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.