Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth (Psalm 60:4). 

Dear, brothers and sisters the ministry in Glastonbury and surrounding towns went very well. Thank you for your prayers. The LORD has been blessing us. He empowered us, gave us boldness, kept us safe and provided us with many openings to share the blessed gospel of God – he delivered us out of the hands of wicked men; and we enjoyed some great fellowship too. On Sunday we left church and went straight onto the streets to preach the gospel. Glory to God! By God's grace we have literally reached hundreds of people - through preaching, tracts and one to one witnessing. We visited Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Wells, Taunton and Burnham on Sea. Please pray that God would bless everyone who was touched by this ministry and that God would give us boldness to be declaring his wonderful works…        Clive Storey  

Thursday: 

We arrived in the area around lunchtime on Thursday and were warmly welcomed by Graham and Jayne a lovely Christian couple who live just outside of Wells. They welcomed us into their home and fed us like kings; Graham is a gifted chef! This couple really know how to exercise the gift of hospitality. Praise the LORD! Following Graham’s excellent fry up we headed into Glastonbury town. This is when things started to get interesting. Glastonbury is a very strange place! Unfortunately it is given over to darkness. Indeed, practically every other shop is an occult outlet and there are three witchcraft covens within three hundred yards. There are even four foot idols positioned outside some of the shops; and there is a Goddess Temple too! I have never seen anything like it! John unfurled the banner and we proceed to walk down the high street handing out tracts to those who would take them. It was one of those moments when you know that every eye is upon you; a bit like when the Sheriff walks into town to round up the bad guys.  

One lady said we were brave – implying that it was the devils town. This is not about bravery Madame it is about being more than conquers in Jesus Christ! To be honest my legs we shaking and I found the atmosphere particularly oppressive; especially when we got to the first coven. Nevertheless, we pressed on – handing out tracts as we walked down to the market cross. There was Native American group playing tribal music in the centre of the town. As we walked past the pub – a demonic (literally) voice started to shout out and blaspheme, and then someone ran out of one of the occult shops looked at the banner and swore in John face. People especially the witches were being very rude! We had an interesting conversation with a newspaperman called Edward; and some weird new age types. One thought that he had met Jesus (in the flesh) at last year’s festival. Apparently, he’s a really nice bloke who smokes dope and who’s in Jerusalem bringing the worlds religions together [sic]. By this time we had been joined by Graham and Jayne and we stood outside the parish church handing out tracts. The church is right next to one of the covens. One lady smiled at me as she refused the tract but I knew that she was really cursing me in her heart. 

We return to the market cross and John proceeded to preach the glorious gospel. We were opposite one of the covens called: ‘The Cat and the Cauldron’. John really preached a clear undiluted full gospel message, and as he spoke you could literally feel the hatred and hostility – some were even shouting out. There were two witches sat amongst the café people - it felt like their eyes were burning into me. This is the sort of experience that really puts some flesh onto the bones!! As John preached. Graham, Jayne and I were giving out tracts; one strange looking lady said that she wanted to listen to the tribal music and not us - and then the Police arrive in the form of two special constables. John had been preaching for around fifteen minutes. They basically said that we weren’t breaking the law but that it might be in our best interests to move on because some of the rougher elements could possibly take the law into their own hands. We proceeded to share the gospel with the Police women. One of whom said that John sounded like her Dad, who we took to be a Christian - Praise the LORD. They both took tracts. After this we walked back to the church where we had a good conversation with a young man called Torrin who comes from a Christian background. He was very open. We explained the gospel to him and gave him a CD. Please pray for him.  

Following this we headed to Shepton Mallet, which was very quiet. Nevertheless, John unfurled the banner and we distributed tracts and John shared the gospel with some school kids most of whom took some literature. We decided at this point that the LORD wanted us back in Glastonbury and so we commended ourselves into his care and we travelled back into the devil’s back yard. This time around the spiritual atmosphere seemed less oppressive. I personally believe that God had blessed our earlier activity and that there had been a break through in the heavenlies. Jesus is LORD! We distributed tracts and spoke to a mixed up lady called Leanne. I felt empowered to preach and so I prayed and preached from the Market Cross. There were quite a number of people about and I was obviously opposed but I just kept receiving strength and words from our glorious Saviour. One man in a mobility scooter seemed utterly transfixed – please pray for him. Following this we handed out tracts and talked with some weird hippy types; one young man was called Baba. We shared the good news with them and told them to call upon the name of the LORD. Then we walked out of town rejoicing in the LORD! God is good. Halleluiah! ‘Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies’ (psalm 60:12). We returned to our base, near Wells, where we were treated like kings. We went to a church meeting – praised God, sat beneath an anointed sermon, all about living the crucified life and witnessing for Jesus, and worshiped the King. What a blessing… the LORD filled our hearts with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Please pray for everyone who was touched by this day of ministry.    

Friday:  

Friday began with worship, praise and prayers. Following this we headed into Shepton Mallet. John, Jayne and I, Graham was at the Dentists, headed for the market where we got through a lot of tracts and had some interesting conversations. John preached a clear message from the market cross. This ministry was opposed by a liberal Christian who went round apologising to the market traders. John had a very good time talking to a professed atheist and managed to move him into agnosticism. I spoke to an elderly man called David. His wife is a Christian. I went through the gospel and encouraged him to believe. He said that he was going home to pray about what I had said and specifically asked me if Jesus would help him. I told him that all those who call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved. The word really went home and so I’m believing for this mans salvation. We got through a lot of tracts in this town. 

Next we travelled to Wells, which is a lovely old Cathedral town. As we walked into the main square John showed me a plaque outside the pub. It said that in 1687 William Penn the founder of Pennsylvania had preached from one of the upper windows to a crowd of three thousand people. We had a very good time in Wells. We handed out hundreds of tracts and had several fruitful conversations. I took a young Mum through the good test and shared the gospel with her; unfortunately a witch pulled her away before I had finished. John had a long conversation with a young man called Bob, and his friends, and Jayne had a good conversation with an angry young man called Tom. I preached the gospel in the main square; which resulted in me being threatened by Tom. I carried on and as I finished he came over again looking quite angry. I thanked him for being patient - his anger left him and Jayne and I spoke to him about the LORD. Jayne continued to talk with Tom as I gave out tracts. In the mean time John had been talking to another young man called Tom who as a result made a profession of faith. John prayed for him, gave him a Bible and commended him to the LORD. John also spoke to a backslidden Christian called Claudia. Ironically, she thought our message wasn’t loving enough. John showed her that it was biblical and that the gospel message had never been popular. She said that she didn't need the gospel, but that the young man who was with her did. However, he wasn’t interested and was blaspheming. John discovered that he was Claudia’s boyfriend and proceeded to show her the scriptures about being unequally yoked. She became quite agitated and said that people can change John told her that she need to trust God and that he would provide her with a godly man. In the end they stormed off. Please pray that the LORD would open their eyes. It makes you wonder what’s being taught in the churches. We got through lots of tracts in this town. 

Next we travelled to Taunton where set up a table for free literature and Bibles and John proceeded with some board work. This was particularly fruitful. We had numerous conversations and gave out a lot of literature; including some Bibles, New Testaments videos and DVD’s. I experienced a personal break through at this point. John’s banner was under the table because he was busy with the board work. I felt the LORD tell me to unfurl it and so I obeyed and walked around with the banner, which a first for me. Thanks for praying for me I felt particularly blessed, strengthened and empowered. I despised the insults receiving the blessings instead. John had a very good conversation with an old man called Dennis who believes in evolution. He has given us his email and so we are going to send him some material. John spoke to a lady called Bev who was VERY interested in our message, Jayne spoke to a man called Peter who was equally as interested; and we also spoke to a young man called Conan. Conan said that he believed everything I had told him. He said that he just seemed to know it was true. So I prayed for gave him a New Testament, which he said he was going read that night, and told him to find a fellowship, which takes the Bible seriously. It would be good to follow up here but it is impossible when one is travelling around like this – so we trust that the LORD will bring these individuals on; and of course we know that He is more than able. We got through more tracts in Taunton than in the other towns put together – literally hundreds and booklets too. We walked back to the car park rejoicing I really felt blessed and I just knew in my heart that this is why I exist. Praise the LORD. In the mean time Graham had recovered from his trip to the dentist and had cooked us an amazing Indian meal comprising: starters, mean course and desert. It was better than the Indian restaurants in Sheffield.  

Saturday:  

John Graham, Jayne and I spent Saturday in Worcester at a ministers conference. This was a time of fellowship, encouragement, networking equipping, and teaching. Just what the doctor ordered. We were asked to share a short testimony about the open air work and two minister’s prayer for us. I felt incredibly blessed and empowered. On Saturday evening we went for a walk in the country side around Graham and Jayne’s house.  

Sunday:  

We went to church with Graham and Jayne; they fellowship in Burnham on Sea. We were warmly welcomed. Peter the pastor preached a cracking sermon – it was the word of the LORD and we worship our LORD in Spirit and in Truth. We met some lovely saints. Following this we went straight onto the streets to preach the gospel. John unfurled the banner and we proceed to hand out tracts. I prayed that the LORD would deliver us out of the hands of wicked men and then proceeded to preach opposite a large pub. I felt particularly empowered and the words came from above. Several men walked out of the pub with snooker cues in the hands. They were shouting. One walked over to me he was hold the cue in quite an intimidating manner. As he stood there I told him that he was lost, that Jesus died for sinners, that he is the LORD, that he had conquered death, and that those who believe shall be forgiven and saved from judgement. He walked back to his friends and proceeded to shout at us. I wound up the message – but before I did I addressed the men with the cues. To be honest I cannot remember what I said - the words came from above. John had been speaking to an atheist called Andy. I walked over to the pub and proceeded to give out the tracts – this was the LORD and not me I have never felt as bold. We walked down to another part of the town giving out tracts on the way. John spoke to a man sat on a bench who was convicted but who went back into the darkness. John preached outside a vacant shop, whilst Graham Jayne and I handed out tracts. Yet again the LORD strengthened my arms, and so I was able to raise the banner. Praise God – Halleluiah! John’s preaching attracted some hecklers who were sitting outside the amusement arcade. He preached a cracking sermon. It was a very powerful word. I was able to share the good news with a lady who was sat in a mobility scooter and then another lady, who had heard the sermon at the pub, told us to clear off back to Sheffield.  

Unfortunately, it was time to go home. John was due at work at 4:30 am on Monday. I wanted to stay but our work was finished. Pastor Peter, who with his wife Ann, had come out with us prayed for us and we parted company. I felt a real connection in my spirit. We shared lunch with Graham and Jayne on the Sea front and then head back to Sheffield singing hymns for most of the journey. Isn’t the Redemption Hymnal a blessing - Praise the LORD.   

What a blessed time we had over those for days. I’m thanking God that he allowed me to participate in this work. I would not have missed this for the world. I have learnt a lot – as I said this type of activity really puts the flesh on ones bones. Thank you for your support we couldn’t do this without you. Prayer is vitally important!! Thank you for your prayers they have been answered –in many ways! Thank you to Peter Ann, Graham, Jayne and the rest of the saints in Burnham – May God richly bless you, keep you and use you - we will see you soon. Please pray that God would bless all those who were touched by this ministry and for our on going work in Sheffield and surrounding towns. In August the LORD is sending us up to Cumbria only this time for four days. Please pray for boldness and protection. Praise the LORD. I just want to say that this is not about us it is about the LORD this report is an account of what he has done and so Glory to God. If any of you would like to join us on the streets of Sheffield please contact us at:  John Steele jsteele2@sky.com

or Clive Storey athestoreys@aol.com 

                                   Every Rich Blessing,    Clive Storey