During the Easter period, our Scripture Readers have many wonderful opportunities to share the gospel. ASR Peter Woodward shares with us what Easter has been like at RAF Benson.
Shortly before Shrove Tuesday I met with a group of Christians serving at RAF Benson. They were looking to put on an event which would invite people into the church on station for free pancakes and allow us to share with them the meaning of the day.
We began planning both the practical and spiritual elements of the event; knowing that we wanted to present a Christian message but for it not to be overbearing, as we assumed that many in attendance would not be regular church-goers.
We set up a rolling slideshow with an explanation of Shrove Tuesday, along with worship music to provide a welcoming environment.
On the tables were printouts of James 1:17: ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights’, as a reminder for those who wished to give thanks to God when eating their delicious pancake.
We also gave a serving suggestion of adding lemon juice to represent something bitter in life, but with sugar as a reminder of how God can bring sweetness even in bad times.
I embraced the challenge of preparing and serving fresh food to people at the event, whilst the other members of our group and the Chaplain chatted to those in attendance.
I was pleasantly surprised when at 4:30 on the dot, a steady stream of families with young children began pouring in through the church doors. It was lovely to be able to serve families for whom having a pancake on ‘Pancake Day’ is non-negotiable (as it is in our house!) whilst also giving people the chance to engage with the spiritual meaning behind the day and making them aware of the presence of Christians on the station.
Other RAF personnel, including young aviators from the single living accommodation appeared for some free food also. Five minutes after closing the kitchen a married couple walked in hoping to get a free pancake after work, but we were still able to serve them by gifting them a carton of batter along with sugar and lemon juice so they could make them easily at home.
Having not been present at RAF Benson for very long, it was great to be able to connect with people in this way. The other Christians were able to have conversations with those who had turned up, making them aware of the weekly Bible study.
On Maundy Thursday the Chaplain and I are hosting another event at the church on the station called ‘A Taste of Easter’ which will provide fresh hot cross buns and other baked goods for people wishing for a spot of home baking. This will be accompanied by another background presentation explaining the message of Easter, along with free gospel tracts and books which outline the evidence for the Resurrection.
Please pray that this event will be well attended and that interest for a Hope Explored course which I plan to run after Easter will be stirred up amongst those who attend and across the rest of RAF Benson.
Pray with us
- Give thanks for the opportunities Peter has had at RAF Benson so far
- Pray that those who heard something of the gospel from the events at RAF Benson and at other Scripture Reader locations across the country, would come to a saving knowledge of Christ this Easter.
