The Joys of a Jumble Sale

Church Stories: The Joys of a Jumble Sale

By Neil McBride

On January 18th, I attended my church to help raise much-needed funds for our missions in Burundi and Rwanda. As a global church community, we agreed to support these nations financially. The government required the church to establish headquarters in both Burundi and Rwanda. To achieve this, we planned to organise a jumble sale at the church.

Church members generously donated unwanted items from their homes. We had a selection of ladies and children’s clothes and plenty of soft dinosaur teddy bears, including Tyrannosaurus rex, Brontosaurus, and Triceratops. The sale featured a variety of children’s books, gardening books, and unread non-fiction books. There were also toasters, an old guitar with only four strings, a yoga mat, and the famous Pastor’s coffee machine. We have plenty of goods for potential customers.

We created posters and distributed flyers in the local area and neighbouring letterboxes. While advertising has evolved significantly, the church did an excellent job promoting this important event. In today’s blog, I will share my experiences from the day and my thoughts on jumble sales.

The jumble sale originated in Victorian Britain and has endured into the 20th Century, proving an invaluable tradition. This ingenious concept was pioneered by proactive Anglican churchgoers determined to raise funds for charities, the Anglican Church, and various support initiatives. Organised mainly by ambitious middle-class parishioners, these sales effectively catered to the needs of the less fortunate, who were drawn to the affordability of second-hand goods.

For low-income families grappling with the pressures of a consumer-driven society, jumble sales became an essential lifeline. While many items could be considered non-essential luxuries, attendees often searched for crucial items like clothing and bedding to support their households. It is significant to recognise that the admission fees at these events may have deterred some of the most impoverished community members. Yet, middle-class individuals frequently participated as both organisers and shoppers, fostering a sense of community support.

The British knack for discovering bargains and unearthing hidden treasures is deeply rooted in history. This passion goes far beyond the fleeting allure of modern television shows dedicated to these sales. The jumble sale remains a vibrant testament to community spirit and resourcefulness, continually bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots.

 

 

My parents often took my sister and me to the local car boot sale as a child. In the United Kingdom, these events run from April to October. The main reason for this seasonal schedule is the lack of sunlight during the colder months; car boot sales are typically held outdoors, often in large open fields, which can become muddy in the rain. I love my country, but I did not enjoy waking up earlier than the local newspaper delivery person and being yelled at by my mother. At the same time, 5 a.m. felt like bedtime; by 6 a.m., we were in the car, heading to a field. The car ride gave me a few extra minutes of sleep before my mother would place my sister and me in our Wellington boots.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Upon arrival, I was mesmerised by seeing table after table filled with items. My mother was focused on household goods, but I was captivated by the playful toys on the tables, often laid on bed sheets to protect them from damage. Escaping from my mother’s watchful eye to embark on my little adventure was challenging, but we would spend hours searching for hidden treasures. I loved going to car boot sales as a child and returning home to play board games, even if some of the games were missing dice.

Now, as a fully grown adult, I still feel a rush of excitement when attending boot sales, but instead of toys, I’m looking for older men’s socks.

eBay is an online marketplace where individuals and organisations can buy and sell various goods and services. It functions like a virtual shopping mall, offering everything from gadgets and clothing to collectables and antiques. eBay is notable for its global reach, enabling users worldwide to connect and trade with one another. As a seller, I can buy one item for a lower price and resell it to a global market.

A few years ago, I started my own eBay business after watching a recommended video on YouTube. I was amazed by how much money could be made from reselling items. Initially, I treated it as a hobby and never thought I could turn it into a successful business. During one of my early years, I learned that success rarely happens overnight; it often takes many failures to discover the right formula. The first step into business involves hard work, and the thrill of making a profit from reselling motivated me to keep going. I loved visiting charity shops, finding what I called “gold,” and selling those items for a much higher price. It became an addiction.

I named my business “Shopchology,” a combination of “shop” and “psychology.” While Google is helpful for many things, it isn’t great for naming businesses. I truly enjoy running my own business.

Taking care of your mental health is crucial, no matter what project you pursue. I dedicated time to understanding the methods of individuals who earn a living from eBay. To make it a full-time endeavour, I watched countless videos and observed a typical day for a full-time reseller.

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew 10:39)

I had a lot of fun visiting local boot fairs, exploring charity shops, and searching for seriously underpriced items. Charity shops typically sell items at a fixed price, and negotiating for a lower price is not usually an option. However, I found success by researching the market value of hundreds of items, enabling me to determine the potential profit I could make. Developing this knowledge takes time, but once you learn how to succeed, it’s something you can’t unlearn.

Conversely, car boot sales are a treasure trove for finding items priced below market value. However, they also present competition with others who are reselling on eBay, making it a race to grab the items that could generate revenue.

My favourite part of the experience was engaging with new people. I encountered various characters, and the more I interacted with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, the more I grew socially. When we share the good news, these principles remain the same; we are encouraged to spread the message to all creatures and to challenge the social barriers we face. While it’s easier to converse with those we relate to, as Christians, we must work to break down those walls, as the Kingdom of Heaven is open to everyone willing to accept it fully.

I try to share the gospel with an open mind because doing so helps me avoid letting my flesh take over the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s easy to judge others; we do it daily and often misinterpret the true character of individuals we meet on the streets. As I mentioned, attending boot fairs and charity shops offers a unique experience. The people around me shape my character, and my personality evolves with every interaction.

I recently returned to my first church and am thoroughly enjoying the experience. Although the closure of my last church was heartbreaking, I refuse to dwell on the past. I see the jumble sale as an essential opportunity to raise funds for African churches and invite new visitors to our church.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:3-5)

 

 

 

I arrived at an ideal time and took charge of setting up tables and organising the items. I greeted attendees and efficiently wrote prices on sticky labels. Once the doors opened, community members flooded in, and I was reminded of my days in England’s wet and muddy countryside. The enticing smell of burgers frying with onions lingered in the air, and I could hear my mother instructing her children to stay close. I saw ladies carrying bags of clothes while gentlemen patiently lined up for the bathroom.

This environment energised me; it took me back to a place I cherish. My past experiences bolstered my confidence, equipping me to contribute effectively to the Lord’s work. I thrive on engaging with people and listening to their stories. I was having a fantastic time and sold a significant amount of clothing. It felt instinctive; my primary goal was to share the gospel with newcomers.

After a while, the number of visitors began to drop, and the place was almost empty. One of the sisters suggests we go out into the nearby area while encouraging us to pick up a bargain from the church. I am an evangelist by heart, and the Lord has given me the words when I struggle to know what to say. I call upon the Lord for a few words and lines to speak to people. As a Christian, I believe people must see the gospel and hear the truth. When people are interested in you, this opens the door for the gospel to be shared. I am not a master at communicating, but I have learnt to seek and see Jesus Christ in every situation. Today was no different; I wanted to use the jumble sale to discuss my experience with the Holy Spirit. My friend and I left the church building and into a nearby park. It was a cold winter day, not cold enough for snow but cold enough to feel ice under my feet. I did not care; the love of the Lord in my heart meant I felt warmer enough.

I walked across the road and headed towards the large gate at the front of the large park. We saw a couple walking in the opposite direction; as we moved closer, I started to open my lips, and I smiled with good contact with the gentleman; they were husband and wife. I started talking to the husband, and made small talk, but talking about how cold it was today. I like talking about the weather because, in that approach, you will find an agreeable common area. I want to be asked open-ended questions and ask them what they have been up to today. This gave me the chance to learn more about them. I could sense a strong Eastern European Accent; I asked the husband, “Are you from Romania?”  He replied, “Yes.” I have a few close friends from Romania, so I mentioned this information to him to help build up a rapport. I asked them a few questions about their home country, which increased the positive engagement.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)

As a result, it builds trust in the relationship. At this point, I was a stranger, but by learning more about them, while talking about things in my life. The social barriers were being slowly removed. I invited them both to the church for the jumble sale and to meet and greet the church members. One of our church members is from Moldova, and Romania is the nation’s natural language. I cannot speak the language, but I have learnt that people feel more comfortable talking about the Bible in their first language. The wife did not speak much English, so having someone in the church who could share the good news was good. They ended up exchanging phone numbers, which is great because it keeps the conversation going, and texting is a safe way to engage in the topic of the gospel.

 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)

Furthermore, the wife bought a few clothes from the jumble sale, and the husband kindly denoted the cause. I enjoyed the moment because I love meeting new people and understanding the teamwork involved within the body of God. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. As a church, we use our talent and knowledge to help grow the Kingdom of Heaven. Of course, only the Lord can give the increase, but as a Christian, I understand the importance of getting to know the members of my church because my weakness could end up being their strength. In this case, my weakness was not being able to speak Romanian. Therefore, I was limitless when talking to the couple, but the strength came from our member from Moldova, who speaks their language.  One of the lessons I have learnt from my past is that saying less can come with more power. We can say too many words, and the key message is not remembered. When I entered the conversation, my long purpose for the couple was to be saved by the Holy Spirit. I feel the seed has been sour, so it is about working with the couple and other church members to help them learn about the work of Jesus Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The jumble sale has concluded, and we have raised a few hundred pounds for the cause. It was a fantastic idea, as it welcomed new people to the church, where Christ offers salvation for free. I love selling items, but the jumble sale also allowed me to meet new people and reconnect with some old friends. We sold less than 10% of the goods on offer. As a result, many people donate their unwanted items to local charity shops, allowing others to buy quality products at lower prices than those found in commercial stores.

As a Christian, I prefer not to spend much on clothes; I rarely visit high-end clothing retailers. I take pride in being a charity shop customer. I have come to appreciate living. While I occasionally spend money on nice things, quality items often come at a higher cost. I feel like the richest man on earth when I discover a nice jumper or shirt for just a few pounds.

Ultimately, my true treasures are stored in Heaven. I thank God for making me rich in the Holy Spirit, and I pray for the new visitors to our church, hoping they are satisfied with their purchases. I also pray they will return to the church, enjoy the fellowship, and be baptised underwater to receive the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for Reading

Church Stories: The Joys of a Jumble Sale

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)