Thousands of Christians set to gather on South West Coast Path

CHURCHES across the South West are being invited to take part in a historic event on the South West Coast Path this Saturday (20th May). 

South West Awake will see over 4000+ Christians across the region, from all styles and traditions of churches, join together to create a ring of prayer around the region.

Our historic and much-loved Coast Path will be used for this very special purpose in this sign of unity between churches.

At 630 miles in length, the South West Coast Path forms the longest National Trail in the country. The route, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, is normally used by thousands of people each year for exercise, observing nature, spending time with friends or quiet contemplation. 

This is the third year the event has taken place – last year over around 3000 Christians took part, which was a moment for the church to ‘step outside the home’ and join together with others.

Between 10.30am and 11.00am on Saturday, May 20, the path will become a chain of prayer as Christians from around the region worship and pray for their friends and neighbours; their villages, towns and cities; the various groups, charities, agencies and companies who work in the region; those who suffer from illness and disease, and for local churches across the local communities in which they serve. 

As participants take part in the event, they will be guided in their prayers by a special audio prayer guide, which can be listened to on headphones or from a loudspeaker. 

The event is organised by a variety of different organisations and churches across the region, including Creation Fest, South West Youth Ministries, Diocese of Exeter, Rediscover Church, Hope Baptist Church, and more. Leaders believe that this event will be a significant occasion as Christians can stand together as a united group of people. 

Every Christian across the South West, whatever age of style of worship, is invited to participate and join in during the day.  The idea is to have Christians posted in groups on every mile of the path, worshipping God and praying for our nation. The initiative is not confined to one denomination or group within the faith, but provides a common place for people of all backgrounds to come together as one and pray for our region.

One of the organisers, Pastor Mark Pugh from Rediscover Church in Exeter, said, ‘Churches are involved in communities in so many practical ways – providing love, care and hope through food banks, debt relief counselling, social settings, families provision, youth groups and so much more.

‘Each of these activities is motivated by a conviction that God cares and invites us to be channels of His love into the lives of others. We also believe prayer has a powerful part to play in addressing the needs in our communities – not only physical and emotional but also spiritual needs as well.

‘As thousands of Christians join together at South West Awake we will be praying that our communities will thrive physically, emotionally and spiritually.’

There’s still lots of opportunity for people to participate in the event. Click here to get involved.