Mark Thomas, of the Ascension Trust, reminded those being commissioned of their three watchwords “Listen, care and help”. According to the local police representative present, this is “what the police don’t do!” (which I take to mean that they don’t have time to do!). The police and the local authority have been enthusiastic and co-operative supporters of the scheme in Pontypridd. They recognise what a human, caring presence on the streets can accomplish, which the statutory authorities are unable to do.
Mark spoke about the challenge in Micah 6 v 8 about what God requires of us: to act justly, love mercy (or kindness) and to walk humbly with God. This is what street pastors are called to do. It is what Christians are to do, and, he suggests, is it not a ‘requirement’ for all human beings?
The congregation looks sparse in the picture – not because the occasion was poorly attended. Rather because by this stage there were so many people on the stage! In addition to the street pastors, volunteers have committed to be prayer partners, to remain at ‘base camp’ and to uphold in prayer those who are out walking the streets.
May God be with them all!