ON THE third Sunday of each month, the town of Bingley, in
Bradford diocese, swarms with people going to a
car-boot sale. It gave the Honorary Curate at St Mark's, the Revd
John Ineson, and his wife the idea of setting up a table to give
away Bibles, advertise church events, and to offer to pray for
people.
They have been doing it since January, and, each time, they give
away between 15 and 20 Bibles. "That's amazing," Mr Ineson says.
"It takes a lot of courage at a crowded boot-sale to come over to
us with our big sign saying 'Free Bibles' and ask if you can have
one."
He points out that thousands of car-boot events take place each
Sunday - some weeks, more than 5000 - throughout the UK, with a
possible attendance in the summer months exceeding 1.5 million. "At
Bingley, there can be over 200 sellers alone, with hundreds of
buyers attending.
"We're also a source of intrigue for the sellers, and often have
conversa-tions with them. They're there to make money, and we make
nothing; but through the gospel message [we] offer everything. And
a number have said that it's good to see the 'church' taking an
interest in this event that's become a significant national
activity."