Overview

Montreux is a beautiful town in Switzerland on the east of Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Alps. It is a popular tourist location (particularly during the summer) and people come from literally all over the world. 

A Swiss Christian owns the Kiosque Biblique (Bible Kiosk) right on the lake front. Throughout much of the year, local Christians open the kiosk which sells things like soft drinks, ice creams and souvenirs. However, its primary purpose is to provide an opportunity to share the Gospel and give away/sell Christian literature. The kiosk has a stock of Bibles in 40 languages and leaflets in 80 languages. 

Jesus said "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel" but at kiosk in Montreux all the world comes to you! On average summer day you could meet people from 50 countries. To find out more about the work of the Kiosk visit its page on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/kiosquebiblique 

Various means are used to encourage people to stop and talk, including tailor-made evangelistic leaflets, displays of Bibles and books, a map of the world, free helium balloons, question of the day and (at holiday times) games and activities for children. 

The local language is French. We also meet many who speak other languages especially Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Chinese. However, if you can only speak English, don't worry. Over half the people you will meet will speak some English. French is most needed for the Easter outreach and least needed for August outreach.  

UBM is involved in three special outreaches based at the kiosk – at Easter (Polymanga) In July (Montreux Jazz Festival) in August (Tourist outreach). 

Our inviting church is Lausanne Free Church, an English-speaking church. The pastor (Alan Hill) lives near Montreux and is actively involved in evangelism at the kiosk throughout the year.   

August outreach to tourists and Muslims.

During August there are thousands of tourists who visit Montreux every day, many of whom are Muslims from "closed" countries. The outreach runs over 9 days from a Saturday to a Sunday. The focus is on one-to-one witness.

Montreux is a great place to learn how to witness to all kinds of people from all kinds of faiths, but many Muslims in particular come from the Middle East on holiday. They are well educated; all speak English and often curious about the Christian faith having never met a true Christian. As a result many are willing to speak readily about spiritual matters. 

The most popular activity is the map of the world. On an average afternoon at least 150 people will put a pin in our map. Almost all accept a leaflet in their own language. Also popular are the helium balloons for children. Often there is a queue waiting to receive one. Both the map and the balloons provide a simple way to start a conversation.

Accommodation is in the homes of local Christians. Pastor Alan Hill’s home is used as a base for morning devotions and meals. The outreach takes place in the afternoons finishing around 7.00 pm each day.