Previously on "Lost"...
Sorry I didn't get this update posted last night. I was simply too beat to find my laptop for an hour and instead chose to get lost in sleep. Why so tired? The Logos Hope Jamaica Team had an extremely full day. Our respect for the crew continues to increase everyday based on the experiences we each are having. Here's what occurred...
The day started with a "Cherry Red" drill. Drills are a regular part of ship life - fire drills, man-overboard drills, etc. "Cherry Red" drills are basically an abandon ship drill when docked in port. While we knew the drill was coming, most of the crew did not. But we still managed to get the entire crew (except essential workers) out in less than 15 minutes, which they seemed very pleased with considering almost half the crew is new to the ship in the last 3 weeks.
Once the drill was complete and we could get back on board, our crowded schedules began. Andrew and Erin Boone each got to experience E-days (experience days). Erin's E-day was street evangelism in partnership with a local ministry down on the "Hip Strip" (the "tourist" section of Montego Bay). The ministry team set up a sound system to play music and perform dramas that would attract a crowd (which they did). Then the group split up into teams of two and headed out further into the streets. Unfortunately, Erin and her teammate, Pippa, got lost. Thankfully God provided two teenagers who helped them find their way back before the sun set.
The other Boone had a much different experience. Andrew headed out with a team to a local Bible School to encourage the students and staff, tell them about the ministry of the ship, and teach the Word to them. The preaching part got assigned to Andrew. Andrew had only a day to prepare, so he took a message on the life of David he had done not too long ago and tweaked it for this new audience. It went really well, he said.
While the Boone's headed out to the Jamaicans, Mark, Jay, and I stayed put and welcomed the Jamaicans on board. We got to experience what Andrew & Erin experienced yesterday in the book fair. We welcomed thousands on board yesterday, helped control the crowds, and then thanked them for coming. As you can see in the photo above, it would be very easy to get lost in the crowd and feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people in the book fair alone.
Here's how the fair works:
The ministry deck (Deck 4) can only hold 800 people. Once the deck is full, those arriving have to stand in "queue" outside. Once 100 people or so leave, another 100 are allowed on board. Those waiting in line are given water or can purchase snacks at extremely low costs. Some staff walk through the line talking with people and sharing their personal stories about their faith.
Once on board, people sit in a "lifeboat" to watch a video that talks about the Logos Hope. (You can see Mark in the left part of the photo.)
Then people are allowed into the book fair. Over 7000 titles are on hand, with about half-a-million books total on the ship. Books range from children's activity books to Bibles. Some books are simply for sharing knowledge since many countries don't have much access to educational materials. But many titles are by Christian authors who write about the hope we can have in Jesus. There are also some free magazines and other items that are given to those who visit the ship.
After purchasing their books, visitors then pass through to the ICafe (International Cafe'). Here they can watch a film that shares the gospel through personal stories, kids can enjoy a play area, snacks and drinks are available at extremely low costs, and tables are available for people to sit and chat with crew from the Logos Hope. (Andrew spent some time yesterday evening chatting with people in the ICafe'.)
After enjoying some ice cream or popcorn, people then make their way out of the ship. Mark worked the exit in the morning, and I worked it in the afternoon. (I think the guy in the photo is wondering why I have such short hair - good thing it was me and not Mark at the exit at that time!)
On top of the people visiting the book fair, thousands of school children enjoy theatrical performances and programs by some of the crew members each day. Here in Montego Bay, thousands more school children have shown up than ever anticipated. It's a great problem to have!
While Jay, Mark, and I worked with the public, Kandy worked behind the scenes. She enjoyed a day in the "galley," the food preparation area of the ship. Over 1500 meals are served up every day, and Kandy said after watching all the work that goes into meal prep, her respect of those "lost behind the scenes" has increased to a new high!
After such a busy day of dealing with crowds, food prep, preaching, and getting lost, the evening ended with Prayer Night. Every Thursday, the crew of the Logos Hope gather to pray for the ship's ministry, one another, and God's work around the world. It was a great way to end a very tiring day (it felt really good to sit down!).
With thousands of people coming on the ship daily, some of whom are angry about waiting in line in the hot sun, it can be easy to just view the people as masses to be moved through as quickly as possible. But as I stopped to snap a picture of the crowd in the "lifeboat" waiting for the intro video to start, three school girls wanted their picture specifically taken. It was such a great reminder to me that the crowds are made up of individuals who bear the image of God and matter to Him. Logos Hope doesn't want to see just "people" reached for Christ - they want to see each person who comes on the ship reached for Christ. Those who are living apart from Christ among the masses are lost in the crowd. But Logos Hope is trying to help "find" them. And it was an honor to be part of this for one day.
Coming up next for your LHJV Team...
- Today it is Kandy's turn to be lost in the crowds in the bookfair. Pray for strength for her.
- Andrew and Jay get their turn in the engine room. I'm hoping to go find them here in a little bit to capture some photos that I can send out tonight or tomorrow.
- Erin Boone is in the galley, helping with food prep.
- And Mark and I get our "E-day" experiences. Mark is helping some in the ICafe', then he heads out with a team to do a school assembly.
- I, on the other hand, get to see what the other Erin experienced yesterday (I hope to skip the "lost" part of her adventure). I'll be out late, which is why I have time this morning to type this up. Pray that we have good interactions with people on the streets and have opportunities to tell people about the hope we have in Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment