VIDEO: Hajj 2011

This weekend is the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the pillars of Islam. Learn about the traditions of the Hajj observed on each day. Thanks for praying throughout the weekend for Muslims on the Hajj. You can print the prayer guide mentioned in the video (PDF) here.

ShipShots: Keeping it Safe

New crew members joining the OM ship Logos Hope receive crucial safety training.   

Climbing for freedom

OM team member Lori Degler is interviewed by a reporter in South Florida on the upcoming Freedom Climb in January, an event to raise funds and awareness for OM justice issues.  You can learn more at the Freedom Climb website. (NOTE: the video below begins with an ad.)

Tonight: Islam's Night of Power

Tonight Muslims honor Mohammed's reception of the Qur'an during what is called the Night of Power. It is a time to perform rituals but more importantly, make special requests of God. The Muslim's requests would be no different than anyone else's: prayers for provision, for safety, for families. But normally, Muslims do not go directly to God with these requests. This is a special night, a time of openness and seeking God's Power.

Please pray for Muslims tonight, that they would hear the voice of Jesus. Pray many would have dreams of Him and be drawn to learn more about Him in the Bible. Pray for believers who will be among Muslims tonight. Pray they will have opportunities to pray to Jesus with Muslim friends and colleagues. Pray for God's power to touch the Muslim world -- tonight, and for years to come.

VIDEO: George on The 700 Club

OM Founder George Verwer is interviewed on The 700 Club.

Prayer Shorts: A Church in the Desert

A video introduction to praying for the Arabian Peninsula.

"Just be."

A Roma (gypsy) child in Europe.

"About six months ago, I stood at the back of a chapel listening to a young man who is giving his life to serve God in missions,” said Melissa, a U.S. high school teacher. 

“He was challenging the high schoolers I work with to think about God's love propelling them to tell others. At least I think that is what he was talking about. It was hard to focus as God was having His own conversation with me. I heard God clearly speak to my heart that morning, ‘It's time to go.’ I had been waiting for those words for several years.”  As a missionary kid, Melissa’s heart had long been to be a full-time missionary. Since graduating from college six years ago, she has regularly asked God whether it was time to go. The answer has always been, “Not now, not for a while.” 

“I was shocked when I heard God’s summons to go that morning,” Melissa continued. “I was to go on a short-trip to the Roma gypsies this summer. When I asked Him what I was to do there, He answered that it wasn't about doing anything. ‘Just be,’ He said. I was so excited about this news. During my senior year of college, I had written a paper about the Roma people and had been praying for them ever since. So now it was time to go. I found OM's website advertising short-term trips for 2011 on Google. They had a trip going to Romania to work with the Roma people. When I read the tag line for it, I almost fell out of my seat, ‘Our goal is to just BE for the Roma people.’ Those were the exact words God had given me for the trip. The rest is history…”

ShipShots: Preparing the Way

It's a hectic job managing logistics for a Logos Hope visit.  Here, the Advance Preparation Team lines up details for the ship's time in Abu Dhabi. 

Creative ministry ideas at TeenStreet

As part of the TeenStreet conference in Germany this year, 2,000 teens hit the streets with:

Teens wait as a local man fills out a postcard; postage was paid by TeenStreet.

• drama
• music
• street dancing
• face-painting
• nail painting
• chatrooms
• prayer walking
• handing out roses 
• free postcards 

In partnership with the city of Offenburg, an attempt was even made to beat the record for Germany’s longest coffee table.  TeenStreet served 625 tables with coffee and cake provided by a local bakery and many encouraging conversations were started.

“We want Christians to be involved in society, making an impact by serving, being an example and sharing the love of God in practical ways," said Clarion Samuels of OM Germany, "Young people play a big part in changing society with the love of God.”

The City of Offenburg was so impressed by the event that they invited TeenStreet back to the city  for two more nights. It was not the world record that impressed the officials.  Clarion says, “They were impressed by the discipline and love the teenagers shared with other people and how they served the city. Through the teenagers of TeenStreet, locals have come to view teenagers in a new way.”

You can participate in creative ministries on a short-term mission trip.  See creative trips available here.

VIDEO: George waves to Logos Hope

OM founder George Verwer waves to crewmembers as Logos Hope leaves Dubai. Stay tuned as the ship pulls away to learn how to get a free book, to catch a glimpse of the world's tallest building, and to learn of a crucial need aboard the ship.

Prayer Shorts: Psalm 65:9-12

A scripture to pray over the Arabian Peninsula, Psalm 65:9-12 from the New Living Translation:

You take care of the earth and water it,
making it rich and fertile.

The river of God has plenty of water;
it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for You have ordered it so.

You drench the plowed ground with rain,
melting the clods and leveling the ridges.

You soften the earth with showers,
and bless its abundant crops.

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.

The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,
and the hillsides blossom with joy.

Psalm 65:9-12

Norway: Be anxious for nothing

An OM team member in Norway writes: 

"On July 22, Norway was shocked by a terrorist attack in the capital city of Oslo, where 77 people were killed. Slowly we have understood the extent of this catastrophe, and there have been strong reactions. Fear, anger, disbelief and shock are some of the expressions we see in the face of this unspeakable tragedy. In these difficult times, many are visiting churches and congregations to be closer to God, for fellowship and comfort. Many people have questions about life and death.

"The reactions of the Norwegian people in the days after the disaster show that the terror attack had a completely different effect than was intended. The terrorist failed in his attempt. When thousands of people go into the streets and stand united for peace and reconciliation, it shows clearly that good is much stronger than the evil that tries to destroy. The disaster has not only united our nation, but has put souls on fire. Never before have entire streets in Oslo been closed because of flowers. About 40,000 were expected to join the parade in memory of the victims, but close to 200,000 came. When so many stand together, we show the world that we are not afraid and we are not angry. "Sickness and death, terror and pain are a part of life. But for all those who follow Jesus, we are not alone.

Philippians 4:6 says, 'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus' (NKJV). "We do not respond evil for evil, but we fight evil with good. And this is also our prayer for the church, that with this love that God has shown us, we will win. Our thoughts go to all those affected and those who have lost someone in this tragedy. We pray for the Norwegian people and want to stand with them in every way."

Please join OM in prayer for the people of Norway.

ShipShots: Clean Ship

Behind the scenes of the OM ship Logos Hope with the Hotel Services Department, or "Angels" as they are known on board.  Their team keeps the ship clean.

 

VIDEO: Outreach at Transform 2011

Scenes from street outreach in Rome, Italy during Transform 2011. (Note OM founder George Verwer in his globe jacket beginning at 1:10.)

Be one of the first to learn about Transform 2012 by subscribing to the Transform blog. You could be in Rome next year along with your church or school group. And pray for teams still ministering throughout the Mediterranean right now.

Pilot helps pilot music ministry

Audiophile Chuck Oakley told his worship pastor,  “I know God has more for me than just being the resident recording engineer capturing the latest high school concert!” 

On that day 12 years ago, Chuck’s pastor said, “Call Frank Fortunato at OM. He just bought some recording equipment similar to what you use. See if he has anything to say.”  

Fortunato needed to return to Central Asia and deliver recording equipment to underground Christian musicians there. Without hesitation, Chuck offered to go in his place. He went and upon his return, Chuck Oakley helped Fortunato found Heart Sounds International, an OM partner ministry that empowers believers to create and record indigenous worship music.

Since then, Chuck has completed audio and video projects in several countries.  A Delta pilot by day, he still makes time to help direct Heart Sounds, allowing Fortunato to complete his doctoral work.  Chuck is an innovative leader actively building the Heart Sounds team.

Would you like to join him?  You can step out from behind your church sound board and become a field recording engineer through a two-week project.  These projects occasionally call for videographers and worship leaders.  Musicians can teach a workshop or host a songwriting event for local churches.  Learn more by telling Heart Sounds your interests and passions on their preliminary application. 

Crawling deep into their hearts

Mr. Suda, laughing with the church team.

They hardly knew any Japanese, but a church team from Singapore was in Japan to show God’s love with their acts of service.  As one OM worker writes, “what they could do in those few days were so limited, but I believe God has used them in an amazing way through their attitudes. With very little words, they could crawl deep into the hearts of many Japanese people.”

One of those people was Mr. Suda, whose house was being cleared of rubble by the church team.  For the first few days he was quiet, not offering a greeting for the team.  "At first I was so disappointed”, said one of the volunteers, “he didn't even bother to thank us, but then I realized my pride. Am I serving God or man? I also realized that my few days of hard work under the scorching sun, in the filthy smelly water, removing damaged house items from the owner's house, is nothing in comparison with what he has lost during the tsunami."

The next day, Mr. Suda greeted the team with a whispered thank you. On the last day, during an afternoon break, he sat with the team and began to talk.  They were able to explain their beliefs as Christians, and even pray for Mr. Suda and his neighbor.  By day’s end, he was not only smiling, but dancing and joking around with the team.

A team member said, "What we do is so little, just like drops in a bucket. But many drops make a pond, and many ponds make a flood."

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:10  

Please continue to pray for the people of Japan. You may also give toward OM’s work in Japan, and learn how you can go on a relief trip.  Thanks for your partnership.

ShipShots: Fire Drill in Malta

Logos Hope crewmembers work with local fire and rescue workers during a drill aboard ship.

Go on a discipleship journey in Africa

 

You can be part of a three-month trek through southern Africa as part of a discipleship team.  Team members will help serve the growing church there through various outreaches.   Learn more here.

You are needed in Japan.

Ready for a tough assignment? Help sort through rubble in one of the most devastated areas of Japan. Learn more about the trip here and pray about going.

ShipShots: Hope Night

Logos Hope crewmembers work backstage to present Hope Night to the ship's visitors.

"You people look like magicians"

Rebuilding continues in Pakistan after widespread flooding last year.  Mission Network News recently wrote about the efforts of groups committed to the rebuilding, including OM.  After a critical school building was spared, the principal was amazed at the speed with which the teams worked.  He said, "I am so impressed by the way these people are working. I cannot believe how they finished a few months' job in few days. If you had not been able to finish this, our army planned to occupy this in a few days' time. You people look like magicians; now you have a boundary wall, and the land is enclosed once more."  You can read the entire article at mnnonline.org.

Learn more about giving to relief work in Pakistan.

Prayer Shorts video: OMAN: Let it Rain

Praying for Oman, where many still have questions following a 2007 cyclone.

VIDEO: George Verwer in Hollywood

OM founder George Verwer introduces Dr. Ted Baehr, CEO of Movieguide. George will send you a free copy of Movieguide, to help you make better movie choices. The Movieguide Association highlights films with Christian values and family-friendly content.

ShipShots: New Crewmembers

Video featuring new members of the Logos Hope crew.

"Where were you when the tsunami hit?"

This man watched his home wash away in the tsunami.

One village where OM Japan is working had 100 houses before the tsunami hit. Only 12 remain now, and many villagers are still unaccounted for. One family lost their cousin, a fireman, during search and rescue. OM has been helping remove the foundation of their house, to make way for a temporary home the family will receive.

OM ministry leader Stephan Smithdorff writes,

One of the highlights of working side-by-side with these precious people, is to sit down during lunch and tea breaks with them and to listen to their stories. Our favorite question is: 'Where were you when the tsunami hit?' One elderly neighbor said he was at home, but he ran up the hill, and watched the waves wash away his house in front of his eyes. It must be hard to see all your possessions drifting away into the ocean.

One elderly lady kept on cursing the tsunami for ruining their lives, but as the days went by, she stopped cursing and started to thank us for coming to help, pleading with us to come back again.

While Ming Siew, one of our team members, took a prayer walk at sunrise, she was invited in by two brothers who have lost both their wives and all their children, except for one daughter. Two days later while some of us sat in a local public bath, the man sitting in the bathtub with us, was one of the brothers! Instead of us encouraging him, he kept on encouraging us in our volunteer work.

Slowly we can see relationships are expanding as we return to the same area week after week. Everyday brings another opportunity to pray for people and see God at work in the lives of our dear new friends. We stand amazed and humbled at the privilege to be part of what God is doing in Japan today.

Please continue to pray for the people of Japan.  You may give to OM's relief efforts here.

VIDEO: update on Pakistan floods

An encouraging look at the massive efforts undertaken by OM Pakistan since the flooding there last year. You can still give to the relief work there from the U.S. through the Pakistan Flood Relief page.

Praying for the world

OM founder George Verwer prays for the world.

Please join us in prayer. With earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, unrest in the Middle East, and nervous financial markets worldwide, we need more than ever to be united in prayer. We praise God that our OM teams are safe. The OM Japan team appreciates your prayers as they assess how best to serve their neighbors. To go beyond the news and hear how to pray for the spiritual needs of the nations, please see the OM Prayer Blog. You can subscribe and pray as updates are released. Thanks again for your prayers. Remember: "We are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28).

TODAY: 40 years of OM Ships

Over 42 million visitors have stepped aboard an OM ship since the ministry began 40 years ago today.  The ships take knowledge, help, and hope to ports worldwide and are a great introduction to the needs of the world for those on board.  Crew members serving two years are exposed to a variety of different cultures, both off and on the ship.  Pictured here is Logos, the first OM Ship.

Next  to join the fleet was Doulos.  Doulos is the Greek word for servant, an appropriate name for this vessel which was already 60 years old when it was acquired in 1977.  Before being retired at the end of 2010, Doulos was in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest active ocean-going passenger ship.

Joining Doulos and replacing Logos was Logos II.  Logos is the Greek term for  "word" in the New Testament, used by John to introduce Jesus as the Word to those in the Greek culture.   Logos II served from 1988-2008.

 
The most recent OM Ship, and the only one currently sailing, is Logos Hope.  It began active service in February 2009.  You can help keep Logos Hope sailing by purchasing fuel. Thanks for your partnership and prayers for Om Ships.

George Verwer: "Please don't pray..."

Straightforward George Verwer, founder of OM, has a word for you about Transform 2011.

ShipShots: Dentist Delight

Patients see Logos Hope dentists at Monrovia's Redemption Hospital.

VIDEO: scenes from India

A brief look around India which is being transformed from within through powerful indigenous ministries, such as schools for the persecuted Dalit people group, AIDS awareness, and outreaches to women. As a result of these efforts by OM partner ministries, one church is being planted every day in India. You can give to the work in India here.

Stories of Hope: Stainless

Hear the touching story of a young man who learned the gospel after having his teeth cleaned aboard the OM ship Logos Hope.

VIDEO: praying for Turkey

This video from CryOut offers many prayer points for the country and people of Turkey.

Pray for believers in Iraq

Christian families are being targeted in Iraq and dozens have been murdered. Right now around 500 families are moving to safer areas. This means leaving everything behind. Please pray strength and provision for these believers. Pray Jesus would touch the hearts of those persecuting them and that the violence would end. Ask God to comfort those who have lost family members in the violence. Thank you for praying.

ShipShots: Heavy Fuel Project

Logos Hope crewmembers give a behind-the-scenes look at a new project that will make the ship operate more cleanly and efficiently.

Mini-Documentary: Light the Lake

Learn more about the innovative ministries on and around Lake Tanganyika, the second-largest fresh water lake in the world. African Missionaries are being sent out all across their country and the church is growing rapidly as a result. You can support an African missionary here. Thank you.

VIDEO: Transform 2011

Gary Witherall, creator of the Transform movement, is featured here along with Pastor Buddy Hoffman as they prepare to welcome thousands of college students to Rome, Italy for Transform 2011.

Prayer Shorts video: Dubai

A prayer video from Cry Out for Dubai in United Arab Emirates. Thanks for praying.

One Year ago Today: Remembering Haiti

This time last year, the Haitian people were enduring a 7.0 earthquake that devastated their entire country. OM is still partnering with local churches and orphanages to help children and to provide a future for adults. Please consider an anniversary gift to continue OM's work in Haiti. You may give to this long-term outreach here. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Haiti Earthquake from OM USA Video on Vimeo.

ShipShots: Journey of Life

An exhibit aboard OM ship Logos Hope tells the story of the prodigal son to visitors.

George Verwer: 5 words on Operation World

OM founder George Verwer offers 5 words to sum up what the book Operation World has meant to his own ministry and prayer life. You can get your copy of the NEW Operation World at the OM USA bookstore.

Prayer Shorts video: Aleppo, Syria

Cry Out offers this prayer video for a city in Syria. Thanks for praying with us.

December International Update

Please pray through these stories from OM International Director Peter Maiden, including one about a voodoo priest who came to Christ.