MV Doulos visits Alotau

On a tranquil morning with the sun still low in the sky, she arrives. Kwadima, the Morning Star, guides her into the quay. Cutting through the glass she eases into her mooring to a waiting throng eager to embrace her.

The synchronization of human voices lifts up a song of celebration in the midst of the colorful array of flowers, fabrics, and flags representing numerous nations.

The beat of a drum signifies the pulsing heartbeat of the greeting as the children perform a traditional dance of welcome.

The smile on this young face conveys a common feeling of anticipation

These guys took their role in welcoming Doulos very seriously!

This little guy just wanted to dismantle all the decorations before the formal welcoming ceremony

Doulos--the Greek word meaning servant. Her name brings to mind pictures of a daughter changing the bed-sheets of her aged father, a tired wrinkled woman caring for the open wounds of a leprous man, a humble man washing the dusty, dirty feet of another. She carries within, the heart of many, but one in purpose. They’ve come to serve the community of Alotau. They are here to offer hope of a changed life, comfort for the hurting, and relief for the weary. Doulos is the name of a ship used by Operation Mobilization, a multifaceted mission organization. The ship is known as a floating bookstore but offers so much more. The itinerary included hospital visits, school visits, village visits, sports events, dramas, concerts, women’s meetings, men’s meetings, educators conferences and youth programs. Believe it or not, they packed these all into 5 days!

Alotau's Organizing Committee

During the weeks preceding her arrival, Tim had the privilege of serving on a committee made up of individuals from other churches and mission organizations. Their job was to facilitate the preparation of Alotau for the arrival of this 94 year old vessel. Preparation included planning events, scheduling activities, setting up facilities, cleaning public areas, and informing people of the events to take place. On top of his already full schedule, you can imagine how busy Tim was!

The kids helped clean up the large sports field which was the venue for several community outreach programs including a showing of the Jesus video and a multi-church unity service on Easter evening.

While Doulos was in port we were invited to live aboard this vessel. The 351 individuals who reside on this ship full-time made us feel most welcome as we enjoyed experiencing a taste of life on board as well as hearing many of their ministry stories. Each member of OM is asked to make a 2 year commitment, but a number of them have been serving longer.

Our time onboard was a treat as we got to meet many folks from all over the world, but we felt most welcome there as our new friends Miki (Japan), Felipe (Brazil), and Roopa (Trinidad) welcomed us to their "home."

These three comprised the pre-visit "Line-up" team and had spent over a month in Alotau ensuring that all logistical arrangements for the ship's visit were covered. They were super with the kids!

Our small cabin gave us a good taste of the sacrifice the families make to serve aboard the Doulos. Our kids were thrilled to stay on this ship. I think they explored every nook and cranny of this giant craft. Austin’s favorite place to explore was the engine room of this classic ship built in 1914. He got the “behind the scenes tour” 5 times!

In the Engine Room

Kylah enjoyed playing with some girls from Australia, South Korea, and Germany. Girls are girls the world over and they had fun making friendship bracelets.

Lucas cried when we had to leave saying, “I want to live here! I don’t want to go to our other home!”

Lucas has the Easter groove as he dances on the spare prop.

Weston loved the freedom to run the halls of this ship but usually didn’t appreciate the limits to those freedoms at mealtimes.

Weston working on a note - probably complaining to the management about the restrictions!

It was a blessing to share in the Easter events on board which included a Good Friday service, an Easter Sunrise service, a delicious Easter Brunch, a Family Celebration Service and an Easter Egg Hunt! 900 chocolate Easter eggs were hidden on board.

We thought we’d have better success than the 5 we found but with 350+ people involved in the hunt, we were glad for a taste.

Much to the surprise of our kids, the Easter Bunny did find us onboard the Doulos. How does he do that??

Thankth Eathter Bunny!

Our family received special treatment and we were privileged to pass the hospitality on to as many as we could. It was great to bring the captain and crew of the Kwadima II onboard to show them around. The guys asked if Doulos could become Kwadima III when she retires from service with OM in a couple years!

The crew from Kwadima II enjoyed several special tours of the engine room and bridge.

Although the scale of the ship impressed them, I think they were most taken with the courtesy lunch in the dining room!

Our crew with Captain Ashley McDonald of the Doulos

Please pray for the people of Alotau. Pray for the new believers as well as the growing saints. Pray for those who are still searching. Pray for us as we continue to reach out to this community. Pray specifically for these individuals:

Weston, Aries, Christian, Anita, Stacie

• Anita and Aries (Pray that this engaged couple will develop a relationship with the Lord.)


• Christian (Pray for her to grow in her understanding and walk with the Lord.)


• Tobie and Deborah (A deeply hurting married couple who need Christ in their lives.)


• Carol (She is a believer and has started a Bible Study in her front yard.)


• Jemimah (She is a strong believer and is looking for a mate who shares her beliefs.)


• Branchley (She is struggling with the rebellion of her 10 year old son, Napolean and is also due to have her 4th child any day. She is discouraged with Napolean’s behavior and really doesn’t want another son. Pray for wisdom as a mom, safety in childbirth, and pray she will see the blessing in whatever child God gives her.)


• The churches of Alotau as they pick up where the Doulos left off in ministering and discipling.
  

Bidding Farewell


Thank you for serving with us on your knees.