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| Fall 1999 | ||
| Communication Breach We've had a severe break in communication here on the ship. The usual way that I get messages out is email, and that has been unusable since September 3. I apologize for not getting out my newsletter sooner so that you would know what is happening. Huge thanks to my sister who has had to retype this entire letter in order to send it out. We would appreciate your prayers that all of our systems would be operational soon and that all is ready for the turn of the century. Typhoon! /p> Our most recent big event was evacuating the ship of all unnecessary personnel and sending the ship out of the harbor to ride out the storm. We weren't sure if the storm would turn or we would get the full thing. The Lord provided a place for about 90 or so crew to stay on shore and took care of the crew who took the ship out of harm's way. The storm turned toward Japan and so we were able to move back on board. Praise the Lord for His care. |
The Seasons of the Ship On the ship there are two main seasons: "PR mode" and "Outreach mode." Each of our ships spends a portion of their year in PR mode. PR stands for Public Relations. It is an important part of our work because it is the vehicle we use to fill our cargo holds with relief supplies, medical supplies and equipment, and provide the infrastructure materials that keeps the ship working. Our crew fees that every staff member pays actually covers only a portion of the cost for food, paper products, water, energy, and everything else we use in our "home." There is a also a myriad of office supplies, carpentry materials, engineering equipment, and other ship materials necessary to keep the business part moving and the vessel afloat. As we host pastors, churches, business people, and city officials we offer them an opportunity to take part in God's Kingdom work done through this ship. Every Bible study with dock workers, day workers and church groups, every eye surgery, orthopedic surgery and dental clinic is a result of God's movement in His |
church to make provision for the people we touch. The scope of the CARIBBEAN MERCY's work really is remarkable considering the size of the ship. In one day of "outreach" (the period of time we are serving the neediest people) the following could be happening in various areas in and near the ship:
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The engineers and deck department work non-stop to keep the ship running. Food services prepare our meals and clean up after all of us. Then there are the people facilitating communication via email, phone calls, and faxes and picking up pieces here and there.
Please pray for the Lord's continued provision as we begin preparing for a short outreach in the Philippines and the long sail home. We've been encouraged by seeing people accept Jesus throughout this Public Relations Tour and everyone is looking forward to the more "hands on" ministry in the Philippines.
Please pray especially for our outreach teams in the Philippines. There will be four separate teams that will go out at different times. Esperanza is our full time team who does drama, testimonies, and preaching in various places including alongside some of the medical work. In addition the crew will form a drama team similar to Esperanza, |
a sports evangelism team, and a Jesus film team. Pray for the leaders of each group, boldness among team members, and a passion for evangelism
The Korean Wrap-Up As we prepare to finish our public relations tour, we look back at four ports of call and all that has happened since we left Seattle in the summer. There were disappointments: North Korea's cancellation, the rains of Inchon keeping people away, difficulty in technical and operational details. But there were many more encouragements: the churches that went far out of their way to bless us, Koreans who caught the vision of God's work through Mercy Ships and have made a commitment to it, and people who sought the Lord and found salvation. Please continue to pray for:
Flashback to Guinea I recently received a letter from one of the women we met on my DTS outreach. I was very moved to hear from her and would ask that you continue to pray for the Christians in Guinea. She and her brother are Christians but her family is of course Muslim. |
Since we left Peguetti she has suffered severe punishment and condemnation from her family. I praise God that He has protected her life and brought her vindication. Though it sounds in her letter as if she will soon be able to move to Gambia and marry a Christian man, I know that her struggle may continue. Please pray for her. I have also heard of other threats toward the precious Christians in Peguetti so I ask you to remember them and ask the Lord to release his power there.
CARIBBEAN MERCY SCHEDULE
Grace & peace, Deb |