Street Pastor Update

Well, it's been two months since the Pastors hit the streets of Boston and we are beginning to be recognised and even looked out for by some people. Of course we are still being asked 'Where's the spaghetti?' by every other person, but let's look on the bright side at least we don't go out on the streets of Plymouth; what's the betting we would be Cornish Pasties, there!

We are having some interesting conversations, but many, many people are asking questions that I have no answers, absolutely no answers to. A man asked for direction last night. He used that very word: 'I'm looking for new direction in my life; what can you offer me?' When we spoke to him about God, he answered, 'I can't believe in a God who killed my 16 day old baby. While I have breathe in my body you will not make me believe in a God that could do that.' Of course we tried. I spoke about a God who loves...a God who doesn't kill, but for some reason, that I cannot understand, allows pain and suffering to happen. But of course, it was not what he was able to hear, and all I really wanted to do was hug him and tell him that it was all right to be angry with God, but I couldn't do that...didn't know what to say or what to do.

We are doing some good though. There was young George name changed), last night who looked so young and was so very drunk. A big lad with a baby-face, who staggered so uncontrollably that he almost tipped himself over the balustrade into the Witham. While he was propping up the wall of the Midlands bank, complaining that he needed a toilet and he didn't know the way home. I prayed. One of those simple 'on the spot prayers' that are whispered to the wind... and George said, 'over there...It's Ian, my mate. He might take me home.'

Ian, it turned out, was a pizza delivery man and stone cold sober, thank God. He grudgingly fetched his car and we bundled the young lad in. Answered prayer and a successful end to George's evening.

Street Pastors, Boston

On Saturday 21^st November we had our first day's training for the Boston Street Pastor scheme...

Serving Boston on the streets

Here are some of the questions that we had answered:

Q. What is a street pastor?

A. A Street Pastor is an individual with a heart for their community, in particular for its young people who feel themselves to be excluded and marginalised. They are willing to engage with people where they are on the streets, in the pubs and in the clubs.

Street Pastors need to be willing to work with fellow activists, church and community leaders, and with agencies and projects, both statutory and voluntary, to look at collaborative ways of working on issues affecting youth, and initiatives that will build trust between them and the Street Pastors.

Q. Who can become a street pastor?

A. A street pastor must

• be over 18
  
• have been committed to a Christian fellowship/church for at least a year.
  
• be able obtain a positive reference from their church Minister.
  
• be able to attend the training sessions.
  

Q. What other qualities does a street pastor need?

A. A street pastor must

• have a concern for society and its young
  
• be able and willing to build bridges.
  
• listen...not preach.
  
• be willing to earn respect and the right to show and share the gospel.
  
• be non-judgemental and able to operate without prejudices.
  
• be able to engage with people at their level and with empathy.
  
• build up a knowledge and awareness of their community.
  

Q. I cannot go out on the streets at night, but is there any other way I can be a part of the Boston Street Pastor Scheme?

A. Going out on the streets is only a part of the street pastor scheme. People are also needed who would be willing to be prayer backers for the teams of street pastors and help with administering the scheme.

Q. When does the Street Pastor Scheme in Boston get underway?

A. The initial training of the Street Pastors has already started. The teams will be commissioned in a service on the evening of Friday January 29^th 2010 after which the first teams will go out into the town.

 

For more information about Street Pastors visit: http://www.streetpastors.co.uk

For information about Boston Street Pastor Scheme:

 

 

 

 

Boston with Christ!

I have just listened to an amazing sermon. Boston is in need of God, and Christians in Boston need to get together to fulfill this need. We are many. We need to step out of our comfort zones and be Jesus to the people of our town. I am praying that I will not be complacent about this. I need to be pro-active and expectant to see God's amazing works.

What have I done?

Well so far I have signed up to help at the soup kitchen which has been running around a year now, but I feel that I am being called to something else. Street Pastoring? Perhaps...

Watch this space!