|PIC1|OM’s newest and largest ministry ship, Logos Hope, is expected to open its doors to hundreds of visitors when it heads to the UK this spring.

The 12,000 ton vessel will start the UK leg of its world tour in Edinburgh on 2 April and, after a brief stay in its home port on the Faroe Islands, will head to Belfast and Cardiff, before winding up in London in June.

Logos Hope replaces the smaller Logos II, which retired in July after more than two decades of bringing the Gospel to the world. Logos II made 350 ports of call in 82 different countries and welcomed 10 million people to its onboard educational facilities and Christian book fair.

The launch of Logos Hope comes at the end of an extensive renovation period which saw a complete refit of the bridge and the installation of an extra deck that will be used for OM's public ministry when it docks at various ports around the world. Most of the ship’s renovation was carried out by volunteers from around the world.

To date, over £20 million has been donated towards launching Logos Hope. OM said a substantial proportion of the funds raised came from churches and individuals in the UK.

Whilst in the UK, Logos Hope will host special events and invite people to its book fair of 6,000 different educational and Christian titles. The ship’s 350 crew members will also be on hand to meet and greet local schools, church groups and families in the international café and visitor experience programme.

"It is amazing how the Lord will use the ship," said Martha Ardila, Project Coordinator for Logos Hope in the UK.

Tour dates:

Edinburgh - 2 to13 April
Belfast - 30 April to Mon 11 May
Cardiff - 28 May to Mon 8 June
London - Thu 11 to Sun 28 June