"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust."
Psalm 18 v 2
DayOne AT THE BIBLE FESTIVAL
John Roberts writes:
Throughout my ministry with LDOS and Day One Publications, many opportunities have been given
to witness at exhibitions and conferences throughout the United Kingdom. Early in August we made the short
journey to Cheltenham for the first Bible Festival. A few weeks before this event, the whole area had been under
water and confirmation that the Festival would go ahead was only made five days before the opening day!
Therefore, when we arrived, there were many obstacles to overcome. But this Festival turned out to be the best
event I have witnessed. We were totally independent as we had our own marquee, seating 120 people, and we
arranged our own programme of seminars. Despite a wet summer, the week was warm and dry with sunshine every
day. We had eight seminars all addressed by authors who John Roberts reports have written for Day One
Publications.
Prof Stuart Burgess from the Bristol University gave the opening talk dealing with the creation/evolution debate. This was so encouraging, with over 170 people attending, many of whom were sat in the book display area and outside on the grass.
We also had Dr Iain D Campbell, minister of Back Free Church of Scotland, Isle of Lewis, to
speak at two seminars. He spoke powerfully on the theology of the Lord's Day and the practical use of the Lord's
Day. Both seminars were well attended and it was good to see so many young people among the audience.
Other speakers were Rev Clive Anderson, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on the British Museum; Melanie
and Nick Metcalfe, authors of Insight into Anguish; Rev Simon Robinson, who spoke on the importance of the
Quiet Time. The final seminar was addressed by Dr Jim Winter, and covered the subject of 'Depression'. This
was the largest gathering of the Festival with at least 250 people sat in and around the marquee.
An unexpected encouragement was to have three of our speakers, Stuart Burgess, Iain Campbell and Clive Anderson, interviewed on Premier Radio during their early breakfast show.
It was so uplifting to hear positive comments from many people who attended our seminars and visited our
bookshop. One council member overheard two young people speaking outside the marquee, 'Day One have the
best seminars of the whole Festival.'
I sum up this brief report by quoting an e-mail sent to our office a few days after our return. 'This is not an enquiry,
but a thank you! Not only for the lovely offers in the Day One tent, but for the practical and Biblical ministry you had
at the seminars, Again, many thanks.'