2018 marked the start of a pioneering phase of ministry
in a region not visited by an OM ship for at least 15, and in some cases, 20 years.
Logos Hope made her first voyage to Latin America!
The vessel and her crew set out on a long awaited and much prayed for schedule
of visits to Mexico plus countries in Central and South America, not only to share knowledge, help and hope.
OM's Ship Ministry and OM Latin America were embarking on an unprecedented collaboration
a shared vision and clear direction from God to mobilise: to inspire and equip Latino Christians
to play their part in the Great Commission.
Only a few decades ago, the gospel had not spread throughout this region, but things have changed.
"Today we are talking about an average of 20% of Christians in the whole continent;
around 90 million Christians. Understand that we can be part of what God is doing in the rest of the world."
"So Latin American churches are excited,
they're realising that 'now is the time for us to send missionaries.'
Now Latin American churches received missionaries so far. But now church leaders and Christians
started to realise that, 'wow, this is the time for us to go and to share the gospel to the least reached.'"
Visiting fifteen ports in seven countries, from Mexico through Central and South America
this was a record-breaking year for Logos Hope!
Her busiest ever with more than a million Latinos climbing the gangways.
The vessel's running total of visitors since launching in 2009 passed seven million in Mexico
where a 30-year record for the ministry also fell,
as our bookfair saw the largest number of visitors in a single port.
Generous givers all around the world invested in Logos Hope's bookfair,
making it possible for us to restock with literature appropriate for this region.
"We've moved 60% of the English titles away and replaced them with Spanish titles.
But also with the crewmembers we've also had to train them in how to speak Spanish
so that they can share with the people."
Visitors to Logos Hope bought a total of 735,000 books in 2018,
which included almost 400,000 Christian books and Bibles.
71,000 people came to collaborative events held on the ship.
Crown Financial Ministries taught principles of godly stewardship at a series of conferences
for church leaders who may be new to supporting overseas workers.
Missions fairs invited various agencies to present the work they are doing
across the world, and Latin American Christians interested in praying, giving or going
connected with Operation Mobilisation's partner projects in areas least reached with the gospel.
"The parable when Jesus tells Peter to throw their nets on the other side
and the fish was so many that the nets were breaking.
In all honesty, this is what I feel like is happening right now in Latin America.
the response to God's mission and God's call is so overwhelming,
even for us, it feels like the nets are breaking. So it's beyond, certainly, our expectations,
which really encourages me tremendously."
"When that happened they have to call others to help them to take the nets
and that's exactly what is happening right now.
We have to call others because we see that we cannot do it alone.
Logos Hope's Help Ministries blessed 1,800 people with new reading glasses,
distributed 114 water buckets and almost 300 filters to communities without clean drinking water,
gave 272 children a pair of The Shoe That Grows
and the ship's volunteers gave training on and donated sewing machines
to promote skills that can produce an income.
On shore, our volunteers were embraced by the characteristically warm and joyful Latino spirit.
Our teams shared their hope in schools, orphanages, hospitals and prisons.
They joined church outreaches to homeless people and refugees
and ventured into more remote areas to connect with indigenous people.
Logos Hope made an historic first passage through the Panama Canal
transiting from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. An unforgettable adventure for our volunteers!
We praise God that more than 3,000 people have committed to pray for, and support, mission endeavours.
With a further 5,000 Latin American believers exploring how they might serve God overseas.
Some have already launched out and are now part of our ship's community!
We are so grateful for your support and we're only halfway through our tour of Latin America.
"I really have the sense that God is using the Latin Church as never before
and not only in Latin America, but also to the very ends of the earth."
In 2019, her tenth anniversary year, Logos Hope's crew will call in key ports in South America
to encourage more to join us in prayer, partnership and mobilisation to reach more with the gospel.
Join God in what He is doing!