October 2019 Newsletter
GOD’S PERFECT TIMING
Two days before leaving on our journey to bring SEA HOPE around to her home port, we received our 501 (c) 3 paperwork from the CLA! This simply means that the ministry of MY SEA HOPE, Inc. is now a stand alone entity. We thank the LORD for our home church, Antioch Missionary Baptist and Pastor Steve Loy for supporting us and the ministry during the initial start-up. Donations can now be written directly to “SEA HOPE” The “MY” in front of the ship’s name is the acronym for “Motor Yacht.” The 501 (c) 3 is effective back to application date, which was March 2019. Thank you for your prayers.
To God Be The Glory
The crew assembled in Seattle the week of August 19 and things were very busy making SEA HOPE ready for sea. My pastor Steve Loy flew to Seattle to check over the engines and more importantly hold a dedication service. Once all was ready, we departed on Monday August 26th. For some of the crew it was their first time at sea; for others it had been many years since they were last underway. This group of people the Lord put together bonded well, and overcame every challenge that arose. We faced issues such as debris in fuel lines to clogged toilets to keeping the air conditioning going to working on the water maker.
Through a collective effort we stayed on schedule. We made stops in Oregon, California, Mexico and Panama. Along the way we encountered fog, 8 to 10 feet swells, and some rain. We saw wondrous sights including beautiful sunsets, whales, sea lions, dolphins, sharks and other fish. We safely moored the boat Monday, October 7th at a boatyard in Alabama where the hull will be painted. The trip was finished ahead of schedule and under budget. All I can say is, “I stand amazed.” We sailed more miles in stronger seas than we will in a year of service in the Caribbean. This boat passed this shakedown cruise with flying colors. To God be the glory.
Mary and I would like to thank the transit crew, Cole Burge, Gina Duarte, Jay Edwards, Barney Hall, Nate Kibler, George Kindel, Billy Nelson, Frank Olafson, Kasarah Puryear, and Mike Wosnak, for your service to the LORD and helper of many! God bless you each one !!
In Panama we were visited by veteran missionary Jim Childress. He has been in Panama for 40 years and has done medical clinics using small boats with Operation Renewed Hope. He toured the boat and I asked him for advice on how to best use SEA HOPE. His feedback will help better prepare the boat for service on the field.
This trip was an amazing experience, but it is just the first step. We still need to raise financial support, do the final touch-ups, and seek the Lord’s guidance on how to best use this wonderful asset. SEA HOPE is a fine boat, but it is just a tool to help spread the Gospel. Please continue to pray for us. We go by the power of prayer....
