`````Since early in 2003, Hereford Baptist Church vestibule has been open on a Saturday evening, from 11.00pm to 2.00am and on several occasions until 3.00am - and even later.
` ` ` We leave the vestibule doors unlocked and go outside at regular intervals, armed with black bags, to pick up litter. We are often given a helping hand by those sitting on the forecourt.
` ` ` Already we seem to be an accepted part of the Saturday night scene in Commercial Road. We have no concern about our safety or the attitude of the young people, in fact we have found our forecourt visitors to be friendly, helpful and thouroughly pleasant people. We are beginning to build up a relationship with some of the young people who have come into the vestibule on several occasions. They seem to appreciate a warm place to sit, as well as a chat and a laugh with us.
` ` ` We've had a visit from the Mayor of Hereford and two policemen on their round. Who would have thought that 'The Pope' would have paid us a visit too! He was part of a group in fancy dress!
` ` ` One of the unexpected benefits of our three-hour vigil has been that we've had opportunity to spend time with one another, instead of the usual rushed greeting on a Sunday!
` ` ` We have heard this week that the police are to target anti-social behaviour in Commercial Road, at night. Please pray that our presence on a Saturday night will have even more significance in the coming weeks.
` ` ` We have been very conscious that so many people are praying for Nightshift, thank you for your very real interest and encouragement, as well as for your faithful prayers. Most Saturday nights God has put His seal on what we are doing in one way or another.
` ` ` We are so grateful to everyone who is willing to be part of the Nightshift Team. We appreciate your commitment and realise that it isn't easy to go to bed in the early hours of Sunday morning!
` ` ` Continue to pray for the young people of our city, especially that they will recognise that our church has a concern for them. We pray that God's love will be evident in us as we meet young people week by week.
` ` ` If you want to know more, or would like to come on a Saturday evening, please speak to us.

Mair & Brian
Church Magazine - March 2003

(Note: For those who don't know Hereford - Hereford Baptist Church is surrounded by a cluster of nightclubs and bars, and on a Saturday night Commercial Road is teeming with revellers).