Every morning, Trevor Smith stands near a roundabout in Trench Town holding ministry cards with messages he hopes will encourage people to reflect on their faith.
The Jones Town resident is involved in the Peaceful Prayerful Persistent Prayer Protest, which takes religious outreach beyond traditional church spaces and into the wider community. Through the cards, Smith shares messages including “Jesus is our only hope” and “We need Jesus now more than ever.”
Smith said he was encouraged to take his devotion into the streets and share his message with people outside of the church setting.
He said the decision to display the ministry cards came from a desire to reach more people and spread a message he believes is needed in society.
Smith chose Trench Town as the location for outreach because of its connection to previous ministry activities. He explained that an altar had been erected at the location during earlier street ministry efforts, which inspired him to continue sharing his message from that same area.
“When I decided to go, it just made me say, I must be on that altar there,” Smith said.
Smith said his motivation comes from wanting to see positive changes within society. He believes sharing messages of faith can encourage people to seek a better path.
“It’s a desire to see a change in the society,” he said. “Anything that’s possible, godly, it’s worth a good try.”
As a male participating in the prayer protest which is organised by the Tarrant Circuit of Churches/Freedom Come Ministry International (FCMI), Smith wants to show other men that they can also take part in spreading messages of faith.
He said being present in the community has allowed him to connect with people in a way that differs from traditional church settings.
“I find I’m interested in more people when I’m out there than when I’m at church,” Smith said.
He said people passing through the area often recognise him, stop to have conversations, or ask him for prayers.
Smith said the messages placed on the ministry cards were chosen because he believes many people are searching for guidance and hope during challenging times.
He said the words “Jesus is our only hope” and “We need Jesus now more than ever” reflect his belief that faith is necessary in today’s society.
“We can’t do it without God right now, without Jesus right now,” Smith said.
He said he believes the world has changed over time and that people need spiritual support to navigate the challenges they face.
Smith hopes the cards will encourage people to consider faith as a source of strength and a possible solution when other options have failed.
“You try everything and everything fails. You can try Jesus,” he said.
He added that his message is meant to show people there is “another better way” through a relationship with God.
Smith said his experience ministering in the streets has been positive, with many people responding warmly to his presence. Commuters often greet him, wave as they pass, and acknowledge the work he is doing.
His outreach has also extended to encouraging motorists who use the nearby roundabout. Smith said he often reminds drivers to follow traffic rules, and some motorists now acknowledge him when they make an effort to use the roundabout properly.
“I always say, ‘Do the right thing man, don’t buck the roundabout,’” he said.
Smith said these interactions provide additional opportunities to encourage people to make positive decisions in their daily lives.
He believes his involvement in the ministry has also strengthened his own faith and confidence.
Smith is now more comfortable speaking with strangers, encouraging them, and sharing his beliefs with others.
“I know that the best thing for us to do is to try and win souls for the kingdom,” he said.
For Smith, the ministry cards represent more than written messages. They are a way to meet people where they are and share words of encouragement, faith and hope with those who pass by.
