"People are so conscious of time in Richmond. Employment is reasonably high so most people are busy holding down jobs," observes Hamish Leighton.

As an OAC Ministries (Open Air Campaigners) evangelist, Hamish recently began a new outreach in the town centre during lunchtime. He and his team are pleased to find out that some people were prepared to take time out to listen.

"This summer we tried outreach in a busy shopping area. We carefully selected both the location and the time. It’s close to a coffee shop as well as other businesses, and attracts a lot of people.

"The Gospel message is well prepared with key words painted on a sketch board as the brief talk develops. The visual presentation creates interest and holds people’s attention.

"Because this takes place at lunchtime, it naturally draws a crowd. Afterward, people talk and ask questions. Some also take literature."

Because people have been responsive, the growing team of Christians led by Hamish continues this evangelism every fortnight. They see people, who initially tend to respond by thinking they are successful on their own, take an interest in God.

During the early July outreach, Hamish encountered a man from overseas.

"He was very open to God. When I read to him about Jesus from John chapter one, his eyes seemed to light up. Not only did he accept the Gospel of John, but he also asked for information about local churches."

Other team members also encountered positive reaction at this outreach. Rev. Martin Durham, Director of Kerygma180 (K180), joins in this new evangelism initiative. He spoke at length with a man who described his search for God and had travelled abroad as part of his spiritual journey. He and Martin exchanged contact details in order to follow up their discussion.

Evangelist interns from K180 add to the growing team. Members come from a variety of church backgrounds and serve in different roles. Sessions begin with an informal time of coffee and orientation.

In early July, more new members were welcomed, bringing the number of participants to 12 for this latest open air evangelism. Hamish reminds team members that each of them serves an important role. Even their presence helps to draw others to find out more. Then their follow-up conversations and literature distribution enable people to understand the Good News of Jesus.

"I was personally really encouraged," said Hamish. "While this meeting was progressing, I also met two ladies who work in Richmond town centre but who live and attend church elsewhere. They said that they might be able to support the work during their lunch break."

It seems that more people will be taking time out for Good News in Richmond.