Our History
The Christian Colportage Association
The Christian Colportage Association was started in 1874 after a Costermonger, Arthur Smith, was converted. He felt that he should spend his time and efforts spreading the gospel message by going from house to house, door step to door step selling Christian books and Bibles.
This led to the formation of the charity which was called The Christian Colportage Association with the aims of spreading the gospel by means of literature and by word of mouth. (The word ‘Colportage’ comes from the French – Col = collar. Portage = to carry. Hence, the Colporteur carried a bag over his shoulder from which he would sell his wares.
The Missions motto at the time was ‘An Open Bible in Every Home’
This clearly states the importance of God’s word for ‘making us wise unto salvation’ and for giving clear teaching for daily living.
The Founders
One day, Robert Paton, a well-known servant of the Lord, was sitting in his study when a maid announced that a man selling books wanted to see him. He said ‘what can a man want by bring books, I have only to go to the book shop round the corner and get anything I require. He however, told the servant to bring the man in, and entering into conversation with him, soon found that his visitor was not simply ‘a man selling books’, but an evangelist seeking to win souls for Christ. He was delighted with all that the young man told him of what he had been doing, and the thought came to him, ‘Why, if this man can get into my house with his books, is he not able to get into any house in London?’’
Robert Paton met with Quintin Hogg a wealthy tea merchant.
Both Robert Paton and Quintin Hogg both then met up with Lord Shaftesbury – all prominent Christian men. All in favour of the aims of this new Mission.
The Colporteurs used to visit towns and villages up and down the UK. Calling from house to house selling Christian books and bibles. Explaining the gospel and encouraging the reading of God’s word. Over the years, they were also involved in starting evangelical churches where none existed.
In 1979 The Mission changed its name to CCA Mission for Home Evangelism. This clearly brought the focus onto the visiting of homes around the country, which remains a very effective way of reaching people with the gospel message.
At this same time, the Mission moved away from selling, to focussing on sharing the gospel message verbally and through giving away tracts and booklets which explained the gospel.
In 1985 the Mission started holding training events, realising the need to equip every Christian to share their faith, in particular on a one to one basis – which is how 80% of people become Christians.
In 1990 the ‘CCA’ logo was lost – and the Mission just became known as Home Evangelism.
Outreach UK
In 2006 the Mission’s name was updated to Outreach UK. Today Outreach UK’s 60 plus Evangelists are working alongside churches to reach communities with the gospel. In so doing, combatting the loneliness epidemic, bringing hope, light and new birth to those who never come into our church buildings.
The Evangelist’s continue to look for every opportunity to spread the gospel, and also to help, support and train church members to be able to share their faith in Christ, too.
