Peacemakers Prayer Patrollers were visibly present in the Broadmead Shopping Quarter of Bristol on Bonfire Night, the patrollers wore high-viz jackets certain helped to light up the night in more ways than one, as a beneficial presence of blessing and as well as a deterrent to ward off wayward behaviors. There were other visible peacekeeping organizations on the ground too, the Police, local PCSOs, Fire, and Ambulance Services. Prayer Patrols applied the Peacemakers Operation Presence ‘ABC’ pre-empt idea on the night. 
Secured Bonfire Night Displays took place safely in many areas of the City, this gave children and vulnerable individuals the opportunity to participate in an environment of protection with a sense of safety.
In the past, Bristol has had bad experiences on Bonfire Night which involved small pockets of individuals taking advantage of the celebrations, setting off fireworks in an unsafe fashion, some even hurling lighted fireworks into shopping areas, and worst throwing them towards individuals as they walked on the pavements.
Testimony
Thankfully, this year Bristol had less serious incidents reports. The Patrols reported merriment with a peaceful atmosphere in the Broadmead Shopping Quarter, Castle Park and surrounding areas. During the patrol through the town, a young man stopped the patrollers to ask what they were about. The man was in a very depressed mood and after he shared the story of his difficulties he asked them to pray for him, that things would change for him in the near future. The team prayed and encouraged him. His countenance changed drastically as he thanked them, he said he was feeling much better as if a ton was lifted from him.
Awareness, Blessing and Community Safety
Peacemakers advised parents to take the initial responsibility to advise their youths who were planning to go out in groups, not to take fireworks with them, not to partake in pranks which involved hurling fireworks at people or parked cars. In fact, they advised that it is best that people, especially young people, should not carry fireworks with them, it is an illegal offense that carries heavy fines and in some cases court sentences. But most importantly Peacemakers warn of the danger that could happen to others, the risk of injuries which in past caused major injuries such as loss of limbs, shock, and trauma, where individuals have been known to suffer for many years afterward.
Peacemakers Commissioner Rev Dr.Dawnecia Palmer warns "..... one small irresponsible action with fireworks on Bonfire nights could ruin a person's life for years or even forever in some cases."
Peacemakers also advise people to report any illegal activities that they are aware of and that they can do so by contacting either Crimestoppers or the Police.
CrimeStoppers is a charity which provides a service that is unique and designed to protect people’s identity, whether they call their free number 0800 555111 or submit information through https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give- information-online/ It is important to note that Crimestoppers is NOT part of the police, they guarantee 100% anonymity. They take information about crime, about criminals and pass it to the police and have never compromised anyone’s anonymity. They cannot take reports of crime as obviously they couldn’t keep the person reporting anonymous. CrimeStoppers doesn’t record anything about the reporter/only the information passed on.
You can find some information about their service the Partnerships tab of this website or you may prefer to go directly to CrimeStoppers’ own website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org there you will have full access to all their information and the sort of help they provide. However, PEACEMAKERS advise that in all cases of serious crimes and real Emergencies, that you contact the Police straightaway and directly by dialing 999.
They passed clusters of adults and children dressed in horror costumes going from door to door ‘trick or treating’ along the way, and however innocently this may sound, there is always a chance of danger and ‘bad-will’ so Peacemakers hold that their visible presence as ‘light’ which will help to ensure a certain amount safety in the areas they patrol.
Soulcakes are little cakes, made with allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, other sweet spices such as raisins currants with a little cross on top, these were given to the children and poor that would go from door to door begging, singing and offering to pray for the givers and their families, and some even offer to pray for their pets during the month of November. Over time it became a more commercial and seen more as a secular celebration and the soul cakes were replaced by trick or treating giving of sweets, costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o’- lanterns, playing pranks, telling scary stories, creating haunting attractions and bonfires.
The next ‘Be safe Night’ Patrol will be in the Broadmead area of Bristol Bonfire Night Tuesday 5th November 2019. To join the Peacemakers prayer patrol or City Patrols please telephone the Commissioner on 075 083 90298.
It was a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon but we were determined to bring the warmth of our prayers and goodwill to the streets of Fishponds. We felt that Prayer Patrol would serve as a timely crime prevention tool and a good way to help re-boost morale and confidence on the streets. It was a very interesting and well-received Patrol. Several Passersby stopped and engaged at our Prayer Stops, where our two youngest patrollers, ages four and five, along with older members of the team prayed with them. Many people told us that they were moved by the braveness and prayers of the children. One man was so moved that he ran across the road to the Bakery and came back laden with cakes for them.
which is next door to Sugar the Loaf Pub. The church was closed and not one church member in sight, but the pub was open and three men sat outside having a drink in the drizzling rain. At first, they were intrigued with our high viz jackets and then became even more interested when we told them that we were out Peace-Keeping and blessing the area. The rain continued to fall, becoming heavier as we went along, soon there was no sign of anyone walking the streets, so we decided to take a shortened route back to the base.
Nearing the Three Black Birds Pub we noticed a man standing in the doorway, drinking a beer and enjoying a cigarette. As we got to him we did our usual greeting and he responded cheerfully and wanted to engage us in conversation, he also had a prayer request, which we told him we would pray about once we got back to base. But as we were moving away he called out “Please. Please, Please remember to pray”, it was urgent and we did.
There were several opportunities to stop, to speak to, and pray with folks along the way.
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.
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
Pictures in St Paul’s: Praying for safety, prosperity and favor in the newly opened Polish supermarket
