In a rural community tucked away at the southern end of Cumbria, a farm building near Sedbergh was transformed for one evening in May into the annual Rendezvous Barn Rally.
The ‘Rendezvous’ is a youth meeting held near Tebay every month, but each year the special barn rally provides an opportunity for young people to invite family and friends, while also welcoming back those who once attended the meetings themselves.
With straw bales laid out for seating and nearly 200 people gathered despite freezing temperatures, the evangelistic event proved to be an encouraging night of fellowship and gospel preaching.
The evening featured Josh Williamson (Open Air Mission) as guest preacher, while Warren Furman (formerly the Gladiator ‘Ace’ in the 1990s TV show) was invited to share his life story.
During an interview with Wes Brewer, Furman spoke openly about his experiences of fame and success, describing the vanity and emptiness of the riches and achievements of this world.
He shared how God had saved him by his grace, and how he has come to know that Christ alone can truly satisfy and is the only hope in life and in death.
Josh Williamson then delivered a powerful message from the biblical parable of the rich fool and his plans to build bigger barns. Josh urged those gathered to consider the brevity of life and the importance of being ‘rich toward God’ rather than living only for the things of this world.
Despite the bitterly cold evening, the challenge of the gospel went forth clearly and powerfully, urging those gathered to consider the eternal necessity of knowing Christ above the passing riches of this world.
