George Verwer at Biblica warehouse with FREE books!

OM founder George Verwer visits the Georgia book warehouse of the newly formed Biblica organization and makes a discovery.

transition

Almost nine months to the day after the maiden voyage of Logos Hope, the decision was made for Doulos to retire early. Although saddened and surprised, the crew on Logos Hope have an overall sense that God is doing something. After unexpected challenges in Barbados, including rough seas, the Logos Hope crew entered their annual week of rest during which they learned the fate of their sister ship. These experiences have caused them to face the reality of serving on a ship, bringing them to a deeper appreciation of doing so as they head toward Guyana. Logos Hope Director Gian Walser summed up the week saying, “I believe Guyana will be a fantastic ministry port; at the same time our hearts go out to the Doulos community.”

Live at Eddie's Attic: All the Things You Are

OM Arts song leader Jon Simpson took his music to an open mic night in Atlanta. Learn how you can use your own art to reach others.

Saying Goodbye to Doulos

Peter Nicoll, CEO of OM Ships International, talks about the sudden end of OM's ship Doulos.

Decommisioning Doulos: Questions & Answers

Doulos in Singapore drydock

What has happened?

While Doulos has been undergoing her annual period of dry dock and maintenance in Singapore, the ship’s classification society (RINA) has been conducting a ‘special survey’ of the ship’s structure, machinery and systems, which takes place every five years. This survey has identified a significant number of additional works to be completed. No extension of time has been given to do this work while the ship continues to operate.

What does this mean?

The additional work would have to start right away, since the surveyors have confirmed that they will not issue new certificates for the ship until this work has been completed. The present certificates run out on Dec 31, 2009.

How much work would have to be done, how long would it take, and how much would it cost?

Quite a number of work projects have been identified, but the primary one is replacing sections of steel on the main deck. An initial quote has been received from the shipyard in Singapore where Doulos has been in dry dock. This, together with other additional costs, would be well over fourteen million dollars. The work would take at least five months and, because of other commitments, this yard could not even start the work until September 2010.

Why can you not do the works needed?

The OM Ships executive leadership team and board believes that it is not appropriate to invest resources of this scale into the ship, since Doulos would have a limited ministry future.

Is this a surprise or did you see this coming?

Yes, this is a surprise. We expected that the ship would be able to sail until at least September 2010, with the hope for longer. Out technical team has been working towards this five-year ‘special survey’ for some time. The ship has passed many such inspections, but work to keep the ship compliant with marine regulations is continual. Additionally, a new set of ‘Safety of Life at Sea’ (SOLAS) regulations applying to all passenger ships with more than 36 passengers is due to come into effect in October 2010. Meeting these new requirements would have meant huge investment in the ship to remove all remaining non-fireproof construction materials.

What events led up to this point?

Earlier this year, we reached agreement with the Malta Maritime Authority that we could add our ‘staff’ to the official ‘crew list’, and change the ship’s ‘class’ to that of a passenger ship with fewer than 36 passengers. This would have allowed the ship to continue to sail beyond October 2010. Our technical personnel then commissioned a comprehensive assessment of the ship’s construction to see what work would be needed to sail the ship beyond that date. This revealed significant work needing to be done in a number of areas, including replacement of steel in sections of the ship’s main deck. The surveys in Singapore have confirmed this, and early indications were that the ship would be able to sail until the end of September 2010, as long as conditions would be met. It is only in the last week that it has become clear what these conditions are.

Does OM Ships have a contingency plan for this?

Work had been going on for many months to identify the issues and establish the options for the ship not being able to sail beyond September 2010. Things have moved very quickly now and we are responding to the reality that the ship will need to be decommissioned much sooner than anyone expected. Initial plans are coming together and these will continue to be developed and implemented over the coming days and weeks.

What are the next steps?

The people on board are our top priority and our personnel team is already responding to manage the issues and help people work out their next steps.

We want to communicate as clearly as possible and provide regular communication updates as new information becomes available.

Our technical team is working with the marine authorities and making plans to decommission the vessel.

We are looking at the possibility of chartering a ship in the interim.

What will happen to Doulos now?

The ship will remain in Singapore, alongside and/or at anchor until the end of December. Meanwhile, a group will investigate possible options for the vessel, including discussion with ship preservation groups, since Doulos is unique and registered in the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s oldest ocean-going passenger ship’.

What will happen to the ship after Dec 31?

Options include changing the vessel class and obtaining a single voyage certificate for a smaller group of essential crew to sail the ship to a port for handover to a new owner.

What about all those on board and how many are they?

There are around 300 people on board at this point, including singles, couples and families. Our Personnel team on board intends to interview every individual on board over the next weeks, and look together with them at the best options for them. We are also appointing pastoral support to deal with the emotional issues that many of them will be facing. At this stage the future options could include a number of different scenarios such as relocating to a chartered vessel as an interim replacement for Doulos, relocating to another OM field, or returning home.

Who should family members and representatives of sending churches be in touch with?

First and foremost with their relative or church member on board directly, but also with the OM office in their country.

What about the future ports on the schedule?

All future ports on the schedule will have to be cancelled. The team responsible for schedule planning and port preparations will be in communication with government authorities and other partners in these ports. Line-up teams already in place will bring their work to a close and leave.

What about friends, family who were planning to visit the ship in one of those ports?

Planned visits to the ship in these ports will no longer be possible and we regret these visits will have to be cancelled. Due to the uncertainty of the ship’s location and whether access for visitors will be possible, we would advise against making plans to travel to the ship in Singapore. Staying on board will not be possible.

Where can I get regular updates and information about next steps?

Detailed information will be available at www.omships.org/doulosupdates and we encourage you to visit this special section of the site frequently. Please also contact your local OM office for help and advice.

How can I/we help you financially?

You can give to the Doulos Replacement Ministry fund. Thank you for your generosity and partnership.

Will OM replace Doulos?

The board has expressed their commitment to continuing to operate two ships. Initial work was already under way to consider options for replacing Doulos, believing that the ship would not be able to sail for many more years. The executive leadership team and the board are considering all interim and longer-term options to continue as a two-ship ministry into the future, in close cooperation with our OM partners around the world.

Who should I ask if I have a question?

There are many unanswered questions right now. For parents, crew and staff, home offices, sending churches, partners, supporters etc, we have set up a special email account for questions and to ask for advice.

Where is our faith in all of this?

Although the sudden end of the Doulos ministry has come as a surprise to us, we know that God is in control. We would ask our partners around the world to pray with us as we seek His plan for the future. We are confident of the Lord’s sovereignty and grace at this time.

Doulos Ministry Coming to an End

The ministry of OM’s ship Doulos will come to an end on December 31, 2009.

Doulos is the world’s oldest ocean-going passenger ship, now 95 years old, with the hull built in 1914, just two years after Titanic. In spite of the year-round maintenance that has taken place, the amount of steel replacement and other repairs needed for her to continue sailing are overwhelming. The ship is presently in Singapore and has been undergoing the annual period of drydock and surveys.

Chief Executive Officer of OM Ships International, Peter Nicoll, said, “The outcome of this is that Doulos will not be able to continue in ministry. This is not what any of us wanted and has serious consequences for everyone on board, those about to join, and ports we planned to visit. We have been praying that God would use this five-year ‘special survey’ to give us a clear picture of the way forward for Doulos, and He has done that.”

The well-being of the 280 crew and staff onboard is of paramount importance. Each person will receive the guidance and support they need to decide what their next steps should be.

CEO Peter Nicoll stated, “We recognize God’s faithfulness through these 32 years of wonderful service of the ‘servant’—Doulos—as an outstanding OM ministry, through more than 600 port visits in over 100 countries. Many lives have been transformed, both visitors and those who have served on board.

We are also deeply grateful to our partners around the world who have supported the ship in ministry through the years. Please continue to pray with us as we work on present challenges and seek the Lord for the future.

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

In less than 60 days from now a revolution will begin across the U.S. An epidemic of gargantuan proportions will be unleashed across our land. It will be a grass-roots, word-of-mouth outbreak infecting tens of thousands of people.



Beginning in mid January in 170+ locations around the country, thousands of churches and hundreds of campus ministries will team up with the objective of raising up World Changers!

Go to perspectives.org and type in your zip code to find a class near you.

dancing worship: "Mighty Spirit"

OM Arts member Jon Simpson was a guest performer for two Refuge Dance Company concerts called "Stories". Here he performs a song called "Mighty Spirit".

You can use your talent to help expand God's kingdom. Find a short-term dance trip here.

Go to the Passion Conference in January

See what's offered: who will be speaking and leading worship in Atlanta January 2-5:

Future of the Dalits: a featured outreach at 2010 Passion Conference

In January, thousands of college students from all over the world will worship together in Atlanta as part of the 2010 Passion Conference. OM USA will be there to meet with participants as they begin to explore possibilities for ministry and mission. Also, one of the ministries of OM India will be featured as a possible outlet for students to sow into financially. Passion wants 2500 students to give $30 each to get an education center built for the Dalit people in India. Dalit, pronounced "Dah-LEET", actually means "untouchable"; Dalits are considered the lowest part of India's caste system and suffer great oppression and persecution.

But there is hope. Thanks to OM India, the first Dalit high school graduation was held last spring. More centers are needed so more Dalit children can experience the freedom and dignity education allows. Please pray one of these centers will be funded through the efforts of the Passion Conference.

Video: the heart of Mozambique

See what the Lord is doing in Mozambique. Then pray about going to Africa short-term.

Follow OM USA Prayer

OM USA does not have a typical corporate structure. Instead, it is divided into four departments: Pray, Go, Give, and Grow. The latter is where we minister to our own missionaries. The other three are areas through which American believers can get involved in global mission.

The Pray Department has incredible resources for prayer, both within and outside of OM. You can have access to these through the OM USA Prayer pages on both Facebook and Twitter.

We also welcome you to pray for the people and places on the OM photo blog. These represent relationships formed by OM teams throughout the world. Thanks for your ministry of prayer.

New worship music by Jon Simpson: "Offering"

OM Arts song leader Jon Simpson presented his new song "Offering" at a recent concert for Refuge Dance Company called "Stories." Learn more about Jon's music.

a string of divine appointments

An OM team visiting a school in northern Namibia met one of the teachers, Uzhera, who had recently taken over care of her five-year-old niece Kauko. With tears in her eyes, Uzhera told the team that it was difficult to raise Kauko because the girl had been born deaf. When the child would cry, Uzhera had no way to communicate with her and understand her needs.

That same evening, team leader Paul prayed for this desperate need. The next day, God provided. The team learned that Johan, one of the local guides that accompanied the team, knew sign language because his parents were deaf. For two days Johan spent time with Uzhera, teaching her the alphabet in sign language. But he knew his time was short there and that Uzhera would need a reference to fall back on after he left. He noticed another team member carried a flip chart so he asked her to draw the signs on the chart. This was no coincidence. God had clearly told her to buy these specific sheets of paper in the States before she left. She obeyed, not knowing how valuable that decision would be.

The team then learned that another guide had been praying for a young man in his twenties who was also deaf. Now he and young Kauko learn sign language together from Uzhera, who has since surrendered her life to the Lord! Join this team in praising God for his foreknowledge and provision during this outreach. And continue to remember all the people affected by these events.

You can go to Africa as part of Transform 2010. Pray about going.

George Verwer on London TV

Tom Chacko, host of the TalkGod TV show in London, is presented with a globe jacket by his longtime friend (and OM founder) George Verwer. Both men urge us to pray for Christian television worldwide.

A video tour of Greece

OM Greece team members discuss changes in Greek culture. You can go to Greece as part of Transform 2010.

Hear powerful mission speakers, get a free book for you, and shop for Christmas

The World Mission Conference continues at First Baptist Atlanta, home of Dr. Charles Stanley. OM's largest book table display of the year is set up near the rotunda and is offering select titles for free. Stop by the book tables during these times:

4-9 pm TONIGHT:
(Note: Dr. Stanley is NOT speaking tonight, Wednesday)
Start with dinner at the International Food Bazaar from 5-6:30 pm in Faith Hall. Then hear from two of FBC Atlanta's missionaries and end the evening with international desserts at the mission display tables. Make sure you browse OM books. Inflatable globes and globe jackets will also be available.

8:30 am-1:30 pm Sunday:
Dr. Charles Stanley preaching
Hear Dr. Stanley's message on missions at either 9 or 10:45 am. Hear missionaries in Sunday School classes during either hour. And finish your Christmas shopping early. OM prices are often less than retail and proceeds benefit mission work around the world.

We look forward to seeing you there! Here are directions to the church. For more information on scheduling see the FBC World Mission Conference calendar.

Transform 2010: Get off the couch

Leader of Transform 2010 Gary Witherall has a message for those interested in the Middle East:

a mission heart: it's in the genes

Sheila Slocum came to OM to help women like herself. Women hurt by abuse. Though she was called to missions as a child, Sheila turned from her faith in her twenties. She returned to the Lord later in life and was soon drawn back to missions, through an OM speaker visiting her church.

Almost a decade later, she began her own time with OM as a cook in Belgium. She thought, "I don't like cooking but I'll do anything for Jesus". She served in a couple of different roles before finding her current niche, ministering to hurting women. Sheila travels to OM fields to talk with OM members. She is also an OM speaker, just like the one God used to direct her own life all those years ago. She says of her talks, "I just tell my story," which includes a difficult past of rape and abuse. And then the women begin to tell their own stories, often for the first time. Sheila says that many women keep these hurts secret their whole lives, either out of fear or perceived guilt. But Sheila's openness allows them to speak freely and that's when she gets to step into her favorite part of her job: listening. She knows that talking through these issues allows women to walk in freedom and Sheila says, "When women walk in freedom, they are free to serve".

The joy that Sheila gets from her work is infectious. Not only does it affect the women she ministers to but it has been an inspiration to her granddaughter Bekah as well. Sheila took her aboard the OM ship Doulos when Bekah turned 16 and Bekah fell in love with life on the ship. She is joining the crew next year. Bekah finished school with a degree in psychology so not only is she following in Sheila's footsteps to OM but may also follow her into a counseling ministry, too.

Sheila has since taken Bekah's younger sister to Switzerland on her 16th birthday, and the girls' younger brother will likely go on an OM-related trip when he turns 16. It is becoming a family tradition, one that may wind up impacting the kingdom for generations to come.

Would you like to hear more of Sheila's story? Have her speak to your women's group. Contact the OM Speakers Bureau.