One of the most unusual tourist attractions found in the Kensington, PEI area, is Woodleigh Replicas. The vision for this unusual attraction was that of Lieutenant Ernest Johnstone, who fell in love with the splendor of Great Britain while in military service during WWI. As his vision grew into a passion, he determined to share this splendor with those back home by replicating many of England’s most renown castles and buildings on his native Prince Edward Island.

Once back from the war, Lt. Johnstone purchased a 45 acre farm near Kensington. He immediately began to fill in the hollows, uproot the old, dying trees, and haul tons of granite rock. After the Second World War, he and his son, Archie set to work. By 1958, his reputation had spread all over the world and tourists came in droves to visit his replicas. Eventually he opened his grounds to the public.

Today, anyone can purchase tickets to enjoy some 30 miniature replicas of British structures, ranging from the York Minster Cathedral, to Dunvegan Castle, to the magnificent Tower of London. The grounds hosting these works of art are composed of well-manicured gardens in the perfect British style. Many of the structures can be entered, and these are furnished with famous paintings, replicas of furniture of the era, and even replicas of the British crown jewels!

What began as a passion for sharing Great Britain architecture with Prince Edward Islanders, became renowned worldwide, and has now been shared with over well over three million travelers from around the world. Just like Lt. Johnstone had a passion, we as Christians, do as well. Our passion is to share our Forever Friend with the world. And just like Lt. Johnstone was able to turn his passion into something great, we can turn our passion for Christ into something monumental just by sharing our Forever Friend with one other person. We may be concerned about how people will receive our testimony; however, if we persevere, a spark will be ignited that will, with the help of God’s Spirit, spread like wild fire.

It only takes one testimony to snatch a soul out of the devil’s grasp. Will it be yours?

“We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart.” (1 John 5:9-10 NIV)

“I care about you so much – this is the passion of God burning inside me!” (2 Cor 11:2 The Message)

“Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst.” (Luke 6:35 The Message)

Rob Chaffart