Most of you probably know that I am on the Logos Hope working in the Deck Department training to be an officer on a ship. The deck department is primarily responsible for helping to maintain the ship and sail it from port to port. I have really enjoyed working in this capacity, but the reason I do this isn’t just so that I can learn how to navigate the ship. The ship is an amazing tool that enables us to share the gospel with lost souls and encourage believers in the ports we visit.
This month I thought I would show you some of the ministries we do on the ship for the communities we are visiting. I also want to tell you a really amazing God story that happened this month through the ministry we do on the ship. So, stick with me to hear that.
We come into a port advertising our “Visitor’s Experience”, which includes the world’s largest floating bookfair, with over 5000 titles of good quality discounted literature, our International Café, and our Journey of Life (a walk-through experience that takes visitors through the story of the prodigal son). We also have a small “theater” area next to the International Café where guests often gather to hear to live worship music being played. The Visitor’s Experience is a draw that gets people to come to the ship, but we do much more onboard than just this. We hold all kinds of events onboard. We have events for business people, men, teenagers, children, and women, as well as training events on different topics. Some of our events are entertainment focused with powerful messages, others are more teaching focused. We hold cultural nights where our crew, from over 60 nations, can showcase some of their culture. We also hold prayer meetings, church services, and worship nights to bring together and unite the local churches. This month, I was able to share at an event for the women of Albania where we shared about their value. We were able to show them love as we had different stations to pamper them. It is amazing to see all that God uses this ship to accomplish in every port.
An Amazing Story of God’s Faithfulness
In addition to what goes on onboard the ship, we send teams of people onshore 6 days a week to do all kinds of ministries in the communities near where we are docked. I had an onshore ministry day this month where we partnered with a local church to do an event for the street cleaners of the city of Durres, Albania. We passed out coffee and treats, did eye screening for reading glasses and gave out free ones if needed, and gave away blankets. But our main goal was to make this group of individuals feel seen and loved. While talking to people with a translator from the church, a woman walked up to us eager to talk. She shared that she had been to the ship a few days prior and was given literature about Jesus. She read it and gave her heart to the Lord. She had been wondering what she was supposed to do next. She wanted to find a good church who lived for God and not just a religious church. She was so excited that a church suddenly showed up where she worked. She really connected with the church staff member who was translating for me and she was so excited to get involved with this church. It was amazing to be there in that moment and see how God continues working in the lives of the people who encounter him through our ministry.
It is stories like these that make pressing into ministry so worth it. Thanks to everyone who supports me in prayer and financial donations. You have a part in all of the ministry we are doing here on Logos Hope.
More About Logos Hope and our Upcoming Ports:
To see more about Logos Hope, where we currently are serving, and a list of upcoming ports go to: https://www.gbaships.org/en/logoshope
October Photo Highlights:
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