WMP Container Ministry
Rev Andrew Gibson (left) and the Container Ministry volunteer team in the warehouse.
This week we had the pleasure of spending time with the Container Ministry in Lurgan, a place where God’s provision for His people is clear to see.
Situated beside Lurgan High Street Methodist Church, the Container Ministry has sent over 200 containers and shipments worldwide over the last 30 years, in support of Christian mission. William Carson and his team of skilled volunteers work diligently to gather, repair and safety check items specifically requested by partner churches, before they are sent out across the world to support the needs of churches, schools and medical facilities.
The team are currently preparing items for two 20ft shipping containers heading to Sierra Leone, including a 1960s tractor for agricultural use, a scooter to help church staff navigate travel in the city and nursery school toys and equipment.
William has endless stories of God’s provision for the Container Ministry, some of which he shared with us - there are too many to recount in one visit! The continued evidence of God meeting the specific needs of this ministry has emboldened and enlivened the faith of those serving alongside William. To serve in this mission you need faith, and through this mission faith grows abundantly!
We had a tour of the facilities and were able to see the huge variety of goods that come through the door of the Container Ministry: from hand-knitted pencil cases, to computer systems, pipes for plumbing, medical supplies and bicycles. The Container Ministry receives generous donations from individuals, ministers, churches and local businesses - all playing their part in God’s mission to transform the world. God has created connections and pathways for every item on the team’s container checklist to be ticked off.
When we read 1 John 3:17, “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?”, it is clear that God’s love abides in everyone who plays a part at the Container Ministry. When people put their whole heart into serving God, it makes all the difference.
Please continue to pray for the Container Ministry:
For energy and continued enthusiasm for William and the volunteers as they work hard every week to process goods and load up the containers
For those who give their time, money or goods to the ministry - we thank you for their generosity and willingness to give of themselves
For those receiving the items from the containers in other countries - we think of the children who will receive a pencil case or school uniform to aid their education, the church staff able to reach more people in their community, the hospitals able to treat the sick and the lives transformed through this simple but powerful act of sharing and giving
World Mission Partnership supports the Container Ministry with a grant each year, but rising costs mean that extra help is always welcome. If you would like to support the Container Ministry financially you can find the details on our website.
