Eustace Constance (50) has been running the Southwark and Hackney branches of Street Pastors, as well as co-ordinating the organisation’s national operations, for the last four years. Previously, he had a successful career in housing management, but felt called to give this up when Street Pastors was founded:
“It was clear that God knew my character –I had been a nine-to-five person, but He told me that I’d work harder than I’d ever worked and that I’d earn less than I’d ever earned. But it was where my heart was, and I just had to go for it,” says Eustace.

“I don’t wake up in the morning thinking that I have to go to work just to earn a living. I wake up in the morning eager to be part of what God is doing in the community. I have never worked so hard, but have never been so fulfilled.”
Street Pastors has a presence in towns and cities across the UK, from Aberdeen to Plymouth. Aiming to listen, care and offer help through a physical presence on the streets, mostly during the night, it is made up of teams of local volunteers. Eustace says it is this volunteer commitment that sets Street Pastors apart:

“When we first started, people in the community had seen lots of church events and thought this was just another event. We had to show that we were there for the long haul. Many people assume everyone gets paid, but when they find out that everyone is a volunteer and that many have even paid for their own training, that commitment builds so much credibility.

“I go out and do this because of my faith. To me, knowing Jesus is about being transformed. For many people, you are the first face of Jesus that they meet, so I have to remember that I’m out there representing the Kingdom. If God can do a new thing in me, then no one is beyond transformation.”

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