I have been involved in training a number of Street Pastor branches over the last couple of weeks and FYT has been engaged in developing a group in the South West. What a brilliant initiative Street Pastors is! Check out www.streetpastors.co.uk for more details. This is an organisation that is helping Christians to make themselves available (22:00 - 04:00!) to young people that use the night time economy in cities and towns throughout the UK. This is church not judging or condemning young people for their behaviour but being around to look after them, offering them support alongside other caring services, keeping things as safe as possible and just offering unconditional care/prayer as and when required. I have been struck by the number of different Christian groups who have become involved in Street Pastors - black and white, high and low, charismatic and asthmatic ... etc! Here I find what Jim Wallis describes as a 'radical convergence of the people of faith over missions of mercy' - sleeves rolled up, dirty hands Christianity! Doctrinal differences, social class, worship styles and traditions take second place amongst a people who are willing to BE the good news instead of pontificating about it! If FYT can help you, your church or group to consider how you connect with young people where you are effectively - please get in touch with us and we will do our very best to help you.

shalom - Dave Wiles