YOU’LL GO TO LONDON
The autobiography of Lionel Ball
By Lionel Ball. Christian Focus. 154 pages. £7.99
ISBN 978-1-84550-314-7
This is an encouraging book to read and reflect on. Many Christian workers face the awesome challenge of evangelising London, and to read this autobiography is to be refreshed and reminded of what God can do by sacrificial and committed service undertaken in the Lord’s name.
This is a welcome testimony of Lionel Ball, a well-known retired London City Missionary. His wide experience saw the Lord open many doors for witness and gospel testimony. Most of his service was undertaken in Central London, from Shorts Gardens Mission in Covent Garden to the theatres of the West End and to City of London police. He then became one of the headquarters staff, helping to supervise and encourage other London City Missionaries in North London. One can see the wisdom of the Lord in preparing Lionel for his long and distinguished ministry during his years in the RAF. You will find many vignettes of notable characters that Lionel met and whom the Lord touched under his ministry. How blessed to know many of the choicest of God’s dear people such as Jack and Doll Dixie (see p.58). Lionel and other colleagues faced heartbreaking situations and saw many gracious answers to prayer. How thankful we should be for Lionel and others who have served so faithfully in the London City Mission. Our great capital city still presents a very needy mission field and awaits a fresh commitment from a new generation of gospel labourers.
