AS their way of assisting the less fortunate and ministering to people, a group of religious leaders from the various denominations on Thursday night launched their project titled “Street Pastors Guyana” at the Assemblies of God Church at Thomas Street, Kitty.

Coordinator of the programme, Pastor Shane Moses told the Guyana Chronicle that their project consists of about 32 pastors who were recently trained to go out on a walk-about to meet people and try to cater to their needs.

He said, “We go out into the streets and meet people and after hearing their stories, we try to meet their needs. Say, if a drug addict wants to be reformed, we can approach an institution and enrol him or her; or if a person needs a hot lunch, we provide that as well; or if someone needs a pastor to talk to, we counsel people too; and if a street dweller needs a footwear or clothing, we assist in this regard.”

Pastor Moses related that they try to help in a tangible way and reach out to the less fortunate and anyone else who needs assistance.

He related that “Street Pastors Guyana” is an inter-denominational network of Christian charities operating across the UK and worldwide.

“Street Pastors Guyana” is an initiative of Ascension Trust. Individual street pastors are Christian adults with a concern for their community, who undergo 12 days of training in order to voluntarily patrol the streets of towns and cities at night, helping and caring for people in practical ways, he said.

Pastor Moses added that the initiative began in the United Kingdom and is now being operated in other countries, including Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago.
He stated that street pastors wear a blue uniform, with the term ‘Street Pastor’ visible in white and work closely with councils and police in their local areas but maintain an operational independence.

Pastor Moses pointed out that the Street Pastors programme seeks to maintain confidentiality as far as is legal, and does not have any powers of enforcement or arrest. Street pastors are expected to provide services unconditionally.
He said the aim of “Street Pastors Guyana” is not to proactively preach or evangelise, but to provide a neutral and reassuring presence in local communities.

Pastor Moses noted that individual street pastors are Christians, over the age of 18, committed to a local church for at least one year, who pass an enhanced CRB check and who have a positive reference from their church leader, stating that they would be suitable to be a Street Pastor and are leading a Christian lifestyle. They must complete 12 training sessions spread over a year, covering subjects including conflict management, counselling and basic first-aid.

Street Pastors is also supported by ‘Prayer Pastors’, who do not patrol but who provide support to street pastors by praying for them and sometimes keep in touch with them by mobile phone.

Pastor Moses said a number of inter-denominational Christian churches from Georgetown participated in a 12-day training session on becoming Street Pastors. The training was conducted at the Catholic Life Centre conference room.