In Depth:  Andy Banton

Back in the 1920s, the then Secretary of The Open-Air Mission, Frank Cockrem, wrote a pamphlet to challenge preachers of the gospel not to confine their invaluable ministry to the four walls of their churches.

Such a challenge is needed even more urgently today. Since far fewer people attend church in 2008 than they did back then, out-door or open-air preaching is even more vital. Below is an updated version with seven questions which is written neither to offend nor discourage, but with the sincere desire that more needy sinners will hear the glorious gospel, and be saved.

Recently I met a man who, five years before, had been converted to Christ after no less than 15 years as a heroin addict.

The Lord's means of his deliverance and salvation was an open-air preacher who had faithfully made Christ known outside Whitechapel Tube Station in London.