Update

Tonight we ate at an Indian restaurant with Friends, David and Matilda Armstrong. We walked into India, Africa, the Caribbean and Korea - all on one street of London. Pray for the cities of Europe that communities will be transformed by Truth.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our November Prayer Diary:

"Continue to pray for the Logos Hope and the voyage to Kiel. Pray for financial breakthroughs for the outfit phase in Kiel. Praise God for his faithful provision"

You can check the progress of the voyage at the following link:

http://logoshope.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=324

Update

The Logos Hope sailed this morning. Thank you for praying.

Logos Hope has begun the 16 day voyage to Kiel, Germany. The vessel left the shipyard quayside in Trogir letting go the last line at 11:58. Logos Hope then sailed around to wait off Split for final clearances. The pilot left the ship at 13:30 and the customs and immigrations requirements were quickly completed. At about 15:00, the ship got underway leaving Split and Trogir in her wake as she passed through local islands on her way to the open ocean. The ship will first sail to Malta to take on fuel before continuing to Kiel.

Check the Website

Friends,

Today the Logos Hope is preparing to sail. Check the webcam at:

http://www.omships.org/webcam/

This mroning we attend the prayer meeting at the South East London Fellowship

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our November Prayer Calendar:

Pray for a deep work of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives as we depend on His gracious and merciful hand to guide us through seasons of uncertainty. We find strength in the joy of the Lord.

The Logos Hope is due to go to anchor tomorrow morning off Split. The immersion suits arrive today. The certificate for sailing will be received tomorrow. The Port State inspection will be done at anchor. Our ETD is now tomorrow afternoon if this all comes together.

We sense that God's gracious hand is on us and His mercies are new every morning.

I am in Germany. I leave tonight for London to join Ann and Esther.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our November Prayer Calendar

"Mike speaks at the devotions for the HQ team in Mosbach today and participates in the executive leadership team meetings. "

We found immersion suits in Hamburg. Pray for Ben as he takes them to the ship tomorrow. Ask for a speedy clearance through customs. We hope to have the suits on board on Thursday. We are now aiming for an ETD at the end of the week.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our November Prayer Calendar:


"Pray as Mike meets with the Logos Hope leaders based on the Logos 2. We will finalize the plans for the arrival of Logos Hope in Kiel and the transfer of personnel."

Today, we will receive word if we can rent the immersion suits. This will enable us to get what is needed at a reasonable price. We need 84 and we have 35. Pray for a breakthrough so the ship can sail tomorrow.

We thank God for His mercies are new every morning.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our November Prayer Calendar:

"Pray for Mike as he shares the word with the team on the Logos 2. Pray for anointing and a clear word from the Lord for the community. Praise God for the witness of the team in Kiel"

Pray that the Logos Hope will be able to sail soon.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our November prayer calendar:

Pray for Rebecca as she continues her studies in Canada. She has been given a place to work in a leadership assignment for the next semester in Ottawa with an embassy.

Logos Hope Update:

The new ETD is for Tuesday. Most of the documentation is in order. On Monday we hope to receive some needed equipment for the one voyage certificate.

Today, most people have an opportunity to enjoy some relaxed time in Croatia. We see these extra days as a gift from God for a tired crew who have gone the extra mile over a number of weeks. One brother just shared with me that he now has an opportunity to meet with a Croatian friend who has shown interest in the good news.

Give thanks to God with us for the way that he has guided us through this last week. Thank you for sharing the journey with us.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our November Prayer diary:

"Pray for the voyage trials and for good weather as the Logos Hope sails to Kiel. Pray for the Captain and others on board as they work together to ensure a safe passage."

Pray that everything will come together for for the ship to sail tomorrow. We may be delayed until Monday.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our October and November Prayer Calendar:

"Pray for people to join. Welders, Carpenters, Engineers, I.T. people and many other practical
workers. Write to projectworkers@logoshope.org fo rinformation.

Pray for the two teams that will stay in Croatia. One will help with the
renovation of a camp site and the other will work with
the churches in Split. Pray for good fruit and encouragement."

Continue to pray for the documentation to be finalized so the Logos Hope can sail on Saturday at 10am

"Be still and wait patiently for the Lord"

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our October Calendar:

"Pray for good news opportunities in Kiel. Pray for the church in Split as they seek to build on the impact of the Logos Hope in Croatia."

We have been studying the book of Nehemiah. Pray that God will enable us to be re-builders of the wall of truth in the midst of all the ruin in modern cultures.

"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Reparier of broken walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." ISA 58:12

Pray for Hope to be restored to Europe.

Report

- Today the Captain showed me copies of the Tonnage Certificate and Certificate of Registry.

- The Corporate Service team and several from Hotcat were in the engine room today helping to clean. Others were helping the deck team to lash things down.

- We prayed for the Stability book and for our readiness for the Port State inspection.

- I noted a few ship yard workers in the engine room finalizing their insulation project

- Tonight several will go to Split the hand out flyers advertising the international cafe in Split this Saturday night. A team from the Logos Hope will be there to help by putting on a special dance programme. This team will continue in ministry here for several days.

At the Lunch time devotions I read the following extract from the Doulos Port Report – Genova Italy. (December 29^th 1977 to February 28^th 1978:

“ How mercifully God kept his hand of protection on this fragile project! Almost all of the ships safety certificates were expiring, and there were those who were prophesying that repairs on the vessel would cost a small fortune. Where would the crew come from? Right after the purchase there was hardly any money on hand. What would it take to get the ship through her surveys? We only knew that God had given us a tremendous sense in our hearts that he had brought us this far and would not forsake us now!!” – George Miley

We read Isaiah 40:28 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."

We appreciate the way that you're standing with the team here and we recognize that we still live with much uncertainty as we take this journey of faith together towards the future. We have been studying through the book of Nehemiah and have been encouraged by his words: "the gracious hand of my God was upon me!" We have this sense for the Logos Hope project and for the ship ministry at this time.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our October prayer diary:

"Pray for the voyage of Logos Hope to Kiel. Pray for us as we travel ahead to Kiel and help prepare for the arrival of the ship. Praise God for His leading and grace."

Ann and Esther are in London. I will see them on the 8th November. We will be on the Logos 2 together on 14th November.

Yesterday we met as a leadership team here and rescheduled the departure goal for the Logos Hope to Saturday 3rd November. We still wait for the Stability book and we have to have a Port State inspection of the ship before leaving. Thursday is a religious holiday in Croatia. Keep praying for the breakthroughs.

Logos 2 in Kiel - Hope for the hurting

Hope for the Hurting People
The sight of a young lady lying in pain on a roadside in Kiel led crew to approach in concern. “We’ve already called an ambulance,” said the girl’s friends, waving them away, but the crewmembers felt compelled to stay. “We’re not standing here because it’s a spectacle,We want to stay and pray for her.” This unusual gesture caught the attention of the group, and after they had ensured their friend’s safe transportation to a local hospital, some accepted the invitation to come on board for a cup of coffee. As they conversed, the pain and hurt experienced in these young people’s lives, including the recent injury of their friend, her latest of three suicide attempts, moved crew to offer to pray for them. “We don’t believe in God,” they responded sceptically, but eventually agreed. As Annette asked God to heal their friend and to impact their lives, they were deeply touched. “What a beautiful prayer!” one young man exclaimed. Crew hope that through their day-to-day influence in this community, God will continue to reveal Himself to its hurting people.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our October Prayer Diary at the beginning of this month:

"Pray for Esther as she studies through correspondence and pray for God to lead more teachers to join us to work with the students. Pray for Claire Moxam as she sets up the school for LH."

The Logos Hope Accadamy is now closed for the voyage and will open again on the 30th November. We praise God for the large gift from England to help set up the school. When the ship arrives in Kiel, the children will have a holiday club on Logos 2 while teachers and parents set up schools and cabins on Logos Hope

Team that Cleaned The Logos Hope Engine Room

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our October Prayer Diary

"Pray for a revelation of His righteousness to flow across Europe and break through the barriers to the gospel. Pray for courage to share good news in the right way."

Pray that as we abide in Christ that he will bring fruit in the lives of many that we connect with in Kiel. Pray for these final preparations to sail.

A view from the Logos Hope

Prayer Diary,

We wrote in our October Prayer Diary:

"Thank God for the way that he has brought people to be a part of the team here and for the work already completed on the ship. Praise God for the grace to take one step at a time."

Some people are leaving. Some are arriving to sail the vessel. Today P.J. Thomas from Singapore arrives to help the team of deck officers. Two engineers from the Faeroe Islands arrive too. This is an answer to prayer as we now have the crew to sail the vessel.

Yesterday, Mike worked in the engine room to help clean. It was tiring work but a joy to see the team working together. We will have a port state inspection before sailing. Pray for the gracious guiding hand of our sovereign God to lead in each step to prepare for sailing.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our October Prayer Diary:

"Pray for special seasons of refreshing form the Lord that as we drink rivers of living water will flow through our lives in blessing to others. Praise God for His presence."

For the next few days it will be "All hands on Deck" as we clean the engine room, lash and pack down loose items and continue with the work that that needs to be done to prepare for the voyage. Pray for:

• Stability Book to be finalised and arrive from Lloyd's in Denmark
• Certificates to arrive from Faroe Islands
• Lube oil to arrive to arrive in time from Germany

Esther at school

Esther at school

Some Leaders

Lloyd Nicholas (Project Director), Captain Dirk Colenbrander, Mike Hey (Director), Bernd Gulker (CEO OM Ships), Johannes Thompsen (Technical Manager)

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our October Prayer Calendar:

"Please write a note to share your prayer requests. Our vision for the Logos Hope is to see thousands transformed by Good News as they visit the ship in the years ahead."

Praise God that the Survey work is almost completed. Yesterday the Lloyd's auditor approved the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) certificate for the Logos Hope. Praise the Lord for another little step. He also approved the Internatinal Safety Management (ISM) certificate in principle. Some documents need to be received from The Faroes Marine Authority (FMA) before this can be finalised.

The Logos Hope

We are working longer hours over the next few days in order to get the ship ready for sailing next week. Pray for those cleaning the engine room and lashing furniture.

Greetings From Friends in Croatia

Hi Mike, Ann & Esther,

Thank you again for your hospitality and fellowship last friday. We enjoyed very much, our time with you all.

Thanks also for the many individual lives you have touched and your encouragement to the churches in Split.

As you and your staff of Logos Hope leave Croatia today to begin the next stage of your ministry, may this verse encourage you all.

" Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. " Isaiah 43:1-2

Have also received your report. Thanks. Let's continue to keep in touch. God willing, we look forward to visit Logos Hope.

Tania

Prayer Diary

This is what we wrote in our October prayer calendar:

"Pray that the mentoring and coaching culture will develop intentionally. Pray for the quality of our leadership at every level will build a more effective ministry in the future."

Tonight Ann and Esther fly to London and I move on to the ship. Pray that they will be a great encouragement to many and that Esther will be able to get through her studies in a good way.

As we prepare for sailing, there is still much to do to lash down furniture and other items. Pray for strength and wisdom in all the work.

The ISM auditor form Lloyd's register is on board today. Pray for good outcomes and that we will be able to receive interim certificates.

Vision

The Logos Hope Project was born out of a vision to see everyone in a million touched with good news. It is born out of a vision to have a greater capacity for ministry. As the Logos Hope project has continued over the last three years, leaders in OM ships have been taking steps to shape the vision of the ministry. One of our main priorities has been to build leadership capacity. Since the end of last year a small leadership team has been working together with other leaders in OM ships to prepare for the future for the Logos Hope Vision.

There are three priorities that shape the design of the vessel, the way we are organized and how we will do ministry. We have built our leadership of the ministry around these priorities:

1. To share the good news
2. To sustain a healthy, vibrant community on board
3. To develop a network of partner relationships

These ministry priorities are supported by another three areas of leadership and management focus:

1. Operation of the vessel
2. Hotel and catering
3. Business management

Graham Jack from England leads what is known as the Logos Hope Public Ministries Division. This is at the heart of our vision. Everything we do is in the context of the good news. Our desire is that the good news will be shared clearly and that it will be seen in the way we live and in how we serve needs around the world. Recently I asked Graham a question. What is your concept and approach to ministry?

He replied, "In a sentence, pray hard, network with onshore leaders, listen hard, focus preparations and ministry around outcomes not output, seek to be relational, hospitable and intentional in all we do rather than hiding behind programme and performance – make sure God get’s the glory.”

In the next few months in Kiel we will be building an environment on the Logos Hope that will maximize our opportunity to provide quality experience of good news for every person who visits. Under Graham’s leadership we bring together the Book Fair, the visitor experience, the advance preparation for the ship visits to different ports, and teams that will bring help through practical aid, bring hope to those that visit the ship and others onshore, and bring knowledge through the Book Faire and various on board and on shore events.

Our second priority is the community on board. Good News is found in the hearts of people. As one of our leaders said earlier this year, "The message is written in our hearts." We have a vision to provide an environment on Logos Hope for a greater capacity to help people grow. As we invest in the community it will produce greater effectiveness in touching every one in a million with the gospel. When people walk on board the Doulos or Logos 2 today they often remark of the profound impact that the community has had in their lives.

Everyone who lives on board will be part of the Logos Hope community. We have organized our leadership here under a division called Personnel Ministries Division. HanTeck Goh, from Singapore is building a team that will be focused on leading the community towards greater health, personal growth and opportunities to be effective together in our witness to the gospel. Under his leadership we bring together personnel management, training, community events and life as well as member care and leadership development.

Our third priority is to work with a network of global partners. Another leader in ships said, "We cannot do it for the church we must do it with the church." Our vision is for partners around the world to take advantage of the Logos Hope environment as a place to participate in bringing good news to the nations.

We call this third division the Partner Ministries Division. Brian Esterhuizen from South Africa will give leadership to this on board division and help us provide hospitality to on-board guests, enable short-term vision team to come for two to three weeks of ministry with us, and partner with local volunteers. He will help us build a network of partners around the world with a goal to be fully funded, fully staffed and prayed for continuously.

The Logos Hope is about building our capacity for the good news, for community life and our capacity to work more effectively with our partners. We hold these goals as interdependent outcomes for greater capacity in touching everyone in a million.

Three other divisions provide a platform for these ministry priorities.

The vessel management is organized under what is known as the Marine Operations Division. This includes the deck and engine departments. Our Captain, Dirk Colenbrander gives leadership to this division. Today, he is working with a volunteer crew and the project team to prepare the Logos Hope to sail from Croatia. This includes the training of the crew and that we meet maritime regulations for sailing.

Gian Walser, from Switzerland gives leadership to the 5^th division which is called Hotel and catering (HOTCAT). This was formerly known as the stewards department. However because of the nature of the ministry priorities we recognize the need to give clear leadership to providing accommodation for the community and guests and at the same time ensure that our catering and cleaning services are able to meet the high demands of the ministry.

The sixth division is called Corporate Service Division and under the leadership of Steve Packwood, from England they are responsible to provide good business management in finance, travel, administration, management of spaces on board, IT an multimedia services.

The Logos Hope Leadership Team of seven has been working together of the last few months to develop outcomes for the Logos Hope ministry. We have been building leadership teams and management structure for these on board divisions.

When the Logos Hope arrives in Kiel and we move into the Outfit Phase, the Logos hope project will continue to be a central focus as we prepare the vessel for future ministry. The project becomes in a sense the seventh division during the outfit phase. Gian Walser coordinates and leads the management of outfit works on board under the leadership of Lloyd Nicholas.

We are preparing for the arrival of the Logos Hope in Kiel and for the transfer of the Logos 2 community to the Logos Hope. While we continue with the project work and have project workers from around the world join us, we hope to continue the witness that the Logos 2 team has begun alongside the churches of Kiel. We also hope to be able to welcome partners on board for tours of the vessel.

Our first responsibility is to operate the vessel safely, securely and in keeping with maritime regulations. Our second responsibility is to complete the out fit work and sail into ministry. Our first reason for the Logos Hope is share the Good News. Our second reason is to invest in people as they share the good news and the third is to partner with the church to build greater synergy for the good news.

Mike

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Prayer Diary

We wrote in our October prayer letter:

"Pray for Ann as she mentor sand counsels members of the team and disciples new believers.
Pray for wisdom and discernment as we invest in others."

Today, we are packing up the flat that we have lived in for several months here in Croatia. Children have not been able to live on the ship in the ship yard because of safety. All the families will be able to move on board in Kiel, north Germany. If everything (That's alot) goes according to plan the ship should arrive in Kiel around the 16th November.

Thank God for the way that he has provided this beautiful place here in Croatia to do the refit of the ship.

Pray for Ann and Esther's time in the the U.K. Esther will continue correspondence studies. Ann will connect with OM's South East London Fellowship and they will both try and get across London to visit family and church in Alperton. Mike will be on board the Logos Hope until sailing and then he will travel to the Logos 2 in Kiel.