3 minute read
‘I don’t approach people – they come to me’
INTERVIEW
Ahead of the Herald’s Challenge starting on 10 July, Graham Warburton (Swanage) tells Emily Bright how selling the papers is an outworking of his faith
AFTER months of shop closures during the coronavirus pandemic, high streets have started to reopen. So what better way to celebrate than getting back out into the summer sun as part of the Herald’s Challenge? Starting on 10 July and running throughout the month, the challenge offers an opportunity to consolidate links with your community, share your faith and raise money for your corps. Why not volunteer as a herald one hour a week or more throughout July?
To give you an idea of what being a herald involves, Graham Warburton shares his experience of selling the papers and how it’s been a springboard for evangelism and community outreach.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A HERALD?
Many years ago I used to take the Army papers around the pubs in my home corps in Bolton. About 12 years ago I was asked if I would like to become a herald here in Swanage and agreed to do this for a while – and I’m still serving in this way, having added another stand in Wareham to my outreach in Swanage.
Graham delivers papers to Ann Davis WHY IS SELLING THE PAPERS SO IMPORTANT?
I enjoy raising funds for our corps, but more important is the outreach into the community with the love of Jesus.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY DURING THE LOCKDOWN?
I have delivered the Army papers to the doors of all the corps folk, as well as many of the regular customers I used to meet in town. Each delivery round was a six-mile walk – I have even had customers from town knock on my front door to ask for their copies of the papers and leave a donation.
WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT BEING A HERALD?
I enjoy representing The Salvation Army, and being available to people for a chat, especially when people share something of their stories and ask for prayers.
WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE FROM YOUR COMMUNITY BEEN LIKE?
Very positive. I am told people missed me from the street during the lockdown periods and it is good to be back out there. In days of uncertainty people are saying how good it is that I am out there again as it brings a little bit of normality back to life.
HOW DO THE PAPERS OPEN UP CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH?
I know my customers and friends enjoy reading the 'War Cry' and 'Kids Alive!' and that there are many articles with which they connect. Just recently a lady asked me if she would go to Heaven when she died. I have to be ready for unexpected questions. I see this ministry as an outworking of my faith in Jesus.
WHY SHOULD PEOPLE TAKE PART IN THE HERALD’S CHALLENGE?
It is a great opportunity to meet people in the community and build relationships, have conversations and witness in a visible way. I don’t approach people – they come to me, which I feel is important.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PROSPECTIVE HERALDS?
I was nervous when I first started. I think that is normal, so please do not worry or let anything put you off, not even the rain! Enjoy the experience!
TAKING UP THE HERALD’S CHALLENGE?
* Corps can receive 20 free additional copies of War Cry and Kids Alive! for each new herald
* Order extra copies by emailing subscriptions@satcol.org or calling 01933 445 445
* The deadline for ordering the 10 July issue is 18 June
