The renowned Royal Cornwall Show actually begins for many with a commissioning service and prayers.

Behind the scenes of this popular event, held earlier this month, was a special service attended by local Christians and visitors to the show. The Bishop of Truro officiated with prayer and music drawing everyone together.

Evangelists Marten Holmes and Alan Offord of OAC Ministries (Open Air Campaigners) appreciated this initial time of commissioning and group worship before conducting outreach when the show began.

Holmes particularly focussed on storytelling. He explained what telling a Bible story for the benefit of non-Christians means.

"It’s bringing out a spiritual truth and its application," he said.

"That theme then runs throughout and it’s weaving it into the story. As I bring the story to a conclusion, I raise the point of how the person in the story responds. Then I consider how we can respond and the personal application of the Bible account for us today."

With his storytelling, Marten uses a variety of visual aids. He tends to paint words and pictures on a sketchboard as he gives the verbal account, as well as creative object
lessons and illusion.

With his professional training and experience, he is able to gear the story to the various groups that gather. This may range from young children to entire families and adults.

Team work characterises the show outreach as Holmes and Offord both work alongside team members from different churches. They are involved with face painting and balloon sculpting.

Offord’s wife, Sue, and a youth worker with some of the local youth also joined in. He uses power wrist bands which are bead wrist bands based on presenting the Gospel message. As he makes them for individuals and tells how they serve as spiritual reminders, these colourful wrist bands prove popular for all ages.

While youngsters and parents alike waited their turn, they were among those who listened to the Bible stories.

"Giving out literature as well as the power wrist bands provides an ongoing witness," he said.

"As a team, we were able to distribute a number of leaflets and New Testaments as well as the Gospel in comic form. Some people say they still don’t believe in God. Then I tell them, 'Well, don’t keep the door shut. Just because you haven’t met Him, doesn’t mean that He’s not there.'"

Judging from the family groups reached through these creative means, the outreach commissioned at the Royal Cornwall Show is effectively communicating the Gospel.