A special service of Celebration & Thanksgiving to mark ten years of the Ballymena Gospel Bus Ministry took place recently. This memorable event took place on New Year’s night at the ministry’s headquarters, ‘The Portable Tabernacle’, which is just beside the Seven Towers Roundabout.
Richard Bell, who co-founded the Gospel Bus with his wife Joyce in January 2006, delivered an address in which he gave glory to God for all that He has done by leading, guiding and providing for the ministry over the past decade.
Spoken reports, detailing the history of the Gospel Bus Ministry from its genesis to the present day were given by Joyce Bell, Fiona Bannister and Chris Bailie to the congregation of approx. 50 people.
Gifted vocalist, Cherith Bell ministered to the congregation in song using the words of ‘You Are My All In All’ and ‘Lord, I Need You.’
The Ballymena Gospel Bus Ministry takes God’s Word to people in the town and further afield.
Since it began in Ballymena, the Gospel Bus has taken God’s Word to countless people in our own town and beyond. A genuinely multi-purpose facility, this bright yellow double decker now provides a warm bed for homeless people during the team’s frequent outreach nights in Belfast.
Dozens of children are reached for the Lord during the ministry’s annual World Cup week in summer. This supplements the more regular children’s meetings that are held by the team on estates including Ballykeel, Drumtara and the Doury Road.
Older young people regularly connect with each other at The Potter’s House on Saturday nights. Joyce and Cherith Bell and Kathryn Bailie also exercise their unique gift for ladies ministry at the regular Thursday evening gatherings.
The Gospel Bus team believe that all that has happened so far is just the beginning. As he reflected on what was a truly memorable evening of celebration, Richard said: “It was a night when the presence of God really came and visited us and where He was given all the glory for His faithfulness to us over the last ten years.” You can read more about the work of the Gospel Bus here.
If you would like to personally hear more about the work of the Ballymena Gospel Bus Ministry, Richard would be delighted to visit your church – he can be contacted by telephoning 07753 240113.
You can also check out their Facebook page here or their blog here.