Dale Rhoton, co-founder of Operation Mobilisation, passed away peacefully on 31 May. He was 88 years old.
Together with George Verwer and Walter Borchard, Dale helped lay the foundations of what would become OM nearly seventy years ago. Dale served with the organisation for the rest of his life, including 40 years with OM’s Ship Ministry. Dale’s quieter, strategic perspective complemented George's passion for mobilisation.
Iain Pickett, OM’s International Director, said, "We all know that OM wouldn’t exist without both George Verwer and Dale Rhoton. Their lives were a beautiful example of mutual commitment to God, to each other, to OM and to the Kingdom.”
Serving port communities around the world
In 1971, Dale and Elaine, together with their family, moved on board OM’s ship Logos, where Dale served as director for two years. In 1978, they began their service on board Doulos.
The family then moved to the Ship Ministry’s newly established head office in Mosbach, Germany, with Dale serving as associate director from 1981 to 1984, before being appointed managing director in 1984 and later general director of the Ship Ministry until 1999. Over these 15 years, Dale was instrumental in the establishing of the headquarters office, the development of its functions and the consolidation of the ministry.
Loss of Logos opens new opportunities
During this time, the original vessel Logos ran aground in stormy weather off the coast of Tierra del Fuego between Argentina and Chile. The ship was lost, but everyone on board was rescued by the Chilian Navy.
“When Logos was shipwrecked in early 1988, with the loss of three-quarters of a million pounds’ worth of cargo and ship (uninsured), Dale Rhoton wrote that the valuables were safe – the 141 people on board were the valuables," recalls Mark Dimond, then personnel manager. “Dale wrote to supporters: ‘Logos is people, it is only a tool that has been lost, not a ministry.'”
The call from churches around the world to replace Logos was strong, and by 1989 another vessel had been purchased and renamed Logos II. Dale oversaw this process and the launch into ministry in 1990, with the ship one of the first international vessels to visit ports in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Investing in lasting partnerships
In 1999, Dale and Elaine relocated to San Diego, California, where he formed a team focussed on developing partners and resources for the ministry, a role Dale continued in even after moving to the Shell Point Retirement Community in Florida in 2021.
Reflecting on Dale’s life, present CEO of the Ship Ministry, Seelan Govender said: “Rarely does one in my generation get the privilege to learn and serve alongside people that we have considered giants of the faith. I had heard and read about this remarkable giant of our faith long before I met him in person. Dale always epitomised someone full of humility and grace. This has been my experience of learning from him and serving alongside him. He was a man committed to prayer and deeply in love with His Lord.
“The Ship Ministry is deeply indebted to Dale and Elaine and in many ways continues to see its impact today because of the strong leadership and discipleship foundation laid by them. Dale believed in people and always saw the greater potential of a life fully surrendered to God and the impact and transformation that life could make in God’s world. Dale continues to remain a giant of the faith for me and his legacy burns brightly in my own heart.”
Ongoing ministry impact through the vision of our founders
For OM and the Ship Ministry, Dale’s passing signifies the end of the founders era, but their ongoing legacy can be seen in the life-changing interactions that take place on board Logos Hope and Doulos Hope through every port visit, in the hearts of those who have served on board, and those serving today.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go to Elaine and the whole family at the time.
Join us in giving heartfelt gratitude and thanksgiving to God for Dale’s life and contribution to the kingdom.
Share On Your Socials
Ships :: An insight into how a family has found God faithful when they left their jobs and home to serve on board Logos Hope.
Ships :: A crewmember shares his life story of finding purpose and his business plans for when he leaves the ship.
At Sea :: One crewmember has grown in her love and care for others, despite the disappointment of the last year.
OM Ships :: Read one crewmember's journey to serve God, and how He has prepared her for future ministry through the pandemic.
OM Ships :: Jareht hated his father, who’d walked out on five sons when Jareht was just four years old. By the age of 16, Jareht was close to ending his life. But God showed him what a true Father He is. Now, Jareht is serving on board OM’s ship, sharing God’s transforming love with others.
OM Ships :: The onshore literature ministry's sponsorship scheme to help struggling ministries in other parts of the world through the pandemic.
OM Ships :: A look at how one former crewmember is using what he learnt on board in a new initiative in his home country.
Portonovi, Montenegro :: A summary of different programmes undertaken by Logos Hope crewmembers in Montenegro.
Logos Hope :: Abigail (Zimbabwe) shares her personal story of how she came to serve on board Logos Hope.
Logos Hope :: Lucas (Brazil/Spain) shares his personal story about his journey to join and serve on board.
Las Palmas, Canary Islands :: With work on the hull completed, Logos Hope goes back into the water while maintenance work on board continues.
Las Palmas, Canary Islands :: Teams sent out across the Canary Islands are involved in a wide variety of opportunities to serve.
Las Palmas, Canary Islands :: Logos Hope goes into the period of annual maintenance while teams spread around the islands and beyond to serve communities.
Las Palmas, Canary Islands :: The annual maintenance work comes to an end with the inspections completed successfully and the shore-based teams back on board.
