Have you ever wondered how Jesus would have dealt with the pandemic lockdown?
Would it have altered his ministry of engaging with people in the community?
The demise of the night-time economy and restrictions meant Street Pastors couldn’t patrol, but the good news is we are back on the streets. But, like churches and many businesses, we have had to change our way of working to adapt to this new world.
We derive so much benefit from questions that are asked whilst we are out; some examples are :
- Do you believe in God?
- Why do you do it?
- What are Street Pastors?
- Will you pray with me?
Street Pastors was started by the Rev. Les Isaacs in central London in 2003 and is now recognised as a flourishing organisation of volunteers from Christian churches in many cities across the UK and abroad.
In Southend-on-Sea, Street Pastors began in 2005. We currently patrol on most Friday evenings from 8.30 pm till 11 pm and on some Saturday afternoon from 2 pm till 4 pm. We carry a First Aid kit, hot drinks, flip flops, and bottles of water. We are in constant contact with the operators of Southend-on-Sea’s Borough Council (SBC) CCTV cameras via a radio link and work in partnership with local homeless charities, the police, and the SBC’s Community Safety Team.
It is our privilege to help and care for anyone who needs our assistance, and we pray whilst we are out. It is our way of taking the church to the needy and vulnerable people within our community.
We are always looking for like-minded Christians to join us for a couple of hours on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon as we patrol and help our community. Full training is provided, as is a uniform.
Prayer Pastors
An integral part of the Street Pastors’ work is supported by our Prayer Pastors who pray whilst the Street Pastors are out patrolling Southend.
We presently have 15 prayer pastors, one of which will Wait in the comfort of their home for phone calls from the team out on patrol. These may be about issues and events that occur or just to let them know about the atmosphere of the town. The team will sometimes ask the Prayer Pastor to pray into a situation that they have witnessed or dealt with. We can testify about many occasions when God has instantly answered the prayers!
Help Needed From Churches
We would like to offer your church an opportunity to be involved in the development of this vital work and will be delighted to come to a church service or join a Virtual service ( via e.g ZOOM ) to talk about the Southend Street Pastors.
If that would be of interest, or you would like to talk more about becoming a Street Pastor or a Prayer Pastor,
Please contact John Levitt on: 07494 989266 or via email.
You can also join the Southend Street Pastors Facebook group.
