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 the 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.   

Montreux Jazz Festival

This is the second largest Jazz Festival in the world attracting over 250,000 people. It takes place over two weeks in the first two weeks of July. Stalls are set up all along the lake front and the kiosk is in the middle. There is live music being performed all the time creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Up to 1,000 people walk past the kiosk every hour. Over 300 stop every day to buy something. UBM work includes afternoon activities for families, question of the day, map of the world and helium balloons. The team has the use of a number of large wooden games that are set up on a shady grass area beside the kiosk. The team also help at the kiosk and run evangelistic events in a tent on some evenings. Ideally a team of at least 10 people a week is needed. 

During the Jazz Festival many children are brought by their parents. The games provided by UBM are almost the only child -focused activities in the whole festival so it is not uncommon for families to stop for some time, allowing opportunities to share the Gospel. 

We have specially written leaflets for the Festival including “The last words of famous musicians”. This leaflet is so popular that people stop and ask for copies, providing a good opportunity to start a conversation.  

Although the focus is on visitors, we also reach out to the people who work at the 200 stalls, offering them free sandwiches every week. 

Accommodation and meals are provided either in local churches or in a civil defence underground bunker. You will need to bring sleeping bags. The morning is set aside for team devotions. The outreach work takes place in the afternoons and some evenings.