Street Pastors

I had the privilege last night of praying with and for our local Street Pastors last night and thought I'd use my blog to praise and highlight the good work that Street Pastors do in local areas all over the country.

For those of you who don't know what Street Pastors do I would really recommend their website: http://www.streetpastors.co.uk/ where videos and news items highlight the wonderful things they do.

It was first brought to my attention when I read an article about the initiative which had started in London and had helped bring crime rates down in  the local area. Street Pastors generally walk the streets and help people who are out and about of a Friday evening and may be a bit worse for wear. They are famous for carrying flip flops, for girls who have taken their painful shoes off, and lollipops for that sugar rush that might be needed especially if you've gone out without a coat! They talk to people, build relationships with regulars and generally help. They are aided and known by the local police and bouncers of clubs/pubs so are working with and not against local authorities.

David Burrows MP has praised the Street Pastors initiative saying:
"Street Pastors is about Christians rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in practically responding to the problems of crime and safety. They are like beacons on our streets and I want to see them shining brightly in every constituency."

While praying for them at the church I attend, last night I kept getting Bible references that I didn't know. I could just sense that I should read Ephesians 5 which highlighted to me that that is what we are called to be: "Light to the world" as we were once in darkness and are now "light in the Lord." This is what these fantastic people do: we Chrsitians should be known for getting ourselves dirty and living a life of service that reflects Jesus rather than staying in perfect churches that are known as being unapproachable.

It struck me a couple of times that I was really privileged to be able to pray for them last night and see the hard work they put in; and God was very good: I was worried that I might get a migraine as I suffer from chronic headaches (recently getting 2/3 a week) and any change in sleep routine, blood sugar level or distance between my head and neck when I sleep, all trigger them. So going to bed at 2 was a worry but I prayed about it and I don't have a headache this morning - very pleased about this!

I really enjoyed last night so thanks to all those street pastors out there: you are brill and I'll keep praying for safety and protection on the streets where you shine :)