Police are asking Christians to pray — and the crime rate is dropping at a housing complex in Nottingham, England. Organizers of the Prayerwatch outreach in the Arnold housing complex have reported a 10 percent drop in crime over two years, against national trends, according to Ecumenical News International. The outreach has proved so popular that a second complex is being included. "Police who aren't even Christian are keen to pass on requests for help through prayer," said John Robinson, a Nottingham City Council official and evangelical Christian.
…Prayerwatch was started by police officer Alan Stuart and gained widespread support among churches. Police ask for prayers for specific incidents, but withhold the names of those involved. Christians have prayed for incidents of theft, vandalism, and taunting of old people, said Stephen Hackney, pastor of Clifton Church Fellowship, part of the Assemblies of God.
…Prayer requests are dealt with in the regular services and by individuals at home. Social action also plays a part, because Prayerwatch has made Christians more aware of problems in their community and "more hands-on" in solving them, Robinson said.
…"We believe in the process and the importance of prayer," Robinson said. "Some of those outside may have their doubts, of course, but they're inclined to say: 'Well it can't do any harm.' So everybody's got to be a winner."