Tag Archives: Bristol

Bristol Bonfire Night Prayer Patrols

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.  Image result for bonfire night bristolSecured 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. 

Halloween – Peace Angels in Easton

Teams of Peacemakers City Patrols were out and about in the Easton and Old Market areas of Bristol on Thursday 31st October.  as part of their ‘Be Safe Nights’ Initiatives planned for Bristol 2019/20.  They set off from the St. Marks Road at around 6.30 pm, it was dark, wet and cold and the atmosphere outside was charged with the smell of fireworks.

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.

All Hallows Eve or All Saints Eve was first observed as a Christians remembrance and celebration of the lives of devoted loved ones including saints known as hallows, martyrs and other faithful figures of the day.

The Patrols stopped to pray and to remember the life of taxi-driver Colin Wilson, at the very spot where he was robbed and brutally stabbed and died some years earlier.  At the time Prayer Patrols rallied members of the Easton Community as well people from across other parts of Bristol to join in a Respect4Life March through Easton and St. Pauls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some Christians abstain from eating meats on All Hallows’ Eve, a tradition reflected in the eating of vegetarians foods such as apples, potato cakes, and soul cakes.

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 Patrols aims to be a beneficial visible presence and a source for good during Halloween and Bonfire Nights.  Their Bright Fluorescent jackets can be seen a good distance away, cars. They do not go from door to door offering payers as per the All Hallows Eve Tradition, instead, they are ‘prayed up’ using a modality termed Pre-empt or ‘Operation Presence’.

 

The patrol from St.Mark’s Road, Easton to Pennywell Road, was fairly unconfrontational until they got to the Goodhind Street area. There they found a medium-sized group of boys, some standing and the others sitting on a low wall-fence. They were swearing and speaking loudly, and a member of the group ran across the road, placed something in a letterbox and shouted  ‘come out you cowards.’  Another larger group of young people ran towards the direction of the Patrols. They were hurling fireworks onto the parked cars, shouting, swearing as they randomly threw more fireworks on the pavement and in the middle of the road. The Patrols then gathered in to pray, then formed themselves in a line and stood motionless in silence. Perhaps it was the light from the jackets and the effects of prayers but the older boys scampered and raced towards Pennywell Road, and a short time later the smaller group also fled the scene too. The night ended peacefully as the Teams gathered in at another crime spot along Stapleton Road where a few years ago a Solamilan youth was viciously stabbed to death.

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.

Peacemakers are also advising people to report any of illegal activities that they are aware of through CrimeStoppers or directly to the Police 999 in cases of real emergencies. See Crimestoppers number below or because you are already browsing our website you can find more information about this service on Our Partner Organization page or view directly on their website.

 

PEACEMAKERS Happy Patch, snatch a little Happiness!

The City Patrols and Prayer Patrollers were out in support of the Spread a little Happiness Day initiative last month. The day created great opportunities for them to speak with, encourage and support visitors at their ‘Need Prayer’ table, as well as to laugh and share the happiness tone with the vast array of passersby, in the busy Broadmead Shopping Quarter of Bristol. It was reported as a hugely successful day which saw them handing out hundreds of Happy Patches. And  although there were several other events also taking place around the precinct on the day, they said their event attracted a steady flow of people throughout, and shoppers and visitors to the area danced to the upbeat music which was belting out through the speakers of their small PA, which was hidden from view beneath a medium-sized A board on which was written in bold letters ‘come and get your happy patch here today.’ (see Youtube video footage below)

 

Peacemakers Prayer Patrols warming hearts in Fishponds and Easton

Feedback for Fishponds Patrol

It was good to be out Prayer Patrolling on the streets of Bristol again, especially as we were going to be in Fishponds, an area that we had not prayer patrolled before.  This is a very popular shopping area consisting of the usual Post Office, banks, supermarkets, retail shops and general stores, small local enterprises, schools, churches, bingo hall, public houses, car showrooms, and a thriving convenient bus route into City Centre, train and bus stations.wp_20161022_14_30_17_pro_li

So, it was a big shock to us, as well as for the residents of the Fishponds area, a couple of weeks prior to our patrol, to learn that a young 10-year boy was viciously attacked by thugs as he walked home.  The boy suffered grievous injuries to his head and body after he was beaten up and thrown to the ground, and kicked many times. The thugs then ran off and left him there until a passer-by came along and found him bloodied, lying on the pavement only  a couple of yards away from the main traffic light and pedestrian crossing. [*See Newspaper report on this story at the end of our reports]

wp_20161022_14_36_07_pro_liIt 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.

It appears that the incident with the boy was a one off, the perpetrators were caught, and the attack is in no way a reflection of this usually peaceful, contemporary area of Bristol.

Report by Rev palmer, October 2016

Feedback for Easton & Old Market Patrol

It had just started to rain as we headed out for the Easton and Old Market Prayer Patrol, but our spirit was high. It has been a while since we did patrols on this particular route. The streets were exceptionally quiet, perhaps because it had been raining on and off during the afternoon.

Our starting point for the Easton  Patrol was St Marks Churchsugar-loaf 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.
3-back-birdsNearing 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.

Our final prayer stop was at a newly opened Resturant in the area. The owner welcomed our prayer for his new business, and even offered to feed us, and although the food smelt lovely and the atmosphere inviting but we had to decline his offer as we were still on duty.

This was one of our shortest ever patrols owing to weather conditions, and we finished soaked but greatly inspired.

 Report by Rev Palmer, November 2016

Continue reading Peacemakers Prayer Patrols warming hearts in Fishponds and Easton

Peacemakers Patrols praying Peace on the Streets of Bristol once again…

WP_20160513_12_20_11_Pro“And a little child shall lead them.” Four-year-old Chioma Samuel is the youngest Prayer Patrol to date. On her day off from Nursery, she happily accompanies her Mum on the latest round of foot Patrols, in the Barton Hill area of Bristol. Patrolling through the section  of a housing estate, with predominantly Muslim Somalian families, the Prayer Patrols found a warm welcome and positive responses.

Pictured left: Chioma admiring the small flowerbed outside the Barton Hill Settlement, the largest community facility in the area.    WP_20160513_12_08_31_ProThere were several opportunities to stop, to speak to, and pray with folks along the way.

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THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD: Prayer Patrols Blessing the Community with Peace.

One young lady that  we spoke to said, ” ..What a lovely idea!”

Just over a year ago this area was at the height of Police investigations and continual focus from the Media. There was a lot of fear and concerns by residents, when body parts  of Becky Watts, a young 16-year-old girl were found in a terraced house, on the residential estate.  After many weeks of investigations, her  killers were caught and sentenced.  See HERE for full Story – BBC News

Today, we were joined by a woman who also lives in the area, she told us, how glad she was that we had come to pray in her neighbourhood. She said she there was still a ‘dark eerie feeling’ in the environment. However, at the end of our Patrol, she said she believes that the presence and prayers of the Patrols will help to transform the area, and uplift the mood around the lane .

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“Releasing Peace on the scene where innocent blood was shed, is part of what we do,” says the Peacemakers Chief.   “This clears the area, recreating a more harmonious environment, and a sense of security and peace within those communities”

 

 

 

Easter Prayer Patrol Feedback

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
WP_20160324_17_02_55_ProMinister 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.  WP_20160324_17_02_30_ProOne 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.

WP_20160324_17_13_18_ProPraying 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 WP_20160325_12_01_18_Pro

 

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 …

WP_20160325_12_42_11_ProPictures in St Paul’s: Praying for safety, prosperity and favor in the newly opened Polish supermarket

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  On Stokes Croft               Around  Halston Drive

 

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

Continue reading Easter Prayer Patrol Feedback

PEACEMAKERS Sponsors Life

Peacemakers Coordinator Reverend Palmer and several of the Prayer Patrollers are taking part in a local event next weekend. The Rev is the keynote Speaker for Life Universecity upcoming Soul Enrichment Seminar on Saturday 19th March, 2016.  This will be held in the city’s newly built Education Facility, the Junction 3 Library and Learning Centre, Easton.

This particular site is of particular interest to the Rev and her Team.  This is one of the boroughs that they patrolled for 7 years. When they began, it was a volatile and dangerous part of the city for gangs, drugs, stabbings and robberies.  But it was not long after they were there that transformation begun taking place.

Derelict buildings were demolished, and new affordable housing began to take shape. This was particularly wonderful because at that time there was a shortage of housing in that area. Now, there is also provision of several self-contained shopfront units under the flats, which creates new enterprise and employment.

Central to the new development  is a stunning modern architecture which facilitates a library, conference and meeting rooms, with some technological equipment for use in house, and open spaces for reading and other activities.