The No12 Preacher

So after becoming a regular of the No12, I began to notice other regulars. One that stood out from the rest would have to be 'The No12 Preacher'.

The first time that I noticed him was one early afternoon on my way to Oxford Circus. I was reading my book, sat facing in the opposite direction that the bus was traveling in. With beer cans and last nights London Lite beneath my feet it seemed to be a rather average journey on the bus - I spoke too soon.

3 pages into my 2nd chapter, I noticed a few people sniggering around me and young guy stood on the middle platform of the bus using his iPhone to film something behind me. It was only then that I allowed myself to listen to what was happening.

'And the Lord said that homosexuality is wrong!'

Slightly shocked yet curious to what I had just heard I swiveled in my seat to look in the direction in which the voice was coming from. Stood in the space for push-chairs was the body to which the voice belonged. They were a tall, skinny, black male in his late 30's early 40's. He has a wild beard and wide eyes and spoke very loudly altering the tone of his voice throughout his sentences. He read from a bible that he held only a few centimeters from his face. Although 'reading' from the bible he seemed to read aloud his own versions of God's word.

And so he read:

' Jesus was a modest man but at the same time her was not afraid to look good and wore good quality clothes. Not that they were like D&G or Versace, but good quality clothes like Marks and Spencers - the finest of cloth'.

At this point a loud snigger ripped through the bus and I myself could not help but giggle, bringing my hand to my mouth.

'Jesus and his disciples were fishermen, good hard working men. They had to fish to get their food and earn money - they were of course without a local Tesco Express!'

Whilst 'reading' these passages from HIS bible he seemed very much to enjoy the show he was performing for us.

At least once a week for a few months I would see him and listen to his versions of the New Testament. Each week he would grace us with his presence and lighten our journey with his words however not once did he lighten his pockets and pay for his ride. An act perhaps a God could forgive but one I am sure a Traffic Policeman would not!