Ships Ministry Launches Newest, Largest Vessel to Date

By Eric Young, Christian Post Reporter Monday, February 23, 2009

The newest and largest vessel of OM Ships International was officially launched into service last week, departing from Denmark to ports in Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, among others.

"[A] great day has arrived in the history of OM Ships and, I believe, in the history of OM," announced Peter Maiden, coordinator Operation Mobilization (OM) International. "It is both encouraging and challenging to think of the huge number of people who will meet with God on this vessel or through teams sent from this vessel in the years to come."

OM Ships, a ministry on OM that supplies aid, resources, and community care as its ships travel around the world, has sent its ships to over 450 different ports in over 150 countries and territories and welcomed 37 million visitors on board since 1970. The ships also serve as floating book fairs, offering over 6,000 titles in educational and Christian literature.

The organization's newest vessel, Logos Hope, launched into service on Thursday following a massive conversion and outfitting process that began after its purchase in 2004. Large enough to carry 500 people, Logos Hope is OM's largest ship ever and replaces Logos II, a vessel that had served with OM for 20 years before retiring in July 2008.

"We recognize that we would not be where we are today without the great efforts of skilled people — often accomplished 'behind the scenes' and with much sweat, pain and difficulty," said Logos Hope Project Director Lloyd Nicholas of Australia.

"We are grateful for their perseverance, patience and prayer in the face of many challenges. Their work has been a tremendous expression of personal faith and courage," he added. "Looking to the future, the investment made will result in millions of people experiencing the grace and love of God."

Logos Hope's first schedule includes a short visit to Gothenburg, Sweden, followed by two ports in the Netherlands. The ship will also visit ports in the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands and Ireland, before setting sail for the West Indies, where Logos II – the ship Logos Hope replaces – was well known and much loved as "the book ship."

"This is a huge milestone and represents a great step forward in the fulfilment of our vision to impact the life of every visitor," said OM Ships CEO Bernd Guelker.

"The launch of Logos Hope moves us a step closer to 'touching everyone in a million,'" he added.

Individuals, churches, trusts and other community groups have so far donated over $33.5 million and OM Ships is requesting for a final boost in donations to help complete remaining projects and cover ongoing operating costs.

"Momentum is building as Logos Hope sails," said Logos Hope Director Mike Hey. "We still have some more work to do to complete the project but we are thankful for the opportunities in the coming ports to welcome people into the unique Logos Hope experience and see the potential of this vessel develop."

According to the ministry, the Logos Hope is still in need of further outfitting in the 450-seat Hope Theater among other works. The remaining projects will be ongoing over the first months of Logos Hope's ministry service.