Ian (Philippines) encountered crewmembers of OM’s previous ship Doulos at his church when he was just ten years old. “I saw them there from different cultures and it gave me a desire that one day I want to join a ship, which currently is Logos Hope.”
Having experienced God’s love for himself and seeing how others shared it around the world, Ian wanted to do this too. “It was God’s love that moved me to love others. It carried me through different obstacles and seasons of life and I know it will carry others too. People need to have the chance to understand and even to experience what hope is – that there's so much more in life than just living or just earning or just surviving.”
However, Ian had a misconception about what it takes to join the Ship Ministry. “I thought for me to come on board Logos Hope I needed to be a seafarer. That's why I studied marine engineering. But when I arrived here, I realised that you can come as you are regardless of your educational background.” Ian now knows that people can serve with the Ship Ministry in a variety of ways, from professional roles to school leavers, learning their first full-time jobs.
After 16 years of waiting and preparation, Ian stepped on board Logos Hope to serve as an engine cadet. “When I finally realised that I was coming on board the ship, I felt a mixed emotion of joy and excitement. As an engine cadet, my role on board is to train to become an engineer in the future. So, we learn to take on the engineers’ responsibilities.”
Through his Logos Hope experience, Ian feels he has developed a greater sense of what it looks like when different people serve God with the same goal. “When I joined the ship, experienced different cultures, how differently we pray and praise God and express our faith, it opened my mind. God has different faces. He's so diverse and unique and I have seen that here on Logos Hope. We all work for one vision. Even those of us working in the engine room; we're part of the bigger picture.”
Ian can feel a change within as a result of his time serving on board. “I wanted to know more about people and to know more about God, to get closer to Him and to experience Him more. Wherever I go, I know that God will lead me to the right people to reach out to and share the hope and love that I experienced.”
For anyone wanting to serve God and others, Ian would recommend trying the Ship Ministry. “I pray that many more people would dare to go and step out of their comfort zone. Don't doubt, don't limit God, don't be afraid. Come and join the Ship Ministry!”
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.
Logos Hope :: Captain Dirk Colenbrander (Netherlands) shares his personal story about his goal to join an OM Ship and share God's heart for others.
Logos Hope :: Moises (Panama) shares his personal story of his journey on board Logos Hope.
Logos Hope :: Do you struggle with seasickness? Our top tips for avoiding seasickness will ensure a smooth and happy voyage.
Ships :: You're ready to join OM's Ship Ministry, but you have no idea what to pack! This article contains recommendations from current crewmembers to help you stress less about packing your bags.
Logos Hope :: Join OM's Ship Ministry and see the difference it makes in YOUR life.
Logos Hope :: Wawa (Botswana) shares his personal story about his time on board Logos Hope.
“I believe that all cultures are created by God,” Seelan shared, explaining how he still carries with him values he learnt growing up.
Logos Hope :: Katie (USA) shares her story of her time on board Logos Hope.
