Figures show that in Ireland, evangelical Christians make up approximately 1.5% of the population.  It is a mission field, in need of the hope of the Gospel.  

For residents in Roscommon, in central Republic of Ireland, the figure of James Currie, a shy Ulsterman, may be familiar as he stands on the hill overlooking the shopping centre with a box of free Bibles to be taken and as he hands out tracts.  He is more than happy for people to stop and ask him spiritual questions, particularly if he has just been preaching.

Why go out at least twice a week into the centre of Roscommon town – weather-permitting – to talk to people about the Lord Jesus Christ? Why stand there for two or more hours (his favourite time is between 2 and 4 to 5.00pm when the schools are coming out) with a box of free Bibles for people to take? He also has a notice inviting people to stop and talk and on a small table are tracts that people can take. Christians will sometimes stop and tell him that they are praying for him or sometimes members of his church join him, which always are great encouragements. He also has a Facebook page and Instagram which people can use.

What compels him? James has a sister who is not a Christian and he sees those around him in the town as in the same state as her, and, as he longs that she may hear the gospel and be saved, so he wants those in Roscommon to repent of their sins.

Who visits him, takes tracts and stops to chat?  Younger people are more willing to stop and take a tract than older ones who are ‘more set in their ways’!  

At other times, particularly if the weather is bad, James will go into a coffee shop, where he will sit at a table with his laptop open. Placed on the back of the laptop is a notice, which reads: My name is James and I’m a Christian. Have you any questions about spiritual matters? Have a seat and let’s talk. While he waits, he works on Bible studies and sermons. However, it gets too expensive to be at the coffee shop regularly (!), so at other times he will go to the library to work and, again, has his laptop open so that people can read the message on the lid.

James is a member of Grace Community Church in Roscommon, which is fully supportive of his work. His becoming an evangelist happened by accident, but, of course, is all in God’s plan.  He and Elaine were with Operation Mobilisation, prior to joining EMF, and with OM had to do two months’ intensive evangelism training. Part of the course was to go on the streets to share their faith, and this led to a burden for men’s souls. He was very encouraged over Easter when 16 members of the church came to support him in evangelism over the three days including the pastor and his wife.

So then, what keeps him going? Knowing there is power in the gospel for the salvation of sinners.

‍