Summer 2002
Well, here I am aboard Mercy Ships flagship the M/V Anastasis. This
ship serves the poorest nations in the world, which happen to be along
the west coast of Africa. This ship is much larger than the Caribbean
Mercy by three times. I will tell you a little more about the ship and
what is going on later, but first about what’s happening with me.
Looking back over the past couple of years, there always seem to be that
one person, maybe even someone you work with, you know, that one you
just can not stand to be around! But wait, the Bible tell us that we are
all created in God’s image, right? Does that not include everyone, even
those we work with? Although we keep trying to take control of things,
God is still in charge, and part of His spirit is in each one of us, so
what happened? Well, each person has their own problems and struggles
which from time to time tend to affect those around them, which brings
me to my question; what problems or insecurities, or just lack of
someone caring are causing this person to act in such a way as to not
reflect Christ, and no matter how much we don't like it, what are we
doing to help that person grow in the Lord.
In
1999 I met this guy in
El Salvador,
he was quite a character, and I knew that all he needed was a friend,
someone to care! It was one of the most difficult things I have done,
but the results ended in a life that was changed for ever. A new hope
of existence came to him as he yearned to learn more about Jesus. A
life that was changed, why…because I took the time to care and show
God’s love through my actions, even when I did not want to!
PROJECT UPDATE
As crew calmly step
out on the Mercy Ships deck with bright orange life jackets and
knapsacks filled with water, extra food, warm clothing and other
necessities, they file into their emergency muster stations. During
these Fire/Safety drills at sea, the Captain’s voice should be heard
loud and clear through the public address system giving details of the
emergency. In recent drills, many have strained to hear through the
muffled sounds of a crackling speaker or the distant tones of the
Captain’s voice coming from... well, somewhere... the bridge? 
While the ship’s PA
system is also used for international phone calls and for paging crew
members to different numbers for business purposes, it’s primary
function is to provide crew with information in case of emergency. For
safety reasons, crew in all muster and lifeboat stations need to hear
instructions and details clearly from the Captain. This year’s shipyard
provided an opportune time to rewire a new PA system onboard.
In the beginning days of shipyard in Pernis,
Holland, crew flocked
ashore as many took their holidays. Those few remaining crew members
onboard heard melodies of Celtic worship and instrumental music playing
throughout the ship as workers tested the speakers for their ability to
function properly. Previously, only one amplifier provided the sound –
workers installed 14 new amplifiers, which means crew will now hear
announcements louder and clearer. The musical ‘concerts’ also meant a
delightful change to the pages normally heard on a working day!
During this year’s
annual drydock, yard workers and deck, engineering and project crew
completed the following: overhauled and replaced numerous valves in the
fresh water system; overhauled steam system valves; rebuilt, replaced
and repaired pipes in the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Electrician’s
workshop, Dry Stores, Ship Shop and Bakery; welded hull plates; coated
the hull with anti-fouling paint; cleaned the anchor chain and pulled
the tail shafts. In addition, the yearly cleaning of the boiler, the
upgraded galley extraction system, PA system upgrades, replacement of
Auxiliary Seawater Cooling Pump, and an updated Fire Control Plan kept
workers busy this drydock period.
