You might have heard of the expression ‘touch wood’. It is a popular saying in the UK. It is a relic of tree worship that ruled the roost in pagan times. By touching wood we invoke the protection of a tree spirit. It is a pagan ritual. Often unnoticed. This Read more
I’ve been thinking a lot about trees recently. I love them. We have some great trees where we live in Horsforth in Leeds. My favourite tree is the Great Boab tree (Oz). What’s yours? We are all aware of how trees are being chopped down all over the world. We Read more
Story August Francke (1663 – 1727) was a German preacher and social reformer who established an orphanage and inspired George Muller. One day he had to pay the construction workers but he did not have any money and so he prayed to God for provision. At the end of that Read more
A Chat about Jimmy Savile Consider two conversations about Jimmy Savile on the streets of Leeds. Less Fruitful Conversation “My name is Don. I believe that my good deeds will allow me to go to heaven after I die.” “You cannot earn your salvation. Just believe in Jesus.” “I am Read more
Chat about Lucky Charms Less Fruitful Conversation “My name is Debby and I have two lucky charms. What do you think about that?” “I can see no problem with lucky charms. Whatever works for you.” “Thanks for that. I feel reassured because the charms protect me.” More Fruitful Conversation “My Read more
In recent weeks I have been thinking about my life. I was an atheist from the ages of 13 to 21. Then I became a Christian at university. I am now almost certain that I will be returning to atheism. Here are some reasons for my decision. Like many I Read more
Consider two conversations about motorbikes on the streets of Leeds. Less Fruitful Conversation “My name is George. I love my Honda Goldwing motorbike. What would Jesus say about that?” “Talking about motorbikes is worldly. Can I tell you about Jesus?” “No thanks. I’m going for a ride on my Honda.” Read more
RealityBites is now working in one of the most deprived areas in Leeds. When my good friend and co-worker, Mark Yeadon invited me to bring my storytelling gift to the Welcome café in Burmantofts I was excited but also apprehensive. I knew that RB stories and questions work very well Read more
Chat about Gangster Films Consider two conversations about Gangster films on the streets of Leeds. Less Fruitful Conversation “Hello, my name is Derek and I love watching gangster films. Is that ok if you are a Christian? “I believe that it is wrong to watch gangster films when you could Read more
What a joy to be able to get out on the streets after lockdown and tell RealityBites stories to all kinds of non-Christian people. Working closely with my good friends Mark Yeadon and Mike Burkett we have now resumed our student ministry on the streets of Leeds. So why would Read more