Bro. Lew in the News... Again
A follow-up article about Islington Street Pastors was written for the Islington Tribune last week. It was prompted by a letter to the editor responding to the previous week's article about Street Pastors. The letter came from a local Unitarian minister that was critical of us for being closely linked with the police among other things.
Just before going to print, the reporter called me and gave me a brief synopsis of the letter and asked for a counter-response. Fortunately I had the presence of mind to give her the phone number of the head office for Street Pastors. They are experienced at handling these kind of things, especially criticism.
You can read the original article about Islington Street Pastors by clicking on the link above or read the follow-up article, with the criticism and response, by clicking here. Interestingly, the print edition of the second article included a much larger photo of me posing with the Islington Police Superintendent and was placed on page two. The original article only managed to make it on about page six or eight.
NOTE: Unfortunately the Islington Gazette article with a photo of Street Pastor Carol that I told you about last time never appeared in the online edition.
National Street Pastors Conference
This week I attended a two-day Street Pastors conference for coordinators in South London. Street Pastors are now active in over 100 locations across the UK with about 2500 trained Street Pastors. There are also plans in the works to expand the Street Pastors scheme abroad from Canada to New Zealand.
The coordinators conference also included a reception at Parliament hosted by David Burrowes MP. On the following day Burrowes, a member of the Conservative Party, made reference to Street Pastors in a speech to the House of Commons about Christianity in Public Life.
- Please keep praying for Islington Street Pastors. Our next night out on "patrol" will be Friday, March 20th. We're also still searching for a grant for funding my position as coordinator.
- Please pray for our work with the homeless and hungry in North London. Many have issues with mental illness and need treatment for alcoholism and/or drug addiction.
- Please pray for the pastors in our area. Many work under stressful conditions and it takes a toll on their families.
- Please pray for Angie and her Ladies' Bible Study as they work through the Purpose-Driven Life.
- Please pray that more individuals and churches will begin to support us in prayer and finances.
We've been blessed to be a blessing!
The Ecker Family
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