This was the 4th HFTN event we have held in Briggate. We never imagined after the first event in 2007 that this would become an ongoing feature of festivities in Leeds during the summer. Again it was so good to have superb weather –probably the warmest of all the events we have held. The day started in Briggate at about 7am for Claude and the scaffolding team who did a great job in constructing the stage. Then Neville and his helpers arrived with sound equipment, generator and seating shortly after 8am. Others arrived to help with constructing the stalls. By 9.15am no stalls had arrived so after a quick phone call we were told both the trailer and the 14 stalls we had ordered had been stolen during the night. When Paul mentioned this to Neville he immediately offered to go and fetch tables from his church so in spite of this real set back we were able to go ahead on time. We mention these details because of all the hard work that goes on before we begin an event like this and we are very grateful for their efforts and those of NTCOG especially.
The displays on the tables were excellent with many interesting artefacts and different foods. Each nationality represented had used a lot of imagination and produced generous samples of free food. Many commented that shoppers seemed to be more willing to talk this year and those manning the tables felt more accessible to them.
For example Jackie said that as soon as the drinks table was set up, lots of people came up and asked what the event was about and were responding very positively. She also mentioned that she had a conversation with a Romanian couple who looked very sad because they were desperate to find work. Jackie told them about two Polish girls who had found work at a Leeds hotel and suggested they tried there. They went to the hotel and came back excited and delighted that they were having interviews the next day. 
Here are some of the other comments we received:
David reported:
“I had a conversation with a Russian woman who I work with. She came up to me to say hello and then introduced me to her friend. One of the first things she said to me was –can Jews be Christians so I was then able to say briefly what a Christian is”
The Iranians did a short drama and Nozar commented:
“More people approached me with questions after the play than those who were attracted by the stall….”
Ben, (Leeds Youth Cell Leader) did a great job organising the face painting stall. They were kept busy all the time with more young people and kids wanting their faces painted with the different flags. There were many significant conversations. Seven lads came over to the stall and wanted the same flag painted on their faces. It was the Spanish flag and they were all visiting Leeds. “I felt the Lord prompted me to ask them what I could pray for their country. One lad translated the question and said the economic welfare of Spain. As I started to pray I felt God pressing me to ask whether any of their parents were struggling with financial problems in their businesses. Three out of the seven said their parents were struggling so I prayed for them and asked for financial blessing and support during this challenging time. I finished the prayer with a blessing over the lads and they all agreed and said Amen.”
He also adds “ Face painting was a great opportunity to get time to ask about their day and to see what God was doing with those we met…”
One Muslim lady almost dragged her husband across to the Asian stall when she saw Christian literature in their language. 
Jeff (Jewish stall) showed me a whole handful of email addresses of people who wanted to know more about the Christian faith. It is so encouraging to see how easy it is to have such important conversations with people on the streets.
The musicians, singers and dancers again attracted large crowds. It was good to welcome Ghanaian singers for the first time this year. Korean children and young people also sang for the first time. We were glad to see a Polish singing group participating too. 
Three different dance teams performed this year and many were encouraged to join in towards the end of the afternoon in freestyle dancing. There was certainly no age limit for some of the participants! Avery powerful mime communicated how Jesus death on the cross breaks down every barrier. Tosin was our mc for the day and she engaged everyone in a very positive way.
The banner of nations consisting of 126 flags was paraded down Briggate a number of times, accompanied by the blowing of South African vuvuzelas -a reminder to all that we were still caught up with the World Cup! The banner, drew people into the celebration, like a huge magnet, whatever their nationality or religious background, a fitting symbol of God’s all-inclusive love. 
A truly remarkable day! Hope for the Nations continues to network the different nationalities within the city and encourages all in their ongoing mission. Video footage and slideshow can be found on Youtube: Hope for the Nations Leeds July 10th part 2.wmv
Paul and HFTN planning team
