Another period of Change

Hello friends and family!!
I apologize that it has been a very long time since I have last written!

I will begin with the two weeks which begun October 13th lasting through the 27th. This was a unique time because it was time spent off the ship. I was placed what is called an A-team (A for Action). In a team with 7 others (girls), we did ministry in Singapore at a Christian outreach center for the Handicapped as well as a local Singaporean church. We stayed with a host family for the two weeks time and were blessed with the much of the local food daily.

Our time with the handicapped was interesting for me because I have never had very much exposure to adults with extreme mental or physical disabilities. The first day or two we spend with these people was challenging because we unsure of how to interact with each of them. It was hard not knowing what they were capable of and what they weren’t. Although, as the days went on I began to really enjoy every minute we had with these people. To see each of there specific and unique personalities was so special. It brought me so much joy to build friendships with them, to learn what they like and dislike, what makes them smile, what makes them laugh, etc. I believe God gave me strength and patience during this time that made this experience at COH so unexpectedly enjoyable.

From Oct. 30th to Nov. 21st I left the ship again for a second A-team in Klang Malaysia. On this A-team we did a number of different ministries including several programs in the church, the local boys and girls brigade, and teaching at a school reaching out to Myanmar refugee children. Spending time with the Myanmar kids has been one of my highlights so far. We were told that most of them are muslims but we were allowed to share openly whatever we wanted to. This was an amazing experiencing for me sharing the hope of Christ with these Children! I think it surprised me that they were so open to hearing about Jesus. They were enthusiastically singing Christian songs and writing out the lyrics in their notebooks. What shocked me even more was that some of the Muslim teachers were singing along to the Christian songs as well. Jesus was so faithful to us during our time in Klang and just like the bible says in Ephesians 3:20, he did immeasurably more than we could have asked or imagined. Although there were many challenges on this team, God provided for us, gave us the strength and motivation we needed each day, protected us, used us as his vessels and taught us so much.

The duration of the 6 weeks I was away on my A-teams, the ship was in a dry-dock in Singapore. It was undergoing it’s yearly repairs (because the ship is 95 years old). During the course of the dry dock period, many inspections were being made to insure that the ship was able to sail. The night before we left to come back to the ship our team leader got a call from a friend who was on the ship. Her friend informed us that the conditions on the ship were worst than expected and not suitable for sailing. Then she told us the ship only had one month of ministry left. This was a shock to us and to the people on board the Doulos. No one thought the ship would end so soon. This raised much confusion and unanswered questions about the future.

It’s been a few weeks now since hearing the news and people here have been going through many challenges with figuring out how to trust God in this situation and figuring out where he wants them to go next. The same is true for myself. It hasn’t been easy coming to terms with reality that I have to leave the ship again after being here only a short time. I was so used to the thought of having many more months doing ministry and being with the people here on board. I was looking forward to growing deeper with the new friendships and relationships I have made. I felt like a tree hugger, the Doulos being my tree. All I wanted was to cling to this place never let go. God had something different planned. I desire to trust God with my future which means letting go of all of MY desires and allowing him to take control. After much time spent wrestling with God about these thoughts and feelings I began to feel excited about what is coming next. God began softening my heart and allowing me to be open to look at new places to serve. I am excited to let you know in a few weeks time I will be traveling to the Logos Hope (the sister ship to the Doulos) to serve onboard there! When I arrive the ship will be in Jamaica.
Also, I have been praying a lot about another exciting decision which is to extend my time for an additional year. I will be on board the Logos Hope for a year and a half. The Lord has given me a reassuring peace about this decision and I know he is using this time to teach me many things!

Prayer Points:

For the adjustment as I go from the Doulos to the Logos Hope.

A passionate desire to draw near to God in this period of waiting.

Praise:

For the time I have be given here on this ship and the great community and friends God has blessed me with.

That God has provided a new place for me to serve him!

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