Skip to content

ASSIST NEWS

Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times

Primary Menu
  • Dan Wooding, Founder
  • Our Writers
  • Story Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Log In
Live
  • Home
  • ANS Feature
  • OM’s Ship Ministry Celebrates 50 years at sea
  • ANS Feature

OM’s Ship Ministry Celebrates 50 years at sea

Jeff Thompson February 18, 2021 3 min read
OM launches 50th anniversary appeal.

Mosbach, Germany (ANS) – The pioneering vessel, Logos, and her volunteer crew left a shipyard in Rotterdam on 18 February 1971. They were bound for London, where the refitted ship was shown to supporters of the venture and loaded with literature for her maiden voyage to India.

In the five decades since, the ministry’s four vessels have covered enough nautical miles to circumnavigate the globe five times; with crew having welcomed almost 49 million people up the gangways and reached out to perhaps as many more again on shore. Logos, Doulos, Logos II and Logos Hope have shared knowledge, help and hope in 150 countries; distributed hundreds of tonnes of books and aid supplies; supported communities after natural disasters and come alongside those who are marginalised in society.

The ships’ volunteers – mostly young people from upwards of 60 different nations – have inspired thousands more to step out in service, grown in their own personal faith and received training for their future through their experiences on board.

Operation Mobilisation’s founder, George Verwer, says that when he first floated the idea of buying a ship to give the ministry global reach, people thought he had ‘lost his marbles.’

Fifty years on, he reflects: “We rejoice over all God has done through our four vessels. At least 100 million people worldwide have come into contact with the gospel in some way. We know thousands have professed faith, but only heaven will tell the full story. We remain so thankful to God for our countless behind-the-scenes workers, prayer partners and supporters.”

The anniversary is being marked with a series of events. Prayer partners, donors, former crew members and ministry leaders will get together virtually to share their memories and look ahead to future plans.

They will also connect with the current ship’s crew to hear how, despite the challenges of coronavirus, Logos Hope is still on mission in the Caribbean; having just welcomed a new intake of volunteers from around the world. They remain passionate about continuing the Ship Ministry’s legacy, finding creative ways to engage with communities and being Jesus’ hands and feet wherever there is need.

Seelan Govender, OM Ships’ CEO, says: “We look back at 50 years of Ship Ministry impact on the world and are incredibly humbled and honoured to be used by God. The message of the gospel is one of transformation, and millions have experienced its power in their life and community through their encounter with one of our ships. This message continues to drive us forward as we consider that millions more need to experience God’s love.”

Jeff Thompson

In 1978 at the age of 21, Jeff moved to Vienna, Austria to smuggle bibles behind the Iron Curtain. His book, “Leaving The American Sector” available from www.mercyprojects.org chronicles many stories from that time period. He leads Mercy Projects in Murrieta, CA assisting vulnerable children and families in Ukraine, Kosovo, and Armenia. He enjoys espresso from around the world, and this gives him the energy to tell his grandchildren stories of being banned from Russia twice in his lifetime. Dan Wooding and Jeff have known each other for many years.

See author's posts

Continue Reading

Previous: A Tract for Troubled Times
Next: 302 Ethiopian new immigrants arrive to Israel

Related Stories

‘Jesus Revolution’ movie: ’60s turmoil, radical responses
4 min read
  • ANS Feature
  • ANS Reports
  • Culture
  • Inspirational

‘Jesus Revolution’ movie: ’60s turmoil, radical responses

February 18, 2023
Remembering Dr. Russell P. Spittler
4 min read
  • ANS Feature

Remembering Dr. Russell P. Spittler

February 13, 2023
There’s Hope for the Brokenhearted brokenhearted
3 min read
  • ANS Feature
  • Inspirational

There’s Hope for the Brokenhearted

February 10, 2023

You may have missed

3 min read
  • Persecution

March 17, 2023
She remembers life before communists took over
9 min read
  • Persecution

She remembers life before communists took over

March 7, 2023
Evangelists in Laos Brave Persecution
2 min read
  • Persecution

Evangelists in Laos Brave Persecution

March 1, 2023
‘Jesus Revolution’ movie: ’60s turmoil, radical responses
4 min read
  • ANS Feature
  • ANS Reports
  • Culture
  • Inspirational

‘Jesus Revolution’ movie: ’60s turmoil, radical responses

February 18, 2023

Get ASSIST Updates

Support Assist News
  • Dan Wooding, Founder
  • Our Writers
  • Story Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Log In
Copyright © All rights reserved. | MoreNews by AF themes.

logo

Get Updates in Your Inbox