Power of prayer tackles trouble

2005: Mulbarton Christians have got together to harness the power of prayer in tackling anti-social behaviour in the village just south of Norwich.

The village, like many others, has a problem with anti-social behaviour with some of it is caused by young people.

After the parish church had held a 24-hour prayer time, all the Christians in the village were invited to a village prayer meeting focusing on the young of the village on December 4, 2005. It was attended by representatives from the local parish church, Russian Orthodox, Salvation Army and Saxlingham chapel, plus local councillors.

Rev Jess Stubenbord, Rector of St Mary Magdalen church in Mulbarton, who organised the meeting, said: “The reason we came together was a long list of nasty incidents from bullying, beating others up, breaking windows, throwing things at houses, making electricity go off in sections of the town, intimidation, etc. Also drugs, drink and sex which sadly are part and parcel of our present culture.
“God through our prayers can, and we trust will, make this a village where people really want to live,” said Jess.

“First we felt it necessary to confess to God that we Christians had failed God and this community. Next we brought the problems we were aware of before God, also trying to discern what he was telling us.

“We prayed for increased involvement both through prayer walking and direct contact with the young of the village, as well as encouraging parents to come to parenting, marriage and ‘drug proofing your child’ course the local church offers, said Jess.

“Some of us have viewed some amazing videos of communities that have been transformed by prayer, so why not here.”

The churches plan to meet together three times a year.

More details from Rev Jess Stubenbord, e-mail jwstubenbord@aol.com

By Keith Morris

Pictured above is Rev Jess Stubenbord.