Tag Archives: rest

Sabbath Week


“72 Kilograms of tinned tomatoes are the main ingredient in tonight’s dinner”. For one afternoon I volunteered to work in the galley – the ship’s kitchen. Food is cooked in large amounts and served buffet style to the ship’s crew, so amazing amounts of food such as 30 tins of tomatoes, giant boiling pots and power tools for mixing come in to play. The end result was pasta with tomato and meat sauce which the crew enjoyed – and nobody got sick!

Volunteering in the galley was my way of pitching in to give others some time off during Sabbath week on board Logos Hope. Every year, the ship’s crew takes a week out from our busy schedule to reflect, recharge and reconnect with God and with each other. Since the ship is closed to the public, those who work in events, book fair and office jobs will work in other departments to spread the load and give everyone some needed rest.

During this week I have really learned the value of forgiving and loving other people. We are a community of Christians from over 45 different nations working together to bring in the harvest. If we work as individuals we will ultimately fail in both our purpose and our example. I have identified people whom I have forgiven – the next step for me is to approach them and tell them.

A week’s rest (and how God used it)

“Are you really all volunteers” asked the museum curator, “Even the captain” I said. The man was simply amazed that so many people would volunteer two years or more of their lives to serve the people of Bermuda and of the world. He was delighted to see a Christian ministry that really responded to people’s needs.

But wait, wasn’t this articled called “A week’s rest”? Well yes. Upon my arrival in Hamilton, Bermuda my parents came to visit me. I welcomed them to my new home and showed them around. My Mum worked in the galley (the ship’s kitchen) helping prepare food for the crew, and my Dad worked with me in the Audio Visual team. It was great having them around, sharing meals together and giving them a taste of the life that I am living.

After a week of experience, I then took a week break from the ship. My parents and I stayed together at a local hotel and enjoyed some rest and relaxation – a long shower, a big bed, buffet breakfast – and some sightseeing. I really had fun that week and enjoyed reading from my favourite novel and reading more of the bible.

Of course along the way I met many friendly tourists and locals who would ask me which ship I came in on – tourism being primarally via cruise ships not via airoplane. This was an opportunity I often used to tell them that I was a crew member of the Logos Hope. For tourists I explained to them what the ship was about, and for the locals I answered more detailed questions like how long I was staying on board, and to all of them I could explain why I was serving on board, because of Jesus. It was amazing how many people I was able to chat to and plant a small seed of the gospel. I thank God for using me even on my holiday.