On Friday night 12th June 16 Street Pastors were commissioned at Christ Church Ebbw Vale. The Reverend Dominic Walker OGS, Bishop of Monmouth, gave the message and likened the work of Street Pastors to the story of the "The Good Samaritan". Guests at the service included the newly appointed Mayor Brian Thomas together with other local authority officials and Superintendent Mark Warrender and other police officials, Mark Thomas who represented the Ascension Trust and MP Nick Smith all of whom were lending their support to the initiative. The Bishop then commissioned, blessed and distributed the caps to the volunteers.
It has been good over the last few months to do joint training with Abertillery who will be commissioned in a fortnight's time.
Following the meeting the team of Street Pastors went out on the streets for the first time and received a favourable response from the night time revellers.
Wayne Evans the Coordinator states: "It has taken us a long time to get where we are today but it has been slow but sure and we look forward to many nights of engagement with those who need our help on our streets. This is Christianity in action and deed rather than preaching hellfire and brimstone down peoples throats. We want to demonstrate God's love to everyone in more tangible ways"
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