Dear Churches

Street Pastors going live again, in Swindon this Autumn!

Swindon Street Pastors – a bit of background and our relaunch in Old Town
We first went live September 2007, in the town centre, at weekends 10pm-4am, where upwards of 10,000 people gathered to socialise in the pubs and clubs every Friday and Saturday night!

Today, Old Town is the new central ‘place to be’ for the night-time social life of Swindon with a smaller number, around 4,000 gathering to party through the night hours, but this is set to rise as restrictions lift and popular night-clubs re-open.

A boat in safe harbour – God’s call to re-build
When we came off the streets in 2019, we had the prophetic picture of a boat in a safe harbour, God reminding us we had been at sea for 12 years without ever putting into port, that the boat needed some vital repairs, refurbishment and a re-rig. And the crew a rest while new members recruited and trained, in readiness to re-launch on a new course that God would chart.

So, based on God’s call to Nehemiah to re-build the walls of Jerusalem, during lockdown, we set about restoring, renewing and rebuilding our boat.

God’s hand of favour and the power of prayer
We have seen God’s provision and answered prayer with a strengthened steering group and management, additional street pastor volunteers, and re-engagement with our national body the Ascension Trust, the local Police and Swindon Borough Council, alongside partnerships growing with Forging Connections.

Our team of faithful intercessors pray and support us daily, with words of scripture and encouragement. As part of this team, personal Prayer Partners pray for named Street Pastors, especially the nights and times they serve.

Chartered new waters – Café Pastors
Looking forward, we are in the throes of developing a daytime ministry for Street Pastors in café spaces. This is in partnership with other Christian organisations who are looking to open cafés as safe venues for people to come, and be assured of a warm welcome with a listening ear, and receiving support and help in time of need.

Testament of the power of the Holy Spirit witnessing the presence of Jesus on the streets.
Both here in Swindon and across the nation are testament after testament of the power of prayer, with police evidencing that crime is reduced significantly, by as much as 100% in some cases, wherever Street & Prayer Pastors serve together. Street Pastors are recognised as helping to protect and save lives, while making our town centres a safer and enjoyable place to come! As one Street Pastor put it:

“We witness by telling people about Jesus, without words, as we take the love of Jesus onto the streets.”

Relaunching this autumn
We are getting ready to relaunch and set sail again. If you are interested in any of the opportunities regarding night, daytime or prayer ministries, with a desire to see the power of Jesus present in our town, do come aboard!

For more information, please contact: coordinator.swindon@streetpastors.org.uk.