Retracing Former "Tracting" Outlets. 

My wife and I had a little exercise of heart to return to a number of blocks of flats where we frequently delivered Gospel calendars, magazines, and tracts some seven years ago or so. As ever there was the need to gain entrance to the buildings, and we made it a matter of prayer. At the entrance to each "block" we tried the "trade" button and were rewarded with immediate access!

The flats had been generally dirty, smelly, and a little daunting as there were signs of drug use. Some of the residents had been a little intimidating too.

Things were far worse! There were obvious signs of total neglect, as well as the pungent smell of drug use; some doors that led to rubbish collection and other necessary services were padlocked. There were notices of regular Police patrols we had never seen before.

The buildings were overwhelmingly depressing without any tangible effort to alleviate the sense of foreboding that seemed to hang in the air. Everywhere there was considerable evidence of general poverty that was impossible to ignore. And this surprised us as all the flats had been taken over by a housing society of some repute.

It would have been good if we could have helped some of the residents in a practical way. But we barely saw anyone except for one or two fleetingly as they left the building. Nevertheless, we felt some elation at having delivered a copy of the Via gospel magazine to every flat, longing that many will be read and if it please the Lord will lead to the salvation blessing of not a few, to the glory of the Lord Jesus.

Although there are four buildings the flats number only 62 in all, having so few floors in each building meant that my wife was able to help me despite her arthritis. It is so enjoyable when we work together "in tandem."

Please uphold in prayer all these individuals and families who struggle in so many ways, especially to make ends meet when so many of us are considerably better off. Of course, we covet your prayers above all for their salvation, trusting the Lord to use the printed Word by His blest Holy Spirit to effect such singular blessing.