In 19th-century Victorian England, Helen Cadbury was born into a family of famous confectioners who were known not only for their fine chocolate but for their love of God and others. Being brought up in such a home, Helen’s attention was constantly pointed to God, his Word and a compassion for people.
Her father regularly helped in a mission hall in Birmingham, where, as a young girl, she saw her own need to accept Jesus and embraced him at one of those meetings. Helen’s life was forever changed, and she wanted others to know about Jesus, too.
Aged 12, Helen asked what she could do to share the gospel while she was still so young. Starting by carrying her Bible to school and praying for opportunities to share her faith, she soon encouraged her friends to help. They wanted to be able to carry their Bibles all day, so they each sewed a pocket onto the front of their school dresses. It was then that the ‘Pocket Testament League’ was formed.
Go into all the world
Even as a young girl, Helen Cadbury sought to do her part to obey Jesus’ command to ‘go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you’ (Matt. 28:19-20). No matter how young or old, your temperament, or your calling in life, as Christians, we are commanded by Jesus to go into all the world, give the gospel and make disciples.
Go in the Lord’s strength
You may find yourself questioning your ability to fulfil such a great command. Moses wondered how he could lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, with his limitations. God showed Moses his power by turning his staff into a snake and back again. Moses went, not in his own strength, but in the power of God. Paul emphasises that his message was given in weakness, fear and trembling, but that the power came from God (1 Cor. 2:1-5).
Trust God to help
You won’t have all the answers, and that’s ok. 1 Peter 3:15 says, ‘But in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.’
Pray and be diligent to study the Word. James 1:5 says, ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.’ Even as we are actively sharing the gospel, God will bring things to your mind that you can share.
Listen
Ask questions and listen. Listen to understand and not to just respond. Someone once shared with me that if you make statements without listening, people can quickly harden against what you are sharing. As you ask questions, their consciences and hearts are generally more open to engaging with you about spiritual matters.
Avoid debate
When it isn’t necessary, avoid debate. One of the most effective ways of sharing Jesus is to share your personal testimony of how you came to faith in Christ Jesus.
Don’t be ashamed
One of Helen Cadbury’s favourite verses to share was Romans 1:16: ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.’
Taking the opportunities God brings
Here are two stories to encourage you to give away the gospel, knowing that the work is the Lord’s.
Last year, I had an opportunity to have a conversation with a Muslim, an Uber driver, on one of the last days of Ramadan. He asked me what I do for work, which quickly led to what I believe about Jesus Christ and the Bible. He shared something that had happened in his life many years ago when he was around a Christian who read a Bible in front of him. He had started reading the Bible to be able to debate this Christian, but found the Bible particularly difficult. With limited time, I briefly shared my personal testimony of how I accepted Jesus as my Saviour.
As we approached my destination, the Spirit was leading me to give this man the Bible in my handbag (a 2025 equivalent of a pocket on a Victorian dress). As I started to get out of the car, I went to hand him the Bible. To my incredible delight and surprise, his hand was already extended to receive it. The Spirit of God was at work. I pointed him to the Gospel of John. He thanked me.
Last autumn, I was invited to attend a Christian Union meeting at a local university. I had a conversation with a student sitting next to me who was searching for the truth about God. I shared some Scripture with him, but as he claimed to be an atheist, God brought a book to mind written by a man who came to faith from atheism, so I suggested that he should read it.
Almost six months later, I had been reading this very book in a coffee shop, and as I left, I almost ran into this student. He was as surprised as I was! After a lovely conversation with him, I learned he hadn’t purchased the book I had suggested and asked if he would take my copy, the copy that I just ‘happened’ to have with me. He said he would. Do you think God sovereignly orchestrated this? I certainly do!
I have recently found out that one of the Christian Union leaders has been able to have a lovely gospel conversation with this same student. God may use us to lead a person to Christ, but often times we are just another signpost on their path, pointing them to their need of Jesus and what he did for them on the cross.
Helen carried on the mission of sharing the gospel throughout her life until she died in 1969, but the Pocket Testament League did not die with Helen; it continues to this day and, to date, has given out over 130 million Bibles around the world. Helen could never have comprehended all that God would do through her life. Countless numbers will be in heaven because of the truth that Helen Cadbury carried in her pocket.
Who will be in heaven because you carried that same gospel truth to them?
