The three days Peacemakers Easter Prayer Patrols in Bristol was a blast! We wish to thank our ‘Prayer Shields’ for covering us in prayer as we patrolled the streets, especially for the late night Patrol in the heart of Bristol’s nightlife area.  I am pleased to announce that all went well! There were no adverse situations.  In fact it was all pleasantness and openness. We truly felt protected and had great favor with the city. We had many supermagnifabulocious opportunities to witness, and touch base with the local community. It was really great to pray with all the folks that we came in contact with over this Easter Prayer Patrol Triathon.

Maundy Thursday – The start of the Easter Prayer Patrol Triathon Feedback

Minister Shuanna-lee Samuel paying tribute to the memory of Colin Winston, the taxi driver who was brutally robbed and murdered at this very spot, eight years ago. This was also the starting point for the 1st Easton Prayer Patrols.

We began the first Patrol at  old Pub on Fox Road. We said prayers for Colin Winston’s family, and prayed for the safety of taxi drivers and their families every where. Although it was raining heavily, we continued to patrol the areas close by, and it was not long before the rain ceased and we were able to stop and speak with, and pray with folks.  One person we spoke with asked if  we would pray for her to have more patience…even though it sounded like a tall order, we knew that with God all things are possible. We were glad that we could be there for her.  I later thought about her request and even though we had had quite a few other requests up to this point, her honesty grabbed my attention and holds it still.  Here we were along the main Stapleton Road High Street, with its many shops and businesses, yet not one of these could supply the solution for this young lady’s need. Hers’ was not a commodity to bottled, tinned or packaged. It was not to be found on a shelf nor on the rails in any of these stores. What she needed was to be connected to the Source of Patience, and we were there as a reminder and advocate, to infuse her with comfort and a knowingness, empathy, understanding.  And to note that her request is valid.  I began to think about how many young mothers like her that had become hooked on drugs as a way out or those that had found themselves taking their frustrations out on their kids or the others that had thrown in the towel when things seemed unbearable, and had completely missed their God given destiny.  But thankfully, in this case we were able to administer some encouraging words, prayers and advice.  Rev also briefly introduced her to TBP ( a deep breathing technique with affirmations) and there was such a relief on the young woman’s face as walked away with her children.  A few minutes later as I pondered about the honesty of the request, her willingness to listen and receive, and the change that I had seen upon her face, I knew that if this was all that happened over the Easter Prayer Patrols Triathon, it would have sufficed, because here we saw hope; a hope that made our hearts to rejoice. Amen.

Praying at the East gate into the City

Good Friday – Easter Prayer Patrol Feedback    

 It felt good to be patrolling the streets of St Paul’s and Stokes Croft again.  There were many changes, new businesses and enterprise in the area, although we did meet several familiar faces.  It seemed a lot calmer and felt much safer as we walked along.   Someone we spoke with commented that they felt sure that the the area had became a lot safer over the years due to our presence.  For this we are truly grateful as there was definitely a sense of peace. Then an amazing thing happened for us, as we patrolled along the top of Ashley Road, a woman which we had not met before, came out of her house and wanted to know what we were doing, we explained about the Peacemakers Prayer Patrols, and afterwards said that she wanted to bless us, so she went back into her house and came back out with freshly baked hot cross buns, delicious homemade marmalade and napkins.

PP  Dorothy Hechavarria – St Paul’s Learning Centre

The Patrollers visited with several business places, including the famous Glen’s Food Bar on the grounds of the  Malcolm X Community Center in City Road.  And on Sussex Place they visited with a groovey Barbers, a newly opened Polish Supermarket, and a lovely little Craft and Grocers whose owners are originally from Sierra Leone …

Pictures in St Paul’s: Praying for safety, prosperity and favor in the newly opened Polish supermarket

  On Stokes Croft               Around  Halston Drive

Hamilton House, a popular meeting place in the heart of the City.

Continue reading Easter Prayer Patrol Feedback →