We are honoured that many partners have been with the Ship Ministry for decades! They have seen God answer prayer, grow their own faith and deepen their heart for mission as they enable His work to take place around the world. A few have shared what the connection has meant to them.

The church 

“Mission is part of our DNA,” says Wayne Sutton, who’s been the pastor of Carrubbers Church, Edinburgh for 30 years. What started as an evangelistic mission outreach in the mid-1800s has grown into a church community with a focus on Bible teaching and discipleship. “Throughout this journey, we’ve remained passionate about sharing God’s love at both a grass-roots local level, and globally.”

The focus on discipleship among a predominantly young congregation has seen the emergence of individuals who are passionate to serve Jesus in Edinburgh and beyond, including on OM’s ships. “We’ve supported the Ship Ministry by sending people and donating – and we’ve also benefitted significantly from this relationship,” enthuses Wayne.

“We’re not out there, but you are,” he continues, “And this partnership lifts our eyes. We are stimulated to be global-minded rather than inward-looking and we’re constantly reminded that there is a big world out there that needs Christ. Now Edinburgh is becoming very ethnically diverse and there are things we can learn from OM that help us communicate the Gospel in our cross-cultural environment right here.”

Individuals

In Lisburn, County Antrim, Ruth Kirk and her late husband Tom held an OM prayer group in their home for more than 20 years. She can recall her first exposure to the Ship Ministry.

“We went to volunteer on Logos in Dublin in 1976, with a team from Northern Ireland. Later, when the ships came to Belfast, we attended conferences on board. I was so impressed by the whole organisation of it all,” she reflects.

Ruth and Tom opened their home monthly from the mid-eighties. People prayed through newsletters from crew and a diary that listed ministry needs, from appeals for funds and skilled workers to permissions to enter countries. Returning crewmembers would visit to recount their experiences – including the Logos shipwreck – and the Kirks hosted international crew lining-up port visits.

They all seemed to learn so much. Tom and I felt there was a bond between OM-ers,” says Ruth. “We really valued being involved and I always encourage people to support mission, because the needs are great around the world.”

Partnership in the Gospel is very much a two-way blessing and we praise God for all who have stood alongside the Ship Ministry, the world over, in the last five decades. If you or your church would like information about connecting with us as we serve God for greater things still to come, visit the link below.

Find out more about partnering with us