SERVING THE NATIONS
The OM ships visit port cities throughout the world, supplying
vital literature resources, encouraging cross-cultural
understanding, training young people for more effective
life and service, providing needed relief and sharing
a message of hope in God wherever there is opportunity.
Since 1970, OM’s ships have visited over 435 different
ports in 140 nations around the globe. On average, 1
million visitors are welcomed on board every year!
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
An international crew and staff, representing 50 nations,
lives and works on board the OM ships. All are volunteers,
usually staying for two years. Some serve in their professional
capacity as deck or engineering officers, seamen, carpenters,
welders and electricians, or as a doctor, nurse or cook,
while others come to participate in training programme
on board. Each training programme participant combines
a full working week in their assigned department with other
training programme elements such as devotional studies,
discipleship, prayer and learning ministry skills. Teaching
is strongly linked with opportunities to translate theory
into first-hand experience. Some participants also work
toward recognised qualifications in engineering or seamanship.
Crew members receive cross-cultural exposure through life
as an international community. Port visits offer unique
opportunities to see the needs around the world and join
with local believers in sharing God’s love with port
residents. A highlight in many ports is the International
Night programme, usually held in a high profile onshore
venue and attended by hundreds or even thousands of local
people. The event focuses on the multinational nature of
the ship community through costume, song, dance and drama
and provides a platform to share the hope in God that brings
life, unity and purpose to the ships’ crew and staff.
Whether maintaining the engines, cooking for the crew,
supplying literature, speaking to individuals or crowds,
sharing about their cultures and faith, or providing relief
to needy people, the ship community learns, and serves,
with joy.
FLOATING
BOOK SHOPS
In total, over 30 million visitors have come aboard to purchase
from the selection of 4,000 titles available. Titles cover
a wide range of subjects, such as science, sports, hobbies,
cookery, the arts, philosophy, medicine and children’s
books, as well as faith in God and living life in God’s
service. The books have been carefully chosen to be of interest
to every member of the family, and with the educational,
social and moral needs of the local community in mind. Books
are on offer at a fraction of their retail value, while in
certain ports, books are also donated. Additionally, every
visitor to an OM ship (where possible) is given the opportunity
to take a piece of free literature which explains more about
the need for a right relationship with God.
AID & RELIEF
Aid and relief work, as an expression of God’s love
and concern for people in needy countries visited by the
OM ships, may take many forms – medical aid, construction
projects, or major donations of literature, as well as spontaneous
gifts of food and clothing. In the past, ship personnel have
donated textbooks and reference volumes to schools, libraries,
colleges and universities, distributed medical or food supplies,
renovated clinics and orphanages, and assisted in the construction
of schools and church buildings.
STAYING AFLOAT
Each ship is owned and operated by a registered charitable
trust and is financed mainly through sponsorship of individuals
on board and general giving. Each individual working with
the OM ships volunteers their time and is sponsored by
friends, supporters and their local church. Books are supplied
by respected publishers and shipped by container to restock
the bookshops on board. Local language materials published
in the countries visited supplement stocks of books. Income
received from sales in the bookshops is used to purchase
more literature and other supplies, and to pay freight
and customs charges. Technical projects, relief projects
and fuel costs are often financed by designated gifts from
supporters around the world.
PROFESSIONALS AT SEA
Most of the all volunteer crew and staff serve on board for
two years, although there are always opportunities for
professional crew to serve with the ships for shorter periods
of time. Needed professionals include deck and engineering
officers, seamen, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders,
doctors, dentists, nurses and cooks.
MEETING THE STANDARDS
The ships are maintained and continually upgraded to comply
with international shipping regulations and safety standards.
Without this dedication to keeping the ships in top condition,
there would be no ship ministry. Technical projects often
require the services of additional skilled workers – engineers,
electricians, plumbers, carpenters and welders. Both long
and short-term volunteers are always welcome. Just as individuals
serving on the ships trust God for their support, the OM
ships also trusts God for the finances needed for these
major technical projects. Donations of equipment and supplies
are invaluable, and projects are financed by specially
designated gifts from supporters around the world.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
To serve as a crewmember or to partner financially with
the OM ships, contact your local OM office for
more information. |
