As the street pastors of Haverfordwest celebrated their fifth anniversary last Thursday, an enthusiastic group of Christians from various churches in Pembroke gathered with the intention of establishing another initiative south of the Cleddau in the near future.

The meeting, which was held at Westgate Evangelical Chapel, Pembroke, took advantage of the fact that Rev. Les Isaacs was the guest speaker at the anniversary celebrations planned for Withybush showground later that evening.

Rev. Isaac is one of Britain's most influential black church leaders and co-launched the first Street Pastors initiative together with Baptist minister David Shosanya and Detective Constable Ian Crichlow in 2003. Street pastors provides a late night outreach service in high crime areas to tackle the issue of guns, knives and violent crimes on the streets of Britain.

Reflecting on the developments within Pembrokeshire, Rev. Isaacs said: "We launched in Brixton in 2003 with 18 people of whom 15 were women. The public's response was really fascinating. People wondered why it had taken the church so long and said it was about time they could see the church out on the streets. And then they began to talk to us, telling us all their problems because they felt safe and could see that somebody cared for them.

"We've seen our numbers grow from 18 to more than 11,000 volunteers within the UK. We're also now becoming established in about eight other countries from Nigeria to America, Australia and Antigua. Other countries are in the pipeline, too, including India and Uganda.

"It's brillaint to see what has happened in Haverfordwest and to contemplate what might happen in Pembroke. Street pastors is fantastic because it's a tool for the church. So let's get out there; let's be visible; let's serve and let's bless our community."

Emphasising that street pastors 'do not preach at people', he added: "We are to be true to our calling to be the light of the world. Just being there is reason enough. I remember one guy telling me that he had been watching me for a year and I know that some young people told Michael Howard, the former leader of the Conservative Party, that when they saw street pastors at work they saw God walking the streets."

Sam Scadden, project leader in Haverfordwest, said: "Five years of street pastors in Haverfordwest has been a great blessing to many people. To begin with it has been very special being out with people on the streets and meeting some of their practical needs right where they are. It has been wonderful to see so many people from different churches and backgrounds networking together. Many have made new friends and are now supporting each other in many positives ways.

"We are now looking to recruit our fourth intake of street pastors this summer and are pleased that we may be training with friends from Pembroke, who are looking to initiate a team in their town."

Pastor Rob James, who is spearheading the Pembroke initiative in conjunction with Rev. G. Howells, of Hundleton, said: "I have always been impressed with this work. Two of my sons have been heavily involved in street pastor projects in London and I know the impact that ordinary Christians can have on the crime rate and the culture of our streets at night. I am thrilled to see a well spring of enthusiasm in Pembroke and delighted with the support we are receiving from the local police. If anyone wants to know more, they can contact me or turn up at our next meeting in Westgate on Thursday, March 27, at 7.30 pm."