Our day started out with prayer,  outside the Trinity Tabrnacle Church which is located dircectly adjacent to the Salvation Army building, and Health Centre, on Hassel Drive, Lawrence Hill.  This is a ‘regular’ early morning patrol. The day is bright and warm, oppose to the winter dawn patrols, where fingers and toes feels like icecycles, and that is before beginning patrol.

Everything is quiet and there is almost a sacred hush, except the chirps of birds.  The silence is suddenly interuped by several men arriving outside the nearby Health Centre. They are gathering for their daily dose, which will be admiinstered to them by the professional chemist, when the Chemist opens its shutters, around 9am.  They pace up and down amongst themselves impatainly. Before moving away,  we decided that we would pray for them, but for safety purposes, we would pray for them from where we were accross the road as opposed to praying directly with them.

As we crossed over the main Lawrence Hillroundabout, the windows to the flats were still closed and not a soul about, still we stoped outside the highrise, and offered a prayer on behalf of the many families, young and older, single persons occupying these premises.   We circled the surrounding streets before heading over into the Easton area.Easton was surprisingly quiet with only a few persons in sight. The chemist here were still closed, but a few shops were just opening their shutters.  We stopped to talk with shopkeepers who were stood in their doorways awaiting their customers. One guy was particularly interested and asked ‘what exactly are you doing?’ We explained that we were in the area on patrol as a visible force for good, praying peace and safety for families, businesses, and communities. At this he perked up, becoming even more interested. He chatted with us for a while, and as we  set off on our way, he shouted, ‘prayer is good.’ ‘Only Jesus can change tings round here, you know.’ Stapelton Road at this time of day had recently been astrocious, with many complaits by the residents living there.Seaguls usually make havoc with the contents in plactic bags that are left on top of and on the ground beside trash bins.  Something needs to be done becaue these trash bins are not large enough.

There are also mattresses and other furniture dumped along the roadside. We decided that we need to bring this to the attention of the Bristol City Council street cleaning department.

But all is not negative for Stapeton Road, today, the steps of Kensington Church is clear and clean. There are usually groups of homeless men and  young persons sat outside on it’s steps, smolking weed, spitting, arguing, and chatting very loudly. But this morning all is clear, and there is a sacred hush.as we pause to pray on the steps. and not far up the road from the Church street cleaners alight from a big truck with their brush trolly.  as we walked along we passed this cute florist tucked among the row of shops.  Sadly, over the past few years they have had repeating orders for wreaths and flowers for the many funerals of youths who were  sadly stabbed to death in the area. Passing the florist we headed across to the St. Werburghs area. We saw many things to pray about as well as to report, such as stacks of overgrown areas hiding the off road signs. But we also saw things to celebrate about, such as  Evergreen Primary Accademy.  The  Academy was at one time among Bristol’s 20 worst, but in 2023 was awarded a Good rating by OFSTED! Well worth celebrating, because it managed to succeed despite being surrounded by ongoing graffiti wars, violent street crimes,  postcode turf rivallry, poverty, and postitution.  And it is safe to say there been far less onstreet prostitution in recent times.Large trees stands tall and broad, behind the fence at the end of the school’s playground. The fence runs along the path from Easton’s Warwick Avenue to the cross bridge  for St. Werburghs. The design  of the roof  top of Community Centre from the bridge is interesting and impressive. We stopped to pray on the bridge where a young man was robbed and killed a few years back. Fresh flowers are usually tied to the railings, but today the railings are empty except for old tapes and strings, still atttached to the rails. (see below pic) We entranced into the St Werburghs via Gatton Road, and stooped to pray again at the end of the bridge as well as outside the Community Centre. Patroling along pretty Sandbed Road someone noticed that there were viarious Political Parties and causes advertised in windows. St Weburghs is known for being an ‘arty’ area with giant artworks outside houses  and shop buildings. The park is quiet at this time of the morning, so it was easy to stop and pray aloud in the open air, we were joined by the melodious chirping of birds from the trees above us.From St Werburghs we crossed over to St Agnes. St Agnes is a quietish sort of surburb, back of St. Pauls and bordering Newfoundland Road and the M32 into Town.

There is a tall, thriving Carribean banana plant to the front of one resident’s garden To the centre of this area is an adventure playground, a lovely family park with a modern children play area, an outdoor cafe, and an old countrystyle Church.

Here stopped for prayrs in the family park opposite the church, and it was great to see banner reminders highlighting that St. Agnes is a childrens’ safety area.Through St Agnes Park to St Pauls we see this beautiful muriel. And below, as  the picture shows the streets which are usually alive and buzzing, today they are quiet and deathly still, no a person in sight.

We head further into St Pauls along St Nicholas Road, and if you look closely you will see  two fully grown thriving banana plants  . We prayed on the Green outside St Pauls Learning Cente and Glyn’s Resturant, both were closed.  The last time we prayed here was a Vigil for Eddie, and others who were stabbed and died in the area.

Along Grosvenor Road we stopped for more prayers outside the home of one young victim of stabbing, and again further along at the make-shiff shirne for an older community member, he too was brutally murdered a year ago.  We chatteded with the few community residents and shop keepers that were about.

As we were leaving  St Pauls, the  Community Police Officers were coming on duty. We spoke together for a short while before setting off to final patrol area.  our Final areas ws Fishponds which we transit via the Eastville roundabout.Fishponds, final of my six areas prayer and city safety morning meggathon!

We started the Fishponds Patol on Fishponds Road just above Eastville Park, and made several prayer stops along the way.  We even discoved a new street with around a dozen old-styled terraced houses. We have patroled Fishponds many times over the years and had never knew this street existed, The houses are small and quirky and the front doors low, similar an old welsh villiage house.

Fishponds is a lively up and coming area. It sports a busy librayr, three supermakers accoss from each other, schools, pubs, churches, a community centre, rows of resturants, butcher, newsagents, dentist, surgeries,  several estate agents, a park, post office, a series of second-hand shops, florists, commercial fast foods as well as classic traditional fish and chip shops, banks, barbers, and plenty of buses into the city centre and other areas of the city for the train station, airpor,t and train station.

From patroling streets, we headed onto the cycle path, accessing it from Lodge causeway,  towards staplehill.  We made several prayer points along the track.  The track has numerous  walkers and cyclists daily accessing this route.

The final part of the patrol were small lanes and alleyways secretly hidden behind houses and shops.

And by the end of the morning and after hundreds of munuites on foot, my feet was tired, yet there was a satisfying feeling of hope. Hope that in some small way our visible presence and invisible prayers would have impact and make a difference in the areas we patroled.

A Day in the life of a patroler(narrative and pics)by A PEACEMAKER Prayer and City Safety Officer, Bristol, UK. June, 2024.

Praying this month of May will be a month of hope. That it bring a time of refreshing and renewal, fresh springs of hope for those who are grieving, for any struggling to make sense of it all.

Throughout this month may lives be blessed to see brighter days ahead, their faith and trust renewed, and their wishes long been just a wish, begin to bud and take form.

May LIFE lavish you with renewed strength on awaking each morning, and at the close of each day a pleasant smile of gratitude.

Namaste.

Prayer of Hope for May is written by Lady D Palmer

November is the month to remind us of all the positive things around us. From kindness day to thanksgiving day, November has many dates for us to remember the positivity.

A PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER

Dear Lord and LIFE, Giver of days, and life of all, we are grateful for this Fall, and for the wonderful gifts this season brings. A time to ruminate on the goodness of provisions, and the many blessings we enjoy today. Receive our prayers of thanksgiving, with humble appreciation. Amen.

~ Blog & Prayer by Reverend Dr. Dawnecia Palmer, Fall 2023

September and October were very busy months for the Prayer & City Safety PATROLS

On the plinth in Eastville Park taking a stand for Peace and Safety in Eastville and the surrounding areas

PEACEMAKERS Prayer Patrols under the railway station, subways, and residential streets of EASTON

Praying peace for a troubled mum who was worried about her teenage daughter  –  St. Judes

St. Judes – praying with the disadvantaged

Crime Scene in St Pauls – A 61 year old black-skinned well liked resident known affectionately as ‘Issac’was brutally stabbed in the neck with a knife by a 36 year old white skinned  female, he sadly died later that day.

St Pauls, site of Issac’s murder  – PEACEMAKERS Prayer & City Safety Patrols called a candlelight prayer vigil the same night to honor his life, and to pray a peaceful trasition for his soul,  peace for his family, and the community. RIP

Friends, Community Elders, and grief stricken residents, prayed in solidarity for peace and safety in St pauls and Bristol. The scene of Issac’s killing  was within yards to an earlier stabbing , only a month before, of young 19 year old Eddie King affectionately known as EK.

Outside the Rastafarian Cultural Centre & St. Pauls Learning Centre

Bristol Cenotaph – Brave Families of stabbed Victims (Shevon Willson 17,  Eddie King  Muthemba kinuthia19, Tyrone William Hayman 17,  and Mikey Roynon 16) all tragically lost their lives to knife crime.  Grandmother, Mothers, Step Dad, Sisters, Brothers, Aunties, close relatives and friends gathered to call for an end to knives on their streets, and to say all lives matters.

Reverend Prophet Lorna Supria from London (middle in high-viz)  prayed with the families, and spoke words of encoragement to those who were gathered.

Prayer and City safety Prayer Patrol  engaging, comforting, and supporting mourners that had gathered to mourn the loss of Hubert Brown.

A brave young 12 year old boy from Henbury speaking up, calling for an end to knife crime. He said, “everyone in Bristol should speak out and not be quiet. Our voices will be heard. We will not be silent.”

“Let us pray that his pleas does not fall on deaf ears” ~ Rev Palmer

Photograph: PEACEMAKERS Chief and a few of the Prayer and City safety Patrol team, local Councillors, Representatives from Bleedkits, Ujima radio, Community workers, and residents, joined with Street Fathers ( middle blue Jackets and staff) who came from London in support of safer streets  in Bristol.

Artist Lorna da Angel got everyone to hold hands , and to sing along to ‘We are the World’

Many passersby stopped to lend their support.

A Street Father comforting the Mother of Shevon Wilson, a 17 years old, who was tragically stabbed and died near his home.

Bristol Green Councillor for Eastville Lorraine Francis speaks out

Bristol Councillor for Ashley Amirah Cole speaking out

Ujima Manager Minranda Rae speaks out, sharing a moving personal story, and warning against the dangers of carrying a knife, and the horror of someone actually deciding to use it to take another person’s  life.

Community Advocate and Peace Ambassador Julian Daves conducting the photo line up after delivering his soulful rendition of Martin Luther King’s ‘I have A Dream’ Speech. There were no dry eyes afterwards. This was a very moving and honourable part of the Protest.

Persons, young and old, various hues, backgrounds and demography   Attendees from their areas wrote heartfelt messages on the back of the of banners citing Bristol East, Bristol West, Bristol South and Bristol North.  At the count at the end of the day areas represented were as listed: St George, Eastville, Easton, Fishponds, St. Werburghs,  St. Pauls, Clifton, Redcliff,  Stonehenge, Stokes Gifford, Kingsdown,  Barton Hill, Stokes Croft, Montpelier, Bedminister, Kingswood, Withchurch,  Hartcliffe, Southmead, Henbury, Henleaze, Cotham,  and Redland.

PEACE MAKERS LIFES MATTERS Campaign wishes to thank everyone who attended, participated, or supported the cause in any big or small way. THANK YOU.On a quiet Patrol in a shady area of St.Judes

PEACEMAKERS Prayer Chief and Police Commmunity Safety Officer praying for Peace, on the Green in St. Pauls

 “If you ever visit the As the dead remember the past, So men of Freedom will ever force their will.For between the walls there is freedom. Me that lived the green fields is free to make music with the wind. So shall I.  With my people at heart My music and me – this is the truth for all.” Alfred Fagan 1937-1986

Praying with a young man on the Green in St. Pauls

  Patrols in HENBURYHenbury HIGH STREETHENBURY Patrols on Crow LanePartols on Arnside, Southmead

Downend HighStreet

Late Night Patrol  in St Pauls Halloween Night: Prayer and City Safety Patrols takes to the Streets. Their target areas – Stapleton Road, upper Old Market, Pennywellroad, Grosvernor Road, Rosemerry Avenue through Horley Rd, St Werburghs,  Stapleton Road, St Mark Rd bridge underpass, Clare Road, ending at the Fishponds Road Junction.Praying for safety at the Eastonway Dual-Carriageway,  Bristol

A THANK YOU ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:  The PEACEMAKERS Prayer and City Safety Patrol Lollypop  sign above, Banners, Flyers, PA, and Patrol Jackets were kindly sponsored by Avon and Somerset Police Constabulary.

PEACEMAKERS PRAYER PATROLS in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police Constabulary since 2002 and CRIMSTOPPERS UK since 2018

PEACEMAKERS CEO and Chief Commissioner Prayer Patrols and City Safety Patrols was invite by Elohim Minitries Church to do a series of new Prayer Patrol training from 18th to 21st September, 2023. Following  the training, there was a LIVE Prayer Patrol Practise Assignment on the Robinhood Chace, in St. Annes area of Nottingham.

RobinHood Chance is linked to the chase of Robin Hood who was persued from Nottingham to York. Over the years the Chase has also had several links robbery, drug, gangs and other youth crimes. Though, originally it was built after the Enclosure Act of 1845 by means of providing a leisure space for the working classes.

Below is a short video clip created using several of the photos taken during the  Prayer Patrol Assignment. Unfortunately, we do not have photos of the training to add here.

Transcript 

Dear Lord and Life, Governor and Keeper of all that is committed into Thy care, Master of thoughts wind, waves, The One-unique-verse, LIFE Itself,

Please on this 1st day of September 2023, by your sweet and most glorious, perfected, hallowed self, oh yes hallowed and never hollowed Self, reign. For in fullness you reign supreme, above as you do below, around as you are amidst, yeah, yes, you reign –  evenly purely, goodly, effectively, fully – always. Aww yes Blessed Always, at the centre core! In all of these wonder-full, excel-length,  awe-Full,  numberless names we call you, for indeed there are countless inaudible names, not yet written in this tiny man-fashioned vocabulary of ours.  I activate each of them and with pure intention pray,  intercede,  making my thoughts audible, to request your patronage, your attention, your presence, power and grace, your forgiveness and your guidance, my dear Lord, dearest law of the universe. Oh yes, I pray for your leading.

Lead and guide. Lead and guide us please, sweet Pacifier. Pacify, guide, and lead, and cause hearts to look to thee, to look to you to lead our ships, this mortal temple of ours, in the ways that lead us to good, to be good, and to do right, in our thoughts first of all.
Yes. Please, lead in this our mothership – of organs, and nerves. Fully cement, fix, afix your signature of goodness in our conscience, tune, and fine-tune us until the needle of our awareness and inner resolve is set to be, and to do good, is in direct likeness to thine own goodness, even as the long and short needle of a clock’s interface when perfectly aligned as one, strikes the midday and midnight gong, so in like manner, acutely atune us in likeness, until all, all our attention and awareness, is made conscious, of your goodness, as our very own! Until one is found in person alike, as was pre-destiny, pre-designed be good, so very, very, good.

May goodness rule, and overrule as necessary, our stubborn wills. to save us from wondering, and straying, into useless, wantings, longings, lustful, and yearnings.

Please, O please, attend our way, and as you do, let us awaken to this truth. And not only am I asking for your leader-ship and guidance, to the way, but to awaken in our awareness the liberating truth that you are the way, the peace we yearn for, the goodness we requrie, and the supply we need.

So, on this first day of September, rebirth us in our inhalation, on each breath, an acute awareness of goodness, possibility, joy, and  everlasting stream of opportunities. Let this, be so for me, and  everyone else, especially, for the youths and our elders. Releasing us from  bondages of ancestral pains.

Lead, and guide those in government offices,  and those with titles of leadership which entiltes them to make demands on those under their leadership to do good and to perform well, may they lead and guide having first been guided and led by goodness themselves. For it is only until leadership leads from an acute awareness of goodness within, can there be any peace at all, or safety on our streets. For it is only when goodness reigns supreme in wills, that destruction, pain, and loss shall cease.

As I started, dear Lord and Light, Governor and Master good, I commit these words, humbly asking you to lead guide and protect, throughout the rest of September. Amen and Thank you.

A Prayer for September was written and read by Reverend Dr Dawnecia Palmer aka #LadyDP #LadyP

Although it is the ninth month of the year the word september comes from a Latin word meaning “seven.” It is considered the first month of Autumn. Scriptually it is the first of the Fall Feasts, the Feast of Trumpets, and the Creation week. It is also represents completion, fulfillment, and spiritual transformation.

 

“I’ve just heard.. another young man stabbed to death in St. Pauls, Bristol, UK. These stabbings must STOP!!

I am appealing to Parents and Grandparents to step up to the plate to save our young people’s lives..IT could be YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD, Nephew, Niece or Cousin NEXT!!

Let’s get proactive meet on the Green in St. Pauls Tuesday 25th July at 1pm (weather permitting) for a Patrols vigil for the lives lost through knives, and to say a firm 🚫⛔NO to knives on our streets…

~ Reverend Dawnecia Palmer – Chief Commissioner                      PEACEMAKERS Prayer and City Safety Patrols.🙏🏽👣

Continue reading **PATROLS LATEST! →

Parents and Grandparents say 🚫 to young persons stabbing each other, carrying knives or dangerous weapons. Weather permitting, we gather at Eastville Park this coming Saturday, 8th July, between 2pm – 3.30pm on the grass in the Children’s area! Bring your own mat to sit on. If you have a child or care about what’s happening in our city our with young people, then I’ll to see you there. Let’s ‘STEP UP TO THE PLATE’ Let’s take responsibility! Let’s save a young person’s life. Let’s say 🗣 NO knives on our streets. Whatever your age, sex, race, religion, status. If you care, be there! This is an appeal by PEACEMAKERS Prayer and City Safety Patrols. 🙏🏽✌🏼Please pass this on ❣

CLICK HERE: Bristol Reverend calls stop romancifying knives