Watching and Waiting
Sea Hope at her mooring in Puerto Del Rey Marina
Dear Friends of Sea Hope
SEA HOPE returned in early August to Puerto Del Rey Marina after carrying medical supplies to Emmanuel Medical Center in Haiti. Our mission then changed to one of watching the weather since we were in peak hurricane season. We were blessed this year as only one hurricane came near Puerto Rico and we did not have to evacuate since it passed on the other side of the island. None of the other Caribbean islands suffered damage as a result of storms, so we did not have to do any relief missions. It was hard to see the damage Hurricane Ian caused in Florida without us responding to it, but the water depth in southwest Florida really is not deep enough for SEA HOPE. In the US, we are blessed to be able to help each other via travel overland.
Haiti
In October we started planning an emergent trip to carry food to Haiti as we heard through Pastor Cherubin that the food situation there was really desperate. Within just a few days, he called to cancel the trip as the security situation deteriorated to the point it was just unsafe to go, and with a heavy heart we had to cancel the trip. Presently, we have a trip scheduled for Haiti in January with Medical Missions Outreach, but things will have to improve significantly before we can go. Please help us pray for our brothers and sisters there. There is a tremendous need but God will need to lead the way.
TWINS-update. Because of God's providential timing, they are thriving on the formular and new bottles! They also have clothes to wear to church. Thank you ! Pray for them, their mom and for the formular to last until a new supply can arrive.
During the Bible conference at Calvary, I had the privilege of taking 2 different groups to visit SEA HOPE.
Bible Conference - CBT Puerto Rico
In October, we were privileged to meet many island pastors at a Bible conference at Calvary Baptist. We look forward to working with these men as the Lord provides opportunities.
Maintenance & Upgrades
Mary and I spent our time doing upgrades, maintenance, and painting while we watched the weather. We also had help from our friends at Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, as well as some new friends that our Heavenly Father sent our way in HIS perfect timing. TO GOD BE THE GLORY !
Marina Update
While we remain moored at Puerto Del Rey, it is still tenuous. We were told last January that new construction on our present pier would necessitate our relocation to another marina. So far those plans haven’t materialized. Thank your for your continued prayers.
Need Crew Volunteers
We were blessed this year to execute two major missions delivering medical supplies and supporting a medical clinic plus a shipyard maintenance period. We had sufficient volunteer crew members for all three. But as we increase our missions, we will need more volunteers.
The main criteria you must have is a heart to serve. If you do, then there is a place on SEA HOPE for you.
A typical mission lasts from 10-14 days. A volunteer’s main cost is round trip air fare to/from Puerto Rico (on average about $500). We just do not have the funds to help with that. Beyond that, lodging and food are provided. A passport is required, and depending on our destination, a COVID vaccination might be needed. We will pair you with an experienced crew member to teach you what you need to know. As of now, we have 3 missions planned for 2023. I would love to have 2-3 new crew members on each trip. Please seek the Lord’s guidance about this. If interested, please email me at captain@myseahope.com. This includes ladies to help in galley (kitchen) and with ship's hospitality.
Tentative Medical Missions 2023
Jan 25-Feb 6
Jun 20-Jul 3
Sep 20- Oct 2
All dates are subject to change
Serving HIM Joyfully,
Buddy and Mary Puryear