|PIC1|Clubs, pubs and prisons are just some of the places that Dave Glover has been to - and he wants more of the same. As National Director of OAC Ministries (Open Air Campaigners), he uses creative means to effectively communicate the unchanging Gospel.

Gaining entry into unlikely places is at the heart of his evangelistic approach.

Dave explains, "My desire is not to be gimmicky, just effective. The Gospel will always be the most wonderful message in the world but often people are not listening because of the way in which it is put forward. The best message deserves the best in presentation."

Sketchboard and paint, puppets, illusion object lessons, balloons, powerpoint, and DVD clips are just some of the means he uses to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.

One week in mid-October highlights just how versatile his evangelism can be. In Dave's home town of Newcastle, a reporter from the Evening Chronicle Journal had spotted a notice in a local shop window about a Christian cabaret. This intrigued the reporter and an interview with Dave resulted in a large article with photos circulated among thousands.

That week also included a family event, geared to reaching all ages. Two different people approached Dave afterward. The first was an elderly man who explained that his wife had been going through some very difficult times. He thanked Dave, saying how relieved he was to see his wife able to relax, smile and enjoy herself for the first time in a long while.

Then a six year old boy told him, "I want to ask Jesus into my heart." Dave looked at his mother who nodded in agreement, and he was able to help that little boy say a prayer of faith. The family evening was complete when Dave was able to speak with the mother as well.

A unique ministry among men is due to Dave's enthusiasm for golf.

He notes, "In addition to events like Christian golf days, there is the opportunity to meet other men who would not come to church. Yet as relations develop, they turn to me in spiritual matters. They may ask me to visit a sick relative in hospital and pray with them."

Dave sums up, "One of the hallmarks of OAC ministry over the years, and one that I share, is a highly visual approach to communicating the Gospel. When we aim to present Christ by all means everywhere, we really are echoing the apostle Paul who said, 'I have become all things to all men. that by all possible means, I might save some.'"


On the web: www.oacgb.org.uk