The following report is written by Steve Golla, our ship's PR person, he writes these reports to keep everyone up to date on what the ship is doing.  I hope you enjoy reading about the great things God is doing in this ministry.     -Paul-

APRIL 3, 1998

Greetings Mercy Ship family. Having been gone for six weeks, I will now try to update you on the recent projects taking place in San Diego. Thanks for your patience.

(WEEK ONE)

After a rough sail on the Pacific Ocean from Mazatlan, Mexico, the crew of the Caribbean Mercy safely arrived February 6th, at the Port of San Diego and docked at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in the Nimitz Marine Facility. Waiting on the dock, were friends of Mercy Ships and members of the technical team ready to begin work with the generators.

On the morning of February 7th, sounds of grinding, pounding and the crackle of welders could be heard from the engine room. A path was being cleared out in preparation for the installment of two new generators. Meanwhile others, in overalls soaked black in grunge, cleaned the bilge and adjoining areas.

In the rear of the ship, renovations to cabins on B-deck as well as the crew clinic began. With the walls cleared, welders were hard at work overhauling the Aft Peak  Tank.

In the middle of the week, shore power was connected to the ship enabling the engineers to disconnect the generators. It was time to rip out the last of the old system.

(WEEKS TWO & THREE)

With the passageway clear, the last of the generators was removed. This was quite a production. More then 40 tons of steel, wire and piping were expelled from the ship and gathered in a large dumpster. It was quite a sight to see.

More than 20 volunteers had come to be a part of this operation. This included a team from the "Texas Baptist Disaster Relief" organization and others including those from the International Office in Lindale: Steve Wargo, Kurt Atkins, Danny Welch and Jim Paterson. "It has been a tremendous effort," said Special Projects Coordinator, Ken Berry. "The folks that God has been bringing us have done a wonderful job. What has been especially gratifying was the connection in relationships with one another not just in the labor but spiritually as well."

(WEEK FOUR & FIVE)

With the removal of the old, it was time for the new. Two 300 kilowatt Caterpillar generators were lowered into the vessel. Each of these weighed over three and a half tons and took a day to set into place. When fully installed and wired up, each machine will generate enough electricity to light up 30 homes.  When the research ship, "Atlantis" pulled into port, the Caribbean Mercy was no longer able to stay at the Scripps Institute and needed be moved to the Port of San Diego off of Crosby Street. From this new location, stores were not as easily accessible but it gave many crew members an opportunity to ride the trolley from old town to the border of Mexico and the kids a chance to play at a nearby park.

Next on the agenda for the technical team were the installation of two rectifiers, three transformers and the switchboard. The more then four tons of parts will convert the 440 AC output of power into the necessary 120 AC and 220 AC needed for operating ship systems, the C-deck clinic and private usages (i.e. computers and hairdryers).

The deck department reported a very important survey was being done by the DNV (Det Norske Veritas) who inspects for compliance to maritime standards. Many hours have been spent renewing and upgrading the ship's safety equipment, ventilation of pipes to tanks and installing gaskets on water tight doors. "This technical phase has been a very important time for us," said Chief Officer Clem Ketchum. "It is critical that these projects get accomplished and in PR phase, it would have been difficult. Everyone has been working hard and the progress is going well."

(WEEK SIX TO PRESENT)

"It is so gratifying to see the fruits of my labor," said one of the technical volunteers. With the installation of the generator, transformers and switchboard, welders were hard at work connecting pipes and electricians wiring systems together.

Those living up in cabins on A & B Deck Forward were all smiles as each room was wired with a brand new 110 AC outlet plug. No longer will little transformers be necessary to convert the 220 AC power for radios and other enjoyable electrical gizmos.

Unexpected help arrived when Captain Jerry Layl and naval personnel from SIMA (Ships Intermediate Maintenance Activity) of San Diego volunteered, after work hours, to do technical jobs on the vessel. Their help was much appreciated by the project team. Lending their expertise to the project, Doug Forsyth and Larry Mast, fresh from the IO (International Office), have joined the merry band of technical staff as others have left. While Larry renovates cabins, Doug has been assisting in the connection of the main AC switchboard which he has personally been involved in the design and creation. With all this help, Chief Electrician, Malcolm Taylor expressed, "I am really satisfied with how things are going. Most of the electrical work is getting done. We hope to have the whole system working very soon."

This sentiment is felt by the welders who continue working on the Aft Peak Tank. This major job is nearly completed as the workers have been laying plates and putting down the finishing touches before pressure testing and inspection by the DNV. This leaves the finish work to the generators and the safety survey repairs.

God willing, the project will finish on time for the upcoming PR tour.

TIDBITS:

The ship has moved once again and is back at the Scripps Institute where the crew will stay for the remainder of their time in San Diego. While at the Nimitz pier, Mercy Ships personal have had many opportunities to build relations with the crew of the research vessels that float alongside this dock.

One evening, a fire alarm went off on board the "David Starr Jordan" (a neighboring research boat). When members on board the Caribbean Mercy heard the alarm and saw smoke, they snapped into position and relayed it to the 'officer on duty' that something was going on across the way. Chief Officer, Clem Ketchum was on duty that evening and thought it was a good idea to stroll on over and see if he could be of any assistance.

At first, he noted smoke when he came aboard but the casual response by the ship's crew led him to believe that their fire had been put out. When the smoke persisted, he was asked to assist. Ship personal responded by calling the fire department and to the fire locker Clem went. With the help of a dozen folks, he was dressed down in minutes with a BA (breathing apparatus) on his back.

Begging to partner with him, Ship's Carpenter, Eric Folkers volunteered and was suited up within minutes with his bright new red fireman's' hat, given to him by his uncle who worked for the San Diego Fire Department. The dynamic duo were ready to take on anything. But a blazing fire they would not find. Instead, they helped the crew ventilate the ship and all was well.

When the local fire department arrived, they were shocked to see Clem and Eric. Because of Eric's helmet, they had assumed that the SD Fire department had beaten them to the fire. Later they found out that the "Dynamic Duo" were actually from across the dock.

This gesture of help has opened the doors for relations between both ships.

MORE TIDBITS

The Caribbean Mercy became the headquarters for a Relief & Development Summit. From all over the globe, R & DS members from the different ships and bases came to share visions and make plans for the future. Members included: Rob Kornagia, Cullin McCubbins, Andy Slater, Rick Snider, Sheri Rowden, and Tom & Nancy Wells. All of those present were excited about the things the Lord showed them. "The time we spent together was so special," said Caribbean Mercy R & DS Coordinator Rick Snider. "We revisited the vision and the mission statement of our department and began reestablishing direction. Our central focus was on who do we serve."

Eight local San Diegans also participated in an Orientation to Relief and Development Seminar (OR & D). Participants were asked to change their mindset about helping the needy. They were asked to think in terms of a holistic ministry.

 LAST TIDBITS:

A special financial seminar was held on board the Caribbean Mercy.  Phil Box, a financial consultant shared with the crew about responsibility and stewardship of money. Staff learned about starting savings accounts, wills and deeds, retirement plans, stocks and bonds and credit card instructions. Definitely a very informative time as missionaries take a closer look at their financial futures.

PRAISE REPORT