MV DOULOS - A Ship on a Mission is coming to the UK

The MV DOULOS- a ship ministry devoted to social service and evangelism will arrive at Londonderry, Northern Ireland on 19 May.

The MV DOULOS serves different nations and people with Christian-based core values, a definite love to God, a respect to others as a unique presence, and a wish to unite with people to serve the world. It visits port cities throughout the world, supplying vital literature resources, encouraging inter-cultural understanding, training young people for more effective life and service, promoting greater global awareness, providing practical aid and sharing a message of hope in God wherever there is opportunity.

MV DOULOS carries a stock of half a million books. Titles cover a wide range of subjects; in particular there are books on faith in God and living life in God’s service. The books have been carefully chosen so that there are books of interest to every member of the family. Books are also provided that are written in other languages other than English. Literature explaining more about the need for a right relationship with God is made available for visitors to take in countries where this is appropriate.

MV DOULOS also has a great contribution on youth training. The training programme usually lasts for 2 years, but a 2 weeks-3 months short-term option is also available. The young people on board combine a full working week in their assigned work department with other training programme elements such as devotional studies, group discussions, prayer, leadership development and learning new skills. Both practical and theoretical approaches are emphasised. Some participants even work toward recognised qualifications in engineering or seamanship.

MV DOULOS’s last stop was Dublin in Ireland where it stayed for 11 days. Large crowds holding the banner “God is Love” cheered loudly on the quayside as it arrived at the port. This time, as the ship arrives at Londonderry, people are welcome to visit the ship within the opening hours by paying a small entrance fee to learn about the organisation or purchase books. MV DOULOS will depart for the next port, Leith, Scotland on 1st June where it will stay for 19 days before leaving the UK.

The MV DOULOS was purchased in 1977 by Gute Bücher für Alle e.V. (Good Books for All), a private, non-profit, charitable organisation registered in Germany. Up til now, over 15 million visitors have been welcomed on board for tours, programmes and visits to the floating bookshop. With stops in over 400 ports of call, this unique ship has visited 88 countries, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and many island nations.