To get a feel of what is happening in Bristol today, take a walk around the vicinity of Pip n Jay church.

On Sunday 18th January, as part of our Prayer Day, we walked around the locality praying as we went, asking God to shows us things through His eyes.

Some walked through the Shopping Centre busy on a Sunday afternoon, whilst others zig zagged across the commercial complex to Temple Meads station. Here are some of the things that happened...

While we were praying by the Health Clinic a remarkable cross of light appeared to shine on the building opposite. When we finished praying the cross disappeared! (click the pictures for a closer look)

This used to be a quiet area at weekends, but no longer is it a sleepy deserted backwater. There are new residents moving into the ever increasing number of flats and apartments. Every time a derelict site comes up for sale (no matter how small) more homes get built.

During the week, life is focussed on the glass fronted offices many of which have appeared in the last decade. To this is being added the huge Burges Salmon complex alongside the harbour. And between it and the Royal Bank of Scotland they have managed to squeeze in a penthouse tower.

Further building work may have been halted with the financial uncertainty but the sense of expectation suggests that this is just a pause.

There's no defining line between the affluence of the water's edge and old inner city Bristol.  One merges into the other as St Philip's gives way to Easton and Barton Hill. The residents look on bemused wondering who can afford to buy these luxurious apartments. Seeing children playing in the streets, some whom we recognised from the days of the Play Bus, reminds us of God's faithfulness to each generation. For those growing up just behind these developments the centre has always been their home. We have watched, and God has nurtured, a forgotten generation growing up alongside wealth. The primary school in the shadow of the apartment blocks successfully serves a migrant ethnic population attracted by the commitment of its  staff.

For those who went out last week it was a reassuring sight. A city with a Heart. Over the last five years we have watched the re-generation get into gear and now can see so many answered prayers from a decade ago. Community does already exist across the divide and folk from both the old and new dwellings are part of the church.

Not everything has changed. There are still homeless people sitting in the church grounds and queuing  for the Soup Run just as they have always done. Prosperity hasn't worked for them and it's a reminder at the end of the PrayerWalk that prayers will have to be followed by action. We felt His compassion for Bristol, we have to do something. Perhaps going out this afternoon has helped answer that.