Below is the 2006 “press release” announcing the start of Canal ministries to the rest of the world – enjoy 🙂
New Inland Waterways Ministry
An exciting New Ministry to Britain’s lnlandWaterways, ‘Canal Ministries’ was conceived in October 2005 and came into being when the Trust Deed was signed on January 28th 2006 at Shallowford House in Staffordshire
The canals were originally built in the 18th & 19th centuries to enable cargo and particularly fragile goods such as china and biscuits to be moved from factory to city or port. Today some coal, wood, diesel and gravel are still being transported by barge. There is also talk of using the canal network to move water from north to south of the country in times of drought.
Britain has over 2000 miles of canals, indeed Birmingham has more canals than Venice, and our waterways are increasingly seen as an important leisure facility. They offer peace and tranquillity, and are a valuable source of wild life. There has been a great increase in boat ownership not only for leisure and early retirement but also as a permanent year round home.
With the increase in technology, many boaters work from their boats on the Internet and many move their boats to moorings near their place of work.
Years ago the Salvation Army had a ministry to boats and had boats specially fitted out for services and children’s work. Boaters who welcomed a visit from the ‘Sally Army’ painted 2 red rings on their chimneys.
Today the open air life style of canal living means that boaters are more open to the Gospel than house dwellers who are increasingly suspicious of door to door callers
Peter has been chaplain to the canals for the past 6 years and had worked with Home Evangelism Until the end of September 2005. He has now been joined by 4 other couples who all live on their boats in a new ministry on the inland wateways of Britain.
Their aim is to befriend assist and preach the Gospel to boaters and to those who use our inland waterways, whether fishing, cycling, jogging or walking
Peter has opportunities to befriend and counsel British Waterways employees who have had distressing experiences when sadly, accidents and fatalities occur on the waterways. He has many opportunities to talk with people who have problems and offers prayer and literature. He holds carol services and harvest services, weddings, funerals and the dedication of infants.
All five couples are members of the Boaters Christian Fellowship, which has a membership of over 630 and is probably the largest boat club in Britain. BCF celebrated it’s 10th anniversary last year and the five couples with 11 other boats held a ‘Mission to the Heart of England’, travelling from Nottingham to Stoke on Trent over a period of two weeks in September. The mission visited churches and schools, held coffee mornings, BBQs and children’s meetings and gave literature to the many users of the waterways en route.
Canal Ministries aims to preach the gospel by personal contacts and are also available to take church services, meetings, children’s meetings and school visits. The members of Canal Ministries live and serve on different waterways and are: ‑
Peter and Lin Atwill on the Kennet and Avon canal in the narrow boat ‘Gospel Belle’.
Alan and Geraldine ‐ on the canals in Yorkshire in the narrow boat ‘StillWaters’.
Henry and Lin ‐ on the Grand Union Canal in the narrow boat ‘Trinity’.
John and Barbara ‐ on the River Thames in the narrow boat ‘lchthus’.
David and Carole – on the eastern region canals on the narrow boat ‘Days of Elijah’.
If you would like to pray and support this work and want more details please contact:‑
The Secretary to the Trust at (address withheld – no longer valid)
The Chairman of the Trust at (address withheld – no longer valid)
or visit the website www.canalministries.org