The Lord sovereignly gathered together nine radical street preachers from America, and five from the UK to take the message of our King to a lost a dying world.
It was as if God had put together an Evangelism “Dream Team” to take His gospel through Ireland, England, and Scotland.
I could tell this trip was going to be intense by the level of adversity I experienced just prior to leaving. It seemed as if all hell broke loose upon my family just days before leaving.
My wife camped out in the hospital with my oldest daughter, while my other three daughters went to stay with my sister n law.
The plan was to go and preach for fifteen days on the streets of Ireland, England, and Scotland lifting up and exalting the Name of Jesus Christ above every other name.
It was extremely difficult to leave my family in such a crisis, I considered many times in my head to cancel my trip and stay with them. Only by God’s grace was I able to tear myself away and move forward.
Holding back the tears, I clutched my bible and waved good bye.
I met up in Dublin Ireland with those who were to join me on this adventure.
These are the names of the faithful men who God raised up to exalt the King in the UK:
Shawn Holes, Kevin Borden, Donnelly Cameron, Scott Schone, Noman Kenneth, Robert Baird, Mike Stockwell, Dale Macalpine,Gordon Mason, Jimmy Blair, Allen Best, Robert Parker, Ken Fleck, Desmond smyth, Tim Meija.
We met up with JCM leader Desmond Smyth at the airport in Dublin. The first group landed a day prior and was already at the destination, which was Donnelly Cameron’s place in Belfast.
We headed to Belfast where it was to be our first “Open air” meeting. We wasted no time with “resting up,” but took to the streets right away.
When we got to the City Centre of Belfast we found that Shawn and the rest of the group were already hard at it. “Repent!!! Turn to Christ!! Could be heard from many blocks away as brother Shawn pressed in upon the people of Belfast with the gospel of Christ.
I sensed a charge in my emotions to get set up and preach as soon as possible. We split up into two groups and spread out across the city.
Brother Mike Stockwell from New York, a horse of a man, began to fire out the Word of God to all those who were passing by. We were located in the very center, a place where people could gather and listen.
The preaching went well. We quickly changed positions and I stepped up and belted out a sermon from Ezekiel, chapter 2. God seemed to honor the preaching by placing His strength upon the words that traveled out of my mouth.
After I stepped down from the ladder, a young man in distress approached me. He seemed to be trembling and shaking all over. Tears began to run down his cheeks as he began to tell me of his broken heart, and his need for God. It seemed that the Lord had placed an arrow directly into his heart.
He asked us if we would pray and fast for him, we agreed and fulfilled this request the following day.
Oh! The resources from heaven which are made available to the saint who goes to battle!!
If the church would get a hold of this, they would see that the true power is in the proclamation of the gospel, not in endless programs and potlucks.
What are we waiting for? Arise all you that sleep! Go, Stand and Speak!!
We spent all day Monday and Tuesday preaching, we even went and preached outside the movie house.
I was blessed with opportunity to preach Tuesday night at “Highway to Holiness” Church. I preached a message titled “Staying biblical in an age of Compromise.” It was received very well. This body of believers were such a blessing to us. They provided us with finances and two houses to stay in while we were in Belfast. The Pastor’s name was Pastor Glen. We were so grateful for all the love, hospitality and generosity that were given to us. Donnelly Cameron, a close brother in Lord from America, is living in Dublin, he was instrumentally used by God to have all of this arranged.
The grand finally was the last day when Brother Desmond smyth smoked the place with his quick wit and fiery preaching. He was grabbed and pulled off his ladder by an angry Roman Catholic. Praise God he was not deterred, but kept the guns blazing until a nice crowd began to gather around. Many came under the heat of conviction. God was glorified…Wednesday afternoon we boarded a Ferry from Belfast to Scotland. Once we arrived in Scotland we were to be picked up by JCM leader Dale Mcalpine. He had rented a 12 passenger van. This was a great blessing considering the prices of traveling.
The van was a great blessing; it was used much in transporting the team to different places throughout the trip. We travelled for three hours until we reached Manchester England. We met up with Kevin Williams from Puritan Fellowship. He had arranged for us to stay at his place, and one of his friends place as well.
We were blessed by the fellowship of the Williams family. We stayed with them for two days. We spent the two days preaching in the streets of Manchester. This was a powerful two days. The city of Manchester was definitely as the scriptures say “Upbraided.”
At one point we were surrounded by Muslims and the police. The Muslims were in a great uproar, and eventually they called the police to remove us.
Their plan did not work. We kept preaching and exalting Christ. Many were affected and quite stirred by the bold preaching of God’s Word. Robert Baird, full of the Holy Ghost fired out the word of God it seemed to hundreds standing around. The sharp edge of God’s Word penetrated anyone who came in range of his gospel arrows. One after another the team climbed up the ladder and proclaimed the true gospel of Christ. The law was preached in its totality, many were confronted in their sin. Brother Kevin Borden lit up the afternoon by his fiery preaching on repentance. It almost looked as if he was going to explode as he rifled out a sermon that most assuredly came down from the throne room of the Most High.
The police had cornered brother Shawn Holes and me. They wanted our film for some reason. Apparently taking pictures is no crime at all, so they let us go. One police officer or a fake one told me that I would be arrested if I did not give him our camera. We worked it all out and God delivered us out of all our trouble. Blessed be His Name.
Thousands of tracts went out. Many great one 2 ones occurred as well. I think we can all testify to the fact that the one 2 ones were awesome! Much prayer and fasting went on as well, not just before we preached, but during as well.
We then made our departure from Manchester to Workington England. We said our goodbyes and headed off!
Brother Dale Mcalpine had everything arranged for us as we entered into Workington. This is Brother Dale’s home town. Dale was very anxious to get out and see the impact of the gospel when it is preached and sent out by so many street preachers at once.
We were blessed by having not only Dales house to sleep in, but the Church as well allowed us to sleep there as well. They blessed us by preparing wonderful meals for us. They fed us well, and were extremely kind to us. We are so very thankful to all of them. It is hard work putting up with a bunch of “Outlaws” like us!
Brother Shawn Holes had a message prepared for us that evening; he spoke of godliness, and what a man of God should be like. I so much appreciated, and I know the whole team did as well. My vocal chords had been severely strained at this time and my speech was very much limited to squeeks and whistles. I went to the pharmacy and asked one of the pharmacists if they knew what I should do about my condition. They said it would take at least a week for my vocal chords to heal, and that I should not plan to speak for at least seven days.
Later that evening when Shawn was preaching to us, a strange warm feeling covered my head and throat. I thought to myself, this is strange, did I take something earlier to make me feel this way? I had a strange sense that God was in this somehow. I got up after the message and went to the bathroom. When I was in there I began to sing. To my surprise my voice was completely healed!!! Not only was it healed, but it was stronger than it has ever been! I never lost my voice the entire rest of the trip. God be glorified!!
Later that week, Brother Scott Schone gave us a Word about watching our “tongues,” that we should be careful how we speak. This was a most timely message. We all greatly benefited from this message as well. Later that evening many hot debates went on in the close quarters of Dales living room. It was so awesome to see men talking and conversing about God and the scriptures instead of talking about football and Hollywood. The whole house seemed to be lit up by God honoring speech and love for one another.
I must say I was also delighted by how these guys would sing beautiful Hymns in the van while driving down the road. I felt like I was part of the 12 Guy quartet. Many even sang in harmony! To my shame I knew very little of the Hymns being sung. I will learn, and will be able offer more next time. It must really please God to see and hear men singing together like this. I almost broke into tears at one point when they prayed for my daughter, then sung a song that I know the Lord had heard.
We spent much time thundering out the Word of God over the people of Workington. The young people especially were the ones taken by the preaching. One young boy and his friends were so overtaken with the preaching, he began to help with passing out gospel tracts! He held the bible that was given to him with the utmost excitement and respect. His little friends soon joined us as well with the giving out of tracts and bibles to the people who stood around. This young boy was said to be in Church Sunday night as well. All Glory to God.
We continued to pound the city with the gospel preaching and one 2 one witnessing and tract distribution. Many were affected and changed by the consistent proclamation of God’s Word.
Many of us rested on the Lord’s Day while we were there in Workington. It was nice to take a day and realign ourselves for the upcoming week in Scotland. Robert Baird was struggling with the flu, and was in need of rest. We had been preaching from the day we stepped off the plane, and a day of rest was definitely needed.
We arose early the next day and headed for Glasgow Scotland, which was a three hour drive from Workington. I was very anxious to get there, considering I had spent much time there in my past. Glasgow is very dear to my heart; the people there are quite humble, and genuine. I am very fond of the way the city is set up as well, it’s high Cathedral like buildings and masses of people all shut in from side to side, makes an excellent place for an Open air preaching.
We drove right into Glasgow City Center early Monday afternoon. We immediately set to the streets to set up. We were overjoyed to see the amount of people out and walking around. We found a place, which is actually one of my favorites from times past, and set up our ladder and began to preach.
The response was a little slow at first, but as time progressed we began to see improvements. We spent a majority of the day moving around, trying to find a spot where the police would leave us alone. It seemed whenever we set up and began to preach, we would be interrupted by authorities.
It started off somewhat light, but as we continued they kept getting worse. The police would tell us all sorts of things to get us to stop preaching. They would tell us that others were complaining, we are too loud, blocking street, and message too offensive and so on…
They actually were harassing us, and telling lies as well to get us to stop. They told us we could not film them, and speaking against “Homosexuality” was against the law. We told them that the only reason we were filming was for our protection. If they had nothing to hide, then why did it seem that the camera was so offensive to them? We did film them; they did make false statements on film as well. They confiscated the film after Brother Shawn’s arrest, so we no longer have it.
The following day we took off to Edinburgh. We got there around ten, and made our way up to the Royal Mile. When we got there we decided to go into St. Giles Cathedral where legendary preacher John Knox was said to have preached many times. It was awesome. Just seeing this place put a fire in my bones, I could not but help to think of the passion this man had for Christ.
It was said by the Queen of England that “she was more afraid of the prayers of john Knox, than all the armies of England!” Praise God! We need men to stand up again and to declare the truth in such a day of compromise. This sturdy man of God feared no man. It is sad today that most in the church have become politically correct, and their fear of man out weighs their fear of God.
Many songs are written and sung today about how we are the army of the Lord, but I wonder what the Lord would have to say to that one???
We spent all day proclaiming the gospel; at one point we were looking for a place we could exalt Christ to the most people possible. Brother Dale Macalpine found a spot in a field that was looking up into a crowd who were seated on benches overlooking Edinburgh Castle. I sat on one of the benches to see how well he could be heard from that far away. I was most astonished to realize that he could be heard very clearly. There was another row of onlookers as well seated above me that were giving brother Dale some good “Heckling.”
Brother Scott Schone stood upon a large stage like area built in the public speaking area of the city. He blessed us with his most powerful preaching of the Sermon on the Mount, he has the whole thing memorized! He not only preached it beautifully, but poetically and theatrically moved with great expression. He looked almost angelic in his demonstration of this piece of Scripture. One could not witness this without realizing that their was something supernatural going on.
We proceeded on to the College campus in downtown Edinburgh. When we got there, we seen groups of young people sitting on the square steps. Many of the kids were skate boarding and did not appreciate our appearance. One gentleman who seemed to be on the fringes of insanity came rushing out towards us as we were proclaiming Christ to all who would listen. He came out and got right in my face, all I could smell was beer and bad breath. His eyes were an eerie yellow color while his skin seemed to be almost a fiery red color. He must of been in his forties or so. He continued for the most part to scream in our faces and threaten us with violence. His foul language was enough to make a demon blush. He once picked up our ladder and acted as though he was going to clobber me over the head. I took a steady stance a braced myself for the worst. Thankfully he did not succeed in hitting me in the face with ladder. He did manage to hit brother Dale in the face with a half empty beer can. He also shoved Brother Shawn Holes as well. One young man threw a rock that almost hit me in the face. I think his aim was for Shawn, but it almost hit me instead.
We left this area and as we were walking off, we were approached by a young man who was drunk out of his mind. My heart broke for this fellow, and all I could do was tell him that God loved Him and I loved him too. I tried to keep back the tears as he rested his sad face upon my chest. Oh God, Please bring a revival to Scotland, Please rend the heavens and come down upon the poor in spirit.. Tears gather in my eyes now as I write this..
Later that evening we preached outside of the pubs. I started out the preaching, and as soon as I started I noticed that many began to listen. Brother Dale came in behind me to fill in as my voice was starting to go. Then Brother Robert Parker stirred up the hornets nest by preaching hard against sin. Robert is extremely passionate, and his preaching is terribly convicting. The Lord honored his preaching by drawing a nice crowd from all around the pub area. They came like a moth to the flame; they just could not keep away!
We realized the area we were preaching was once occupied by the brave Scottish Covenanters from 17th Century. This Monument we had found became our stage to proclaim the very same message these men had died for 400 years earlier. Hebrews 11:4 "he being dead yet speaketh."
The Covenanters were famous because of their stance against Roman Catholic doctrines and Religion occupying their Country. They signed a covenant in 1638 declaring that they would not bow down to the tyrannical Doctrines of the Papacy. many signed in their own blood reading "No King but Christ" and "Until Death." Many families were burned and executed for their stance on Biblical authority. The spot we preached on was not only a response to their faith from years ago, but an outward declaration to all that Christ is still King, and we will crown no other!!"
All the guys took turns preaching, and confronting sin.Allen Best from Belfast got the crowd going as well with his quick tongue and compassionate heart. The cross was preached in it's most descriptive manner. One man under the preaching of Donnelly Cameron was shaken to the core, he kept crying out, "leave me alone, I just want to go home!"
Wracked with heavy conviction he could do nothing but cover his head.
We left that night in absolute awe. God was honored and his Son Exalted.
Many of us called our wives and children from the bus as we made for Glasgow.
We awoke early and headed for Glasgow City Center.
When we got there Brother Ken Fleck opened up with a fiery sermon on repentance. He preached against homosexuality and was immediately stopped by police. We talked with the Police and they continued to harass us and tell us things that were not true. When they realized we knew the law, they quickly made excuses to why they said what they said. We filmed it all. The film was later confiscated by police because of the Shawn Holes trial.
Shawn Holes and Dale Mcalpine went to the police station to figure out what we can and can't say while preaching. Free speech, or limited speech? The authorities had told Shawn and Dale that they could actually preach against homosexuality. If it is in the bible then they said we can speak it.
Well, later on when Brother Shawn Holes got up to preach, he was surrounded by many of those who desired to listen to his sermon. Many questions were being called out to him as he was speaking. One question that was laid before him was the issue of, yep, you guessed it "Homosexuality." When asked if homosexuality was a sin, he replied with a firm "Yes!" It was said that there were two individuals who have been following us around calling the police every time we preach. These same two guys were the ones who asked the question and then called the police and pressed charges. Shawn was arrested and taken to jail. We were all struck at how they handled this whole situation. The police were cowards. They tricked Shawn into coming with them, and when they lured him into a room they handcuffed him and read him his rights. He was harassed and told he committed a crime, when he did not. They charged him with many other false charges as well. It was clear that this whole incident was a set up. Brother Shawn made the decision to plead guilty after the charges were read. They charged him 1000 pounds. It was paid and he was set free. The papers got a hold of this story and today there are many in Scotland who are rising up to defend their God given rights to preach the gospel.
Once Shawn was released we made plans to leave town and go to Stirling and preach for the day. We figure this was our last day, we should give it all we got. When we got to Stirling, the streets were filled with people of all ages.
It was really buzzing.
Brother Tim Meija was our full time videographer. He kept the camera rolling in the midst of all the action. He never flinched, even when threatened. I thank God for this man of God. He was a bold evangelist as well. When he was not shooting, he was sharing his faith.
We all took turns once again proclaiming God's Word over Stirling. Brother Dale started us out, then one by one we continue to lift up the Name of Christ.
Shawn got up and preached and pleaded with the people to stop and listen. Their very lives were at stake, if they would not repent they would most assuredly perish.
At this point many young people began to gather around. Brother Noman Kenneth climbed up and gave it his all. Preaching under the unction of God, he quickly began to call sin out. More and more people began to gather. It seemed that Nomans preaching was getting hotter and hotter as time progressed. very similar to his time in Manchester when he was confronted by the Muslim crowds. He boldly professed Christ, even in the face of the Islamic invaders of England. This young Pakistani/Scottish Preacher was on fire!
I jumped up immediately after Noman. Just as I got up to preach a bagpiper stood up next to me to drowned me out. The young people laughed hard, and the crowd grew very large. He continue to puff away on his pipes without realizing that the men of God behind him was setting up amplification. We had our famous half-mile hailer tucked away where know one could see it. We secretly brought it out as this piper was squeaking away. When they handed me the microphone I was so delighted! I poke into the microphone and it was louder than his bagpipes. He was actually drawing me the biggest crowd ever and he did not even realize it. He was trying to shut me out, but all he did was help me draw a huge crowd. I preached over his playing, and it actually sounded good. He realized his situation had gone south and got down and disappeared. By this time it looked like half the city was there!! I preached my guts out then handed the microphone to Scott Schone and we all took turns preaching to all these young people. I looked around and saw the police coming! I thought, Oh Know..., we are all going to jail now. The sirens were blasting as one cop car from behind and the other from the other side. We were surrounded! We kept the guns blazing, we figured if we are going down, we might as well go down with a bang.
To our amazement, the police came to help us!!! They came for crowd control!! How cool was this?? They were there to help the gospel preachers?? I could of kissed them! I was so excited. They actually thanked us, and were concerned with our safety. Wow, Glasgow could take a few lessons from these Stirling Police.
Our trip had come to an end, we finished with a "Bang!"
This write up is from my point of view, my perspective. This is how I saw everything. There is so much more that happened, but I have not the time or room to write it all down. God was at work in the hearts of all those in Britain who heard the Almighty Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the hearts of those who proclaimed it.
I will never forget this trip for as long as I live, nor will I forget those faithful men who gave it their all for the gospel...
