Basingstoke Town Chaplaincy Prayer Letter Spring 2022

With the arrival of spring and the beautiful displays of crocuses, and now daffodils in the town centre, people are out and about more. When out walking or sitting on a bench people are often open to a good conversation about life. Chaplains listen and can bring in a Christian dimension to situations.

Although a number of shops have closed and footfall is down on 3 years ago, the town is quite busy and adjusting to the new circumstances. Chaplains visiting shops meet people for brief chats, but by building a relationship there are times when troubled hearts are opened. Growing pressures on job security, working conditions and salaries as well as family, health and other concerns can be discussed confidentially and the number of supportive conversations has increased recently.

Chaplains continue to attend the Courts most mornings and we are looking to increase our support to those who are attending by video link. Chaplains also chat to passengers, passers by, concession holders, staff and taxi drivers in and around the railway station – it is a very busy area. We now have two Chaplains regularly meeting bus drivers and staff.

Alan has reluctantly retired after more than 10 years of valuable service. We need more Chaplains – Christians willing to give at least one hour a week to meet people in different contexts in the town centre or in a care home.  We provide training and support so it is less daunting than it might appear; a taster session helps to show what’s actually involved. For more information contact Libby by email or leave a phone message.

We have been active in making our presence known and have received support from Festival Place (we are now advertised on their App) and the Borough Council, where the Mayor has invited representatives from the Chaplaincy and Street Pastors to tea to express thanks for our services to the community.

We continue to work with One Church Basingstoke and we want to build stronger links with churches in the town. Our ministry is to support that of the churches in reaching out to others. We value your prayers and would like to have church links so that we can refer people to a contact person if they wish to attend a church activity.

We are continually grateful to those who give generously to meet our costs. The Lord does supply all our needs but our financial needs are increasing and we welcome donations from churches and individuals. A current need is funding for some more uniforms suitable for the summer.

Thank you for your interest and support for the Chaplaincy. We do appreciate it.

Wishing you God’s blessing.

John Hayward

Chair of Trustees

Prayer Points

• Give thanks to God that Chaplains are recognised and valued in the town; that we are able to share God’s love to people in different and often difficult situations.
• Pray for the well-being of people working, shopping and visiting in the town.
• Pray that the interactions with Chaplains will lead people to seek the Lord and be blessed.
• Pray for more Chaplains so that we can serve people in places where we have been invited.
• Pray that we can work closely with churches in Basingstoke to witness to Christ in the community.