It all come down to this

Every Tuesday or Thursday, depending on which days we work during the week we have about a half hour devotional with the galley and dining room ship crew and day crew members. We are read the most recent announcements and then someone will share a Bible passage, their testimony or an experience that they have had how God has worked in their lives. This past Tuesday twenty two of us were gathered and we represented ten different countries: Benin, New Zealand, the USA, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Cameroon, Congo, Germany, Lithuania, and Liberia. It is a humbling experience to share in fellowship with people from so many different places all loving and serving the same God. God is working in the lives of all of his children and it is a privilege to be a part of it in this unique environment.

I have had the opportunity to visit with several people and share our faith journeys. What has impacted me the most is how grateful the African day crew have been that someone would actually take the time to sit and chat about God, one on one with them. We share our thoughts, what our faith means to us, and how we can better serve this mission God has entrusted us with. I don't think I had ever been thanked before for just sitting over a cup of coffee during a break, talking about God and praying for each other. People are hungry for the Word. It is our joy and for the glory of God that we get these opportunities no matter where we are in the world, the mission field is everywhere.

Yes, we serve hundreds of meals, wash thousands of dishes, sweep, mop and clean up for the crew that treats the patients and keeps the Africa Mercy running. But to be able to share our faith and listen to someone else's story, and pray with them, this is what the mission is all about. The relationships we make that help grow the Kingdom of  God and deepen my own faith and understanding. This is a most incredible privilege.

This is Jolita from Lithuania.

This is Glorie from the Congo.

This is Grace and Babin from the Congo.

Yes, I really do work with Grace and Glorie!

It will be hard to say goodbye to these friends in a couple of weeks and I would ask that you keep them in your prayers that they would be able to find jobs.

This is a very busy time for the ship as we get ready to sail to Gran Canaria. Please pray for strength, patience and a safe journey.

Well, I thought I was going to add more to the blog before we left the Congo. But right now we have been at sea for six days. WOW              rolls.

                                            this      really

                                                ship

It is a most incredible thing to be out on the ocean, no land in sight. I spend most of my free time just standing on the bow and gazing at the wonder of it all.

This has been such a blessing, thank you all for your prayers, support and love.

Serving with Joy,

Martha