Hello 2019
And just like that our first four months in missions with YWAM have come to their close. We could not be more thankful for your integral part of our journey. Here is a little summary of what God has been doing through our partnership and where we are heading next!
The Story So Far…
Throughout the past four months we have been leaders in YWAM’s School of Navigation and Seamanship (SONS). This program is designed to bring someone of no maritime experience, to a level of competency known as a “Deck Hand”. More than just certification, our purpose is to use ships to bring healthcare and the gospel to unreached coastal and island people groups. As well as training, our students are discipled in their relationship with God and challenged to use their new skills for the expansion of his kingdom.
How Did our Students Do?
All 6 of our students successfully graduated the course and 4 are immediately putting their new skills to use in our extended YWAM Ship Equipped community. Annelie (Quebec) is now in the Marshall Islands on board s/v Cloud Nine crewing inter-island sails for community development teams. Katie (California) is headed for Australia aboard the s/v Ruach sailing into Papua New Guinea for healthcare outreaches. Joseph (Hawaii) lives in Kona and is taking charge of the Makana training vessel until July. Sharon (Netherlands), with her husband Matt, and Captain Ann are developing their next SONS in Kona as well as future Maritime Studies courses.
Looking Ahead
We have quite a bit in store over the next year as we transition from working with YWAM Ships to YWAM Southlands. These organizations share a heart to know God and to make Him known, yet practically implement it in different ways. 2019 can also be broken down into 2 locations: New Zealand, and Australia.
Tauranga, New Zealand
Yes, we are currently in New Zealand! After praying for a place to go between Christmas and mid-January, we were invited by Captain Ann to join her in Tauranga NZ to take over the role of Designated Person Ashore (DPA) for the m/v Liberty (YWAM’s largest medical vessel) while the current DPA is on leave. This required role handles all real-time legal and safety issues on the ship allowing outreaches to continue in Papua New Guinea. While in Kona, Tanner wrote a new course for YWAM’s Maritime Academy. We hope to continue to expand these courses and make way for new ones to begin here in New Zealand; multiplying the ship ministry and its impact globally.
Adelaide, Australia
On January 18th we arrive at our longest assignment yet. YWAM Southlands Adelaide is a small base that works mainly in community development. The base is located in the suburb of Elizabeth; one of Australia’s largest welfare-dependent communities. It is home to 5th generation drug, alcohol, and domestic abuse victims. However, it is God’s heart to redeem this gloomy image and YWAM Adelaide is a part of that story. They use homeless shelter programs, church plants, and multiple youth centers to involve the local church, build relationships, and share the hope found in Jesus. We get to be a part of this movement for 1 year all while Melinda continues her business degree studies.
