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Car-boot Bibles

24 May 2013

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."

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