Pray that we will know His strength and grace day by day

Update

We have had some difficulty with the Internet here

over the last couple of days. As a result we have not been able to update the blog site.

On Sunday Mike spoke at the morning service on board the ship. We looked at the Ephesians 6 and the importance of being strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Then on Monday morning Mike spoke at the ship devotions from Philippines chapter 3. He asked about our mission this week. Paul wrote to the Philippian church that his mission was to know Christ, the power of his resurrection and the fellowship is suffering. If mission this week is to know Christ then his character will impact our attitude, talk and behaviour. We will have an opportunity to grow in many areas.

This morning devotions was led by Jonathan McCrostie. He shared of his experience of grace in leadership and spoke about devotion to Christ in whatever limiting situations that we find ourselves in. Jonathan is a paraplegic. He has had to use a wheel chair for the last 25 years. He emphasised the importance of being addicted and devoted to Jesus in the midst of all that we do. We sensed that God was speaking directly into our lives as we continue to worship Christ through the work that we do on the ship.

A number of teams from the logos hope have had opportunity this week to serve the ministries with the homeless in Kiel. We pray that relationships will be built that will have a transformational impact on the lives of the homeless in the city.

Prayer Diary

Praise God that the Logos 2 was able to sail with 50 people to Holland. In a few days they hope to go o to the Caribbean. Pray for a safe voyage and fruitful ministry.

In a few days 65 people will join us here on the Logos Hope. They first go through some initial training and preparation for life on board.

We have a need for another 12 people who to help lead technical teams. Pray that God will bring the right people in His time. We are so thankful for the project workers who are with us at this time.

Whatever Happens

“Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” TNIV

Phil 1:27

Whatever happens!

Paul was in prison in Rome. This was definitely not his preferred situation but he had a Kingdom perspective on his chains. “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” 1:12. This was obviously not his dream as he writes in the letter to the Romans, “ I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.” (Romans 15:28) At that time he did not plan a package holiday to Spain. His travels reflected his vision. “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” (Rom 15:20). He did not get to Spain.

He did not know what was going to happen. He was not in control of his circumstances. He faced the possibility of death or release. He was ready for either. He was confident that if he was released it would be for the benefit of others. Later in the letter he shared that he had learnt to be content in whatever circumstances.

On Logos Hope there is much that is happening that is beyond our personal control. How do we cope with all the change and uncertainty? We can easily become discouraged and compare this present situation with what we had in the past or be disappointed because it is not what we had expected when we joined. We do not know what is going to happen. We have not seen all the financial breakthroughs that we need. We are not sure if we will have the skilled workers when we need them. We do not know for certain when we will leave Kiel. We may find it difficult to experience God. These circumstances can at times be discouraging and lead us to focus on the problems without the opportunity to really help bring change.

Paul was not able to change his circumstances but he talked about a common experience of grace shared with the Philippians.. Hi lived in relationship to Christ and the good news as the priority of his life. We live by faith that the unseen reality is greater than what we presently experience.

As citizens of Heaven!

Our identity will determine how we respond to the situations we face in life. As citizens of heaven we can have a Kingdom perspective. If we are responsive to Him we can begin to see the realities of today in the light of our identity in Christ as sons and daughters of the Father.. What really makes a difference in eternity is what we invest in the gospel and in the growth of others. Our true identity is not in our culture, our work, the ship we live on, or our position in the organization. Our true identity is in our relationship with Christ. In Philippians 2:1 Paul writes.” Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ…” Later in Philippians Chapter 3:20 He write, “ Their mind is set on earthly things but our citizenship is in Heaven and we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” It is easy to be focused on earthly things and be orientated around our current temporary circumstances. We can very quickly lose perspective and follow passions that are harmful to us and others. A kingdom perspective is found in our relationship in Christ. This leads to humble service in the gospel. He makes the difference today.

Live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ!

Then, a life worthy of the good news is lived in relationship to Christ. This resonates through this letter. Paul described himself as a Bond slave of Christ Jesus. His identity was found in His relationship with the Son of God. That relationship defined how he lived.

Our true identity is in being united with Christ who is the Son of God. It is out of his identity as God the Son that he was free to give his life as a servant and went to the cross for us. Paul described the church at Philippi as being in Christ Jesus. He also declared, “for me to live is Christ, To die is gain!” He spoke of encouragement through being united with Christ. He shared his passion, “ To know Christ, the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering.

So a life worthy of the good news is lived in personal relationship with Christ today in what ever situation we face. We have all the resources of God our Father in Christ. Our identity is not defined by what we do. It is defined by who we are in Christ. We are in relationship to the Father in His son. This gives freedom to serve with humility.

Shield & Sword

Here is one way to build effective prayer triplets. Some may need a one on one relationship with a more mature believer to see personal breakthroughs in prayer as you step in faith in this direction. Be intentional about this and put it in your diary. Make a plan to form a prayer triplet and keep going. Do not give up. If you need help find someone to talk to about it.

SHIELD – Our identity is in our relationship with Christ. This is your greatest weapon against the attacks of the enemy.

Sonship – You meet as sons and daughters (By the way, you should met with those of the same gender as you. It is the safer way) whose identity is shared in Christ.

Holy Spirit – Friendships that are prayer-less will quench, grieve and resist the Holy Spirit’s work. He guides you in truth as you pray together. Ask to be filled with the Spirit

Intimacy – If you step in faith you can grow in a shared intimacy with the Father. Your prayer group becomes a safe place to share deep issues of the heart and find healing together.

Encouragement – The prayer and support of friends is an important encouragement for all of us.

Love will focus on what is best for others and will be willing to speak the truth even if it is painful

Delight – you will find that these times of prayer can be refreshing and bring real joy.

SWORD – Centered around the word, these prayer times bring greater effectiveness in ministry

Here is a simple format to help you plan your time. Plan to meet at least once a week. Start with a minimum of 15 minutes. You will find that more time will be needed as you continue.

Scripture – Read or listen to scripture together. Start with this. Focus on a book such as Ephesians. Focus on one thought each time you meet.

Worship – Focus in prayer on the Glory of God. Seek to know Him. Move on into intercession

Obedience – Be honest about areas in your life that need to change. Pray that you will have grace to obey. Set goals together for growth

Reflect – take time to reflect on the last week. Pray that you will see what God is teaching you through the various experiences on board.

Discipline – Keep one another accountable as set goals for personal growth, serving the community, and witness.

Pray that God will lead you to the right people. Learn to ask one another out of the comfort zone questions:

1. Have you spent regular time in scriptures and prayer this week?
2. Have you had any tempting thoughts or exposed yourself to material that would not glorify God?
3. Have you spent quality time with your family?
4. Have you been careless with the ships property this week?
5. Have you said something this week that makes others look bad?
6. Have you had an opportunity to share the gospel this week?
7. Have you allowed anything to rob you of joy this week?
8. Have you taken care of your body this week including a good fitness program and opportunity to relax?
9. What have you learnt this last week?
10. Have you lied about any of the above?

Initially keep your focus in prayer. You will need more time to develop healthy accountability and growth goals as a Prayer friendship team. The Key is to stand firm in the Lord together. He is your Shield and Sword.

Freiburg

We have just returned to the Logos Hope. The time in Freiburg was fruitful. We spoke at three different churches. The meetings were arranged by former Ship people. It was a joy to re-connect with them and to see how they are involved in the Local churches and outreach.

Prayer Diary

Today, Ann and I are traveling to Frieburg to participate in some missions event in Frieburg. Mike will speak at the Calvary Chapel.

This week the leadership of OM ships meet on board the Logos Hope. We spent time looking at the plans for the Logos Hope in the next months. We need to leave the Berth that we are in on the 16th April. After that we hope to go into a dry dock to install a generator and do survey work on the Hull. The work on for the PSSC continue.

Pray that our witness to Christ will have a transformational impact in th elives of many people in Kiel.

Watch Word for 2008

Jesus says, "You know the Spirit of Truth, because he abides with you and he will be in you.
John 14:17--

Update

Ann and I have just returned to the Logos Hope after two days of good ministry in Bremen at the Evangelical Alliance prayer week.

The Logos Hope Team

Thank you for praying for us. We have a growing family on board. God is working in our midst.

Meditation

Psalm 33

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.

4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.

5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ^[a] ;
he puts the deep into storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.

9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

Update

this morning Rebecca left for Canada. Michelle and Dan left for London where they will spend a few days with family before going on to Australia. it has been a delight to have them with us and we are thrilled to see the passion that they have to follow Christ. Thank you for standing with them on this journey of faith.

This week we will be helping to prepare the Logos 2 to sail to the Caribbean. Hopefully about 20 people from the Logos Hope will be able to be a part of this special tour. Many details need to be worked out. The plan is for the ship to be in the Caribbean for six months, working with local churches and having a good literature ministry in the region.

We are very thankful for the project workers that have been arriving on the Logos Hope. This is such an encouragement and the work continues to progress.

Update

We thank God for a few days break and for the opportunity to be away from the ship. We thank Him for the special provision of a place to spend a view days.

Today we are back on the ship and in touch with the world again!

Pray that the Life of Christ will shine through all that we do.

Update

we had an opportunity to spend time as a family today and to play a game of Risk tonight. It was the futuristic version. It's a little more complicated than the classic game.

Several people visited the ship today. We have worked with a number of them and it has been encouraging to connect and introduced them to the ship.

On Thursday and Friday I spoke from the book of Haggai in devotions. I spoke about the effect of discouragement on our priorities. In this small book God's people are called to live by faith in his word even though the circumstances in situation is difficult. It was very encouraging from me to see how God had chosen the leaders for this task and how he promised his presence and power as they gave themselves to the vision that he had given.

As we continue to focus on the project work, we are looking for people on board who will be able to be part of a special project to the Caribbean. We plan to relaunch the logos to for a literature and discipleship ministry in the region. This will be for six months from the middle of January.

Pray that God will give us wisdom in identifying the right people to be involved.

We also seek to follow Christ in Kiel in such a way that he will make us fisher's of men in the city. we pray that the people in Kiel will be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ in the weeks and months ahead.

Today we were able to release a list of the work is to be done for the passenger ship safety certificate. This gives us some very clear goals to work towards while we are here in Germany.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our December Prayer Calendar:
27
Pray that God will prepare our hearts for what lies
ahead in 2008. Wow another year already Gone. This has been an amazing
journey in His grace.
28
Pray for the small groups on the ship that they will settle well as families. This
will be the life and health of the ministry. Pray for good bonding together and
Kingdom purpose to be worked out.

We prayed for the nations last night with a focus on Pakistan. Our desire is to see Logos Hope as a place where the nations encounter Christ.

We pray that God will provide skilled people to serve with us for a few months in the coming year. We seek Him for His Kingdom breakthrough. Praise God for His provision. Pray for the supply of our needs as we focus on His glory here.

Hey Family Boxing Day 2007

Ann, Michelle, Mike, Esther and Rebecca

Prayer Diary

We pray that you will experience the joy of the Lord at this time. We had a great Christmas with lots of food! Please pray:

1. Skilled project workers to join us for the next weeks
2. Wisdom in leadership
3. Financial provision
4. Powerful witness to the Good News
5. Leading of the Holy Spirit
6. Rest and refreshing from the Lord
8. Preparations to see the Logos 2 sail to the Caribbean for a season of literature ministry with a dedicated team.
9. Quality family times together in the next few days
10. That many in in Kiel will be transformed by the Good News

Christmas on Logos Hope

The Children put on a brilliant play for Christmas. Esther was Mary. Many said that it was the best Christmas play that they had seen. THis was all put together in a very short period of time.

People from the Caribbean on Logos Hope

Rebecca and Michelle

It is a joy to have Rebecca and Michelle with us at this time. Praise God for His hand on thier lives and provison for them on their journey of faith. We had a Chrstmas Eve dinner tonight with the ships company. It was a special time.

Insights

During these last few weeks we have spent everal times of prayer and worship to wait on the Lord for His leading. Several words have come through in scripture during these times:

1. Surrender - to find His direction we first need to surrender our agenda to His. (Romans 12:1)

2. Seek - We are to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and then trust Him for our needs to be met. (Matt 6:33)

3. Thanksgiving - As we thank God we acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. We express confident faith towards Him (Phil 4:6)

4. Wait and Worship - Several on board have experienced His presence in an unusual way as they have waited in prayer and worship. (Isaiah 40:31)

It is Cold in Kiel today

Mike with the Logos Hope

Logos Hope in Kiel

In Kiel on Christmas Eve

Update

Thank you so much for your support this year. As we look back we can see the faithful hand of God guiding us through many situations. We are thankful for his provision to the Logos Hope and to us personally. Thank you for being a part of our lives through prayer and financial support.

As I write to you, a team of people from the Logos Hope will be on the streets of Kiel to share the love of Christ with the many shoppers. We have had opportunities to connect with people living in the city. Pray that as we follow Christ here we will see many come to faith in him. It is very encouraging that we have an opportunity to develop relationships and to share a love of Christ over a period of time.
We have 300 people settling on board the ship. In the next months project workers will visit us from around the world. While the work continues to outfit the ship for the Ministry, we will have time to build and repair the community for the future. At the same time we will welcome many on-board to walk through the ship and gain a vision of the opportunities that we will have for ministry in the future.

The local committee has been very helpful and every Friday night we have a partner event to share about the progress of the work. This has provided a way to tell the story about God's hand on the Logos Hope over the last few years. When the ship sailed out of Trogir many were able to watch the progress of the voyage. The arrival of the ship was an exciting event which was followed by the move of resources and people from the Logos 2 to the Logos Hope. While we were moving we also received guests and had a number of significant meetings with Christian leaders from the countries that we will be visiting after this time here. This was quite an intense time and we are very glad to now begin to settle into more of a routine on-board.

It has been wonderful to have Rebecca and Michelle with us. Michelle's boyfriend, Dan is also here. We will enjoy Christmas together and it has been good to get to know Dan. Last night we had a game of Risk and Michelle won!

Mike will speak on Christmas Day on the theme of Immanuel, God with us! This is what the ministry is all about. This vessel will be a place for God's people from many nations to live and to work together. It is a place where thousands will be able to experience the love of Christ and to receive a message of hope in him. Please pray that our lives will be a clear witness to his presence and that many will have a personal encounter with Christ.

We hope to take a few days break with the family in the first week of January. Pray that will be a time to be refreshed together and to prepare our hearts for the coming year. In the second week of January Mike will go to Bremen speak at the Evangelical Alliance prayer week. Pray for anointing and a clear word for this time.

We appreciate you are much. Please write and let us know how we can pray for you at this time.

Photo

Today we went to Hamburg for the day with some friends form the ship and with Gordon Carlyle, a friend from Australia. It was -3 Celcius. It was a fun time together in the Christmas markets.

Prayer Diary

Last night we had opportunity to meet God in prayer. It was an amazing encouragement to hear many praying in their language and declaring Jesus as Lord over their nations. We shared about the purchase of the logos hope.The story of God's leading declares his faithful hand in leading us to this ship. Over 2000 people have now worked to shape the Logos Hope vision as volunteer project workers. We thank God for each one of these people who have made a significant difference in preparing the logos hope for the future.
Over the Christmas season we hope to have many opportunities to serve among communities in Kiel and touch the lives of needy people with good news.

Prayer Diary

We thank God for the project workers that have joined to help with the work. We continue to look to God for financial breakthroughs. Pray too for the skilled workers needed. In the engine room we need people with the following skills for the jobs listed below:

ME 2&3 Overhauls for Survey	6-8 weeks	2 marine engineers, 2 fitters
Bergen diesel overhaul	2-3 weeks	1 marine engineer, 2-3 motormen
Overhaul ME pumps	1-2 weeks	1 marine engineer or 1 machinist
Installing Chillers	4-6 weeks	1 fitter, 1 welder, 1 elctrician
Installing Sewage systems	3-4 weeks	1 fitter, 1 welder, 1 electrician
Dismantle Geny 1	1-2 weeks	1 engineer, 1 motorman
Installing Geny 1 piping (new)	2-3 weeks	1 fitter, 1 welder
Building a bilge water circ. Tank	1-2 weeks	1 fitter, 1 welder

write to projectworkers@logoshope.org if you are interested in helping.

Update

Rebecca arrived today. She spent a day in New York on her way here. We are glad to be a family for a little while together.

Tonight, we had a special event with a Football star who shared his story and touched the lives of many local people who visited the ship. Pray for more opportunities for the Good News through event like this.

Several project workers have arrived. Pray that more will come and add to the progress of the work.

Praise God for His grace in our lives at this time.

Prayer Diary

Today we had a more relaxed time as a family and went out for lunch. It has been a joy to get to know Michelle's boyfriend, Dan. They both have such a passion for Jesus and to share good news. Pray that God will guide them as they take steps of faith to invest in his kingdom.

Rebecca arrives tomorrow. We are excited that we will be able to be together for Christmas. The community on the Logos Hope is beginning to settle into life and work. We are very thankful for God's grace and provision through this time. Christmas is a time to remember that God is with us and that he has generously provided salvation that brings true transformation of the heart in the power of his Spirit.

It is such an encouragement to see the commitment of the leaders in Kiel towards the other so project work. Every Friday night we have a special partners event to update them on the progress with the work. Please continue to pray for God to provide needs in finance and skilled people for the jobs that need to be done.

One of the critical areas of work that will need the focus of qualified engineers with unique survey work for the engine room. Two of the main engines will need to be overhauled in 2008. We will need teams of engineers, these are mechanics and other handy and to complete these projects in order for us to obtain the passenger ship safety certificate and to sail from here.

Today Ann and I did some Christmas shopping. We were doing quite well until I sat down for a cup of coffee. Then we lost each other. We eventually met again back on the ship with Ann arriving back just five minutes before me.

On Monday the project work schedule begins. We will have breakfast and devotions together at 7:30 a.m. each morning. On Monday Mike will share the word. Pray for an anointing and for message that will connect with the heart of everyone on board. Then work will begin at 8 a.m.

We have project workers joining us each day to help and some come for a week or more. Praise God for the steps that he is enabling us to take into the future.

Prayer Diary

We wrote in our December Prayer diary:

We need to get a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate and we need to ensure some surveys are completed in the engine room. Pray for the work being done towards these goals.

Last night we had a great time of prayer with George Verwer. God lifted our eyes to the nations.