Practical ideas:

• Background reading / looking / local lectures etc to get the feel – need to recognise info as such when see it. Record it - we may get more revelation later.

• Internet Type in name / place etc . Use various search engines. Getting easier all the time. If valuable, save or print – may not be available next time. Record site address. Be methodical.

• Speak to people in town. Different people groups see things differently etc

• Prayer Keep in a state of prayer relying on the holy Spirit for discernment, guidance, divine appointments etc. Take every thought (info) captive.

• Record all – use specific note book, or it will get lost. Much will become relevant later.

• Work notes or forget.

• Grace Give and receive. Will be teething problems. Others will not have the same depth of revelation.


Historical:

• Local Library – Local history shelves – often pictorial – good introduction
Local Studies Collection / Local History etc Church records

• Archives - More specialised. Info held varies across areas. Check membership rules first.

• University / Museum Libraries.

• Local history enthusiasts

Geographical:

• Maps

• Location. Will influence settlement development and people groups living or passing through

• Geographical Features May give rise to local customs.

• Communications

• Names Books on origins of place names useful. Consider who a church is dedicated to

Contemporary:

• Architecture May reveal prevalent religious ideas, indicate Masonic foundations etc

• Art Local art may reveal localised spiritual control

• Cemeteries Tombstones etc

• Tourism Much now has a New Age focus. Invading people groups bring their spirits with them.

• Local paper / TV events, news, documentaries

• Friends eg school gate, local pub.

• Posters eg political, raves,

• Local Customs eg well dressing, blessing waters

• Local knowledge eg which schools are promoting New Age ideas.