January 15, 2004, Ron and Joyce, Prestatyn

Ahoy there! Doulos

Image Caption: MV Logoscomma sister ship of the MV Doulos

MV Logoscomma sister ship of the MV Doulos

Submitted

It just happened that whilst we were visiting Malta in June that the M.V.Doulos was in port. This was exciting for a number of reasons: 1. We had never had the opportunity of visiting the ship previously. 2. Some of the crew had been students at the O.M. Language School in Rhyl. 3. We had been asked to carry greetings from the O.M. Team in Rhyl to their colleagues. Our hosts in Malta, Henry and Mary Anne Grima, had given hospitality to the mother and sister of Sian Davies from Wrexham, one of the crew. They were making visits to the ship to encourage Sian and her friends, so getting to the ship was no problem. (Sian is the granddaughter of our friend Arthur and is related to Grace) We were greeted by a lovely Indian young man, from Calcutta, named Daniel, who gave us a guided tour of the ship. Starting from the Bridge (The control room) he showed us everything except the engine room. The single members of the crew share small cabins, some have toilet and shower facilities. There are also larger family cabins and there were a number of families on board. (Sian’s duties include teaching and caring for the children) As a result of this visit we are more aware of the problems and difficulties experienced by the O.M. Ship’s ministry whilst they are arranging their visits to the various ports around the world. They are normally welcomed by the churches and opportunities given for witness and encouragement in the local churches but the legalities and licensing of the Book Sales is in the political realm and they are not always obliging. The atmosphere on board is pleasant and the morale of the crew appeared high but this too is another area where prayer is essential.