On 19 May, Pip n Jay people prayed for our neighbours in the parish while walking around the area. Geoff Haskett led the party and writes about what happened.

It’s always a challenge getting away on time. I was hoping for a 7:40 start, but with 5 minutes to go we were still a very small and select group. However by ten to eight we were up to twelve and raring to go. Through the underpass and we were in the midst of our parish. Gardner Haskins was just closing and the staff were leaving.  Martin and Judy had rushed over to join us. They had just finished painting the last of the fence panels which they had been replacing in back gardens in Birkin St. We didn’t need to be told where they had been working. The colour said it all. Red grass where the Cuprinol had dripped.

Anyway the residents were delighted to have their fences repaired having waited so long for the council to do it. We were shown where Terry had been gardening. Less of a jungle now.

Spent quite a while outside the school. There are always issues to pray about so we lent on the railing opposite. The place is of course empty at this time of night ( although there was a light on in the office - someone working late ).

Pubs for sale, pubs being refurbished, people in the park, football in the Ball Park.

There was so much to pray about. We’ve done it many times before and then each time watched as the answers unfolded. And here we were again eager to see His hand on this bit of Bristol. We’re seeing great opportunities for the building up of this community, which is set to grow once again as the next trance of apartments are completed.

We walked down Anvil St looking up at the buildings towering above us. Then suddenly two row of mature trees. Where did they come from?

There were one or two good conversations with folk we met. We really felt part of the place. I doubt if we’ll ever fully understand why; but so many times we have been blessed as we discover just how much God loves this place.

A number of Pip n Jay people live in this area. If you'd like to know more about life here, and how you can be part of it, contact Greg Sharples.