THE ADVENTURES ON THE PACIFIC HOPE - MARINE REACH! DAY 1

Jared and his Bounty of Buccaneers

 

Anchors away…

Saturday 2016 1:00 pm

So today is the day. The bags are packed and precisely on time we are picked up from the house on our way to the boat… or should I say ship. For the Pacific Hope is not a boat but rather a ship, ocean going, ship shape and ready for the adventure set before her. The boat is a refurbished Japanese government fisheries vessel. Later in her life she served as a passenger ship although that was short lived and then after resting for a couple of years at anchor she was purchased by Marine Reach, a division of YWAM (“Youth with a Mission”) international, the Christian organization that recruits young people from around the world to have their first taste of missions and international assistance.

After being showed us to our berth and orientated us to the ship and her amenities we met with Captain Roger, an older man who serves the Lord aboard this ship. He joined the Pacific Hope after being the captain of a fishing vessel out of New Zealand.  He is quiet spoken but exhibits the confidence that is vital to complete his duties aboard; a man who is comfortable with his responsibilities and just as comfortable instructing you of yours. It is good to have Captain Roger at the helm.

As I settled down in the staff gathering room where the crew gathers for meetings, eating and just enjoying each others company, today, five ladies from four different countries sit and enjoy their coffee and conversation, while in another section six young people from around the world are laughing and talking. Ni-Vanuatu, Fijians, Aussies, Canadians and Americans as well as others from around the world are sitting on the floor, or on the wall-mounted sofas. Laughter and fun seems to the norm along with a quiet excitement as moment-by-moment more tenders arrive carrying with them even more crew, doctors, dentists and volunteers who are joining us on this voyage.

Christian, a young man from New Zealand, is sitting playing his guitar quietly in the corner providing subtle background music to the room; which somehow rounds out this, my first experience with the crew, leaving me with a quiet peace, and confidence. All seems to be in good order and well prepared for all that the Lord has in store for us in the days ahead.

Julie and I have joined the crew today on the invitation of Jared Waipouri, the Port Vila based Advance Planning Coordinator. After the invitation it was with Julie’s interest and encouragement that I find myself aboard. Julie has wanted to sail with the Pacific Hope for a while and although this experience is certainly one that is way outside her comfort zone, she has stepped over her fears and concerns and climbed aboard into the adventure that waits for her. Lord bless her as she ventures for God and follows His lead.

Jared, our host, is a shorter man (Look who is the pot calling the kettle black!) whose personality does not match his stature. He is larger than life, able to mix comfortably and easily with businessmen, and government officials as with Young People who join the crew from YWAM. His quiet, demeanor combined with his quick wit provides him an ease of communication that takes away any nervousness that any new crew-member might have. His relaxed attitude hides his awareness and control of all that is aboard and all that is about to happen.

As I sit here listening to the hum of the generators, and listen to the laughter and conversations, I notice two young men praying together. In these and many other ways, I am reminded that God has brought this company together for His will and for His glory and He the one who will care for each of us in the days ahead.

So the crew is loaded and settling in, friendships are renewed, others started and God has begun the process of bringing His will into clear focus. Enough typing, time to grab a coffee, join the fun… after we have our orientation.  ALL ASHORE WHO IS GOING ASHORE!

Photo Credits to Sharney Chapman.