| News In Brief |
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S  TREET PASTORS LAUNCHED IN TOWER HAMLETS RECENTLY. The church-led initiative operates around London and in many other parts of the country. Volunteers hit the streets in the evenings when the pubs and night clubs are in full swing, and help support vulnerable people – especially young people. They’re trained in how to calm them down when they’re aggressive or upset, and they’ve been responsible for huge falls in the crime rate where they operate – a massive 95 per cent after they launched in Camberwell. The Revd Georgina Stride is one of the organisers. “What I find very attractive about this project is that it is drawing together the Christian community from different denominations,” she said. “It’s also releasing ordinary men and women from our churches into the streets to serve our community; this is at the heart of the Gospel.” The Revd Georgina Stride is one of the organisers. “What I find very attractive about this project is that it is drawing together the Christian community from different denominations,” she said. “It’s also releasing ordinary men and women from our churches into the streets to serve our community; this is at the heart of the Gospel.” Churches in the UK are celebrating Say Something Nice Sunday on the first Sunday in June. Started by First Baptist Church, Charleston in South Carolina, the movement has spread to all parts of the Christian church and throughout the country. It’s the brainchild of Mitch Carnell, who writes ‘Practising civility is more than not adding to the verbal poison; it also involves being a positive influence. We need to utter a kind word. We can encourage those around us. We can demonstrate that there is a better way to act. Look around you. There is someone close by who needs a cheerful, uplifting word from you.’ In fact the Revd Ken Owen has broken the world record for lying on a bed of nails for the 49th time. Mr Owen broke his own ‘Iron Maiden’ record by being sandwiched between two beds of nails while two men stood on top. He took the weight of the men – a total of 31 stone and 12 lb for more than 10 seconds. He is a martial arts expert who has raised millions of pounds for charity with his fighting and endurance skills. |
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