Workplace
Workplace
“God proves His love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Rom. 5 v 8
Since our very beginning, ECM has had missionaries working with and ministering to employees in the workplace. Originally this was with horse drawn taxi cab drivers and dockworkers. Today we are still taking God’s word to people working in the city transport and the docks.
ECM’s workplace outreach is centered in 3 major companies:
Lothian Buses – 4 depots in Edinburgh.
Royal Mail – Mail Centre and all sorting offices in Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders.
Forth Ports – Leith, Granton and Rosyth.
The workplace is where many of life’s critical issues come together. The ECM missionary acting as Chaplain (or Padre as he is commonly known by all), offers a listening ear and support in times of need, sickness, stress and family breakdown. In such challenging situations, those in need are encouraged people to “seek the Lord while He may be found, to call upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55 v 6). Sadly, this advice is often rejected, although they are happy to accept practical help. However, they are often shocked, surprised and happy to have their “circumstances” prayed over by the missionary and his wider prayer support network.
The chaplain is seen as a trusted friend who will work with absolute discretion. He is therefore able to work within all levels of the company with management, trade unions and employees of all religious faiths and none. The message is the same regardless, that we have God’s promise “salvation is from the Lord; He is their strength”. (Psalm 37 v39)
There are many other different occasions to preach God’s word to a wider “congregation” in being regularly asked to officiate in weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other celebrations for employees and their families. Some poignant occasions are for renewal of vows and Remembrance Day for Royal Mail at their Edinburgh headquarters and other remembrance services.
Distribution of bibles and Christian literature also takes place on an international level in visits to and talks with seafarers of all nationalities from merchant ships visiting the ports. Such visits include NATO warships making courtesy visits to Edinburgh. This is to carry out the Lord’s command to His disciples “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt.28 v19).
Finally, it is always a great joy to share Christian fellowship with believers in the workplace, to support and encourage them in their Christian witness to fellow employees. To them, the “God fearers” and non-believers we preach the constant message Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14 v6)
Our Workplace Prayer;
That all will come to know: “This is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You sent (John17 v3)
To learn more about our Workplace ministry please contact John on:0131 553 0186 or johnhopper@ecm.org.uk
Link to Christians at work Link to Christians in Communications
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