About us

It is the mission of Ark Angel to spread the good news of Jesus, both by providing Christian literature and being able to talk, listen and pray with people.

We celebrate over 35 years of mission in the town of Bude. We have a wealth of experience in sourcing just the right book or resource to equip you in your personal walk with Christ or in ministry. If we do not have an item in stock, we are happy to order it for you.

How we began

It all started when Rev Dennis Burton MA became the Minister at Flexbury Park Methodist Church in Bude, along with his wife, Sally. Soon after their arrival, prayers began about Christian literature in the Town. Two other couples also felt that God wanted a Christian bookshop in Bude. Dennis had a vision from God that showed him a 70-foot narrow boat, in need of repair and refit, which would provide an ideal place for a Christian bookshop on the Bude Canal. Later the vision was shared on a larger scale, and when a visiting American choir sang at Flexbury half the proceeds were donated to ‘The Book Boat’, as it came to be known.

A series of providences eventually led us to Birmingham where we found the very boat in the very place the vision had shown. On October 8th 1985, while the rain poured down, Mountbatten Venturer arrived on the wharfside at Bude Canal, where a large crowd had gathered to see her lowered into the water by the waiting crane. The name, Ark Angel, was given to us by Dennis Burton’s 11-year-old son, Matthew, who said that the Ark was sent to save people from the floods and an Angel was a messenger from God. During the autumn and following spring she was fitted out as a bookshop and Christian centre which opened in brilliant sunshine on May 26th 1986. From then on Dennis continued to pray as he saw God moving in a very special way. He was called home to the Lord on April 29th 2001 but our work at the Ark Angel continues daily. He was a man of God who followed the vision, which became a reality.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path”

Psalms 119 v105

We traded on the boat for nine years until, on May 27th 1995, we opened our present shop in Lansdown Mews. It was a difficult decision to leave our much-loved narrow boat but we felt that God was telling us to move on into larger and more central premises.

All through the years we have been blessed with wonderful managers and a host of willing volunteers from the local churches who give up half a day each week to serve and support. Our current manager is Sarah Riviere. Now celebrating over 35 years of our mission in Bude, we continue to look to God for His vision for the future, as well as enjoying our day-to-day service to our customers and to our Lord.

We are a non-profit-making organisation, which means that all the money raised from sales goes into replenishing and improving our selection of stock, along with meeting our overheads and supporting local Christian initiatives. We are also supported financially by regular giving from individuals and churches, without whom we wouldn’t continue to be a Christian presence on the High Street. Through faith in God’s promises, we have followed His path and are pleased to be able to serve you today. We value your prayers, donations and your support as a customer.