Cadbury Gospel

The Highlight of the tour thus far was the visit to the Cadbury Chocolate factory here in Birmingham England and I didn't even eat a single bit of chocolate! Let me explain...

We visited a Church planter and missiologist, Martin Robinson. He took us on a tour through the Cadbury facility which is much more than just a chocolate factory. 1880 George Cadbury, inspired by a vision for a truly Christian society decided to but his dream into reality. He built homes for his workers, schools for their children, Churches to pray in and parks to relax in. Even today most of these buildings are being used for their original purposes. Being a Quaker, George allowed no pubs. He fired any worker of his drinking without asking any questions even if it was after hours. The church we visited started in a house and then moved to a facility in the local community centre. The centre went bankrupt soon afterwards and the church was asked to take over the facility. Since 1300 people of the community visit this facility every week the 150 strong congregation took up the challenge in order to reach the community with the love of Christ. There were one strange condition though. Although ol' George wouldn't have liked it the facility had a pub and a coffee shop. Part of the contract stated that both had to remain after purchase. A Church that sells pints...now that's my kind of church. These guys builds relationships with the community in true missionary fashion. Like you can imagine it is not always easy. Once a rugby club sneaked in strippers. Instead of being the ever judgmental fingerpointers they explained to the club that they would like to run events at the community centre that does not exclude people especially children. The club understood and the relationship grew. Recently the club captain shown alot of interst in the christian faith. I can keep you busy for hours with the stories he told us...But lets leave some for future blogs, hey?

Martin wrote many books but the brilliant signed copy I'm devouring right now is called: The Faith of the Unbeliever" in which he brilliantly describes Europe's decent into unbelief, the reasons for it and the new spiritual hunger evident. Gripping stuff I tell you! Sorry for not responding on your comments. i'm in u rush whenever I get the chance to blog on the net here in England but will reply as soon as we get a proper break!