Publicised the previous day by a very encouraging front page article in the local West Somerset Free Press, Minehead Street Pastors launched on Saturday 26th March 2011. “A very special evening...”was just one of the many positive comments made following our first Commissioning Service held at the Avenue Methodist Church and attended by over 70 people. A process we started in 2009, finally came to realisation when Adrian Prior-Sankey, Ascension Trust representative, commissioned 13 new Street Pastors, aged from 34 to 69 and drawn from the churches of Minehead. Messages of support and encouragement were given by representatives of Police and Council.
The service was followed by refreshments in the hall, where the celebratory atmosphere continued. After a period of prayer, all the Street Pastors went out to introduce ourselves to the town, where we tried to visit every licensed premise, catering outlet and taxi driver, giving each of them a specially prepared card about Street Pastors and explaining what we are hoping to do. We were asked the same questions many times: “what’s a Street Pastor?”, “What do you do?”, “Do you get paid?” and “why do you do it?” After explaining what we do, people would look at us and say “that’s really nice”, “good luck”. People seemed genuinely grateful for our presence out there on the streets.
Even after just one night we all have stories that will stir your hearts, prayers to pray for the people we met there and a loving God to thank for the privilege of being in a position to be able to listen and help. Please pray with us for them.
Teams of three go out every Saturday night from our base in the Ave Methodist Church wearing the distinctive uniforms and caps. We will walk around the numerous bars and pubs from 10pm until 3 am closing time. Armed with sweets, water and flip-flops we are not about preaching, but offering practical help, love and support.
Prayer cover for the pastors is very important when we are out. We are very thankful to our loyal team of Prayer Pastors who meet in the Ave Methodist Church whilst we patrol the streets, and also for those prayer partners at home who also faithfully pray for us.
If you feel God’s calling to join Minehead Street Pastors or if you would like to join our prayer team, please email us. We would love to hear from you!
|