Friday 11th July 2008 saw the launch of Street Pastors in Basingstoke. Volunteers from churches across the town, having completed a short mandatory training programme, walked into the nightlife of Basingstoke to bring God’s love to the revellers who are out in and around the bars and nightclubs in the town.
Each Friday and Saturday night, from about 10.30pm onwards, the Street Pastors move out in teams from our base in the URC church in London Street. Wearing distinctive uniforms, in teams we walk around outside the bars and nightclubs until closing time we normally finish around 3.30am each Saturday/Sunday morning.
Our teams go out armed with pockets full of lollipops, and have a member carrying a bag of flip-flops. It is amazing how offering lollipops to a person built relationships and even at times calm a heated situation. Girls having consumed too much drink, and who are unable to balance on their high heeled shoes, appreciate the offer of a free pair of flip-flops to make their journey home much more comfortable
The response that we have received from the regulars in the bars, clubs, passers by, door staff and the police has been very positive, we have been made very welcome. We make it clear to people that we are not about preaching, but offering practical help and support. However people willingly come up to us and ask questions they see us as their friends. Many of us can tell of the exciting encounters we have had, giving us the opportunity to share testimony of our personal relationship with Jesus.
We consider prayer cover for the pastors is very important when we are out. We are very thankful to our team of Prayer Pastors who meet in the URC whilst we walk the streets, and also for those at home who also faithfully pray for us.
If you feel God’s calling to join “Basingstoke Street Pastors” (you are only required volunteer to walk 1 evening per month) or if you would like to join our prayer team, please email us or contact us on the numbers above.
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