers who would be willing at a moment's notice if terrorism or a national emergency were to occur in the UK; to be in the community affected as soon as possible to offer hope and encouragement through the gospel. In the aftermath of such an event, people often ask profound questions about themselves and eternity. As Hosea the prophet spoke, ''break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD." (Hosea 4:12) Many lives are shaken by these events and a brief window of opportunity to engage them in meaningful conversation is not to be wasted.
God has blessed the work and gospel outreach was conducted recently at the Manchester Arena area as well as the latest London Bridge scene within a short time of the locations being reopened to the public. Numerous gospel conversations have been had and many more have received evangelistic literature gladly and read the message of hope in Christ. Facebook messages and phone calls from enquirers who received literature have been fielded with encouraging outcomes.
Please pray for the Gospel Emergency Outreach Team as they are preparing themselves, as the Lord provides; to be on location in the event of any mass emergency in the United Kingdom within 24 hours. The hope is that there will be no more attacks or mass emergencies; but the Gospel Emergency Outreach Team plans to stand on the ready if the need ever arises. The gospel light is much needed in dark days. The Team asks for prayer that God would give them safety and open doors for witnessing for the Saviour.
If you would like to know more about or join with the Gospel Emergency Outreach Team on location, please contact the Team coordinator at director@cchtrust.org.uk or follow the Crown Christian Heritage Trust on Facebook for regular updates about the G.E.O. Team.