Philippines :: Doulos Hope crew, volunteers and partners give thanks during her visit to the Philippines.
For many around the world, this season is a focused one of thankfulness, where Jesus followers take more time to gather in different ways and give thanks to God for his goodness and ever-enduring love (Psalm 107:1).
For Kay (South Africa), her desire to share this love was what saw her step on board not only as a visitor to the ships, but as a long-term crewmember.
“I visited one of the ships in South Africa and it was incredibly inspiring to see people sharing God’s love worldwide. I said to myself, ‘Wow! Look at these people doing amazing things!’ and now I’m on the flip side — I’m one of those people... and I can’t be more thankful for the opportunity.”
In this season of thanksgiving and as 2024 comes to a close, we look back and share reflections of thankfulness from our volunteers, partners and church leaders. We are grateful for the opportunities both they and our Doulos Hope crew have enjoyed during her time in the Philippines!
Thankful to Grow
Siblings Nichol and Jean Marc have been Doulos Hope volunteers in every Philippine port this year, travelling great lengths to do so. “This is our sixth port serving as port volunteers,” Nichol shared. “This isn’t just work – it’s a character-building experience."
Despite never having flown on a plane before, the siblings continued to follow the ship when she docked in Palawan and Cebu, Philippines.
Jean Marc shared, “At home, I only read about His Word. But on the ship, I can apply everything I’ve read. God supports me and fills my heart with compassion, making me want to serve again and again.”
Nichol added, “My faith was stretched with all the unexpected things. He is teaching all of us – we’re all under construction. That’s why I’m so thankful that God used this ship to rekindle my heart to serve others and love them as myself (Matthew 22:39)."
Give thanks with us for our willing port volunteers and how God is working in their lives!
Thankful to Work in Unity
While Doulos Hope was docked in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, the crew welcomed local partner organisation Ethnos Training Centre. Its leaders, staff, students and pupils came to experience the ship and held events on board to connect with other local churches.
Ethnos team leader, Mark Joseph Ibale shared, “Doulos Hope was like a magnet, drawing us together for one united purpose.... Churches from the mountains to the city came to visit us! [The] lukewarm connections [we had] with them are now relationships [that] will [continue].
“We’re also grateful for the privilege [we had] to experience... how the ship works and how we serve together with diverse Jesus followers..."
Give thanks with us for the opportunities God provides to serve, both alongside and with like-minded organisations and partners like YOU across the world!
Thankful to Encourage One Another
In Palawan, Philippines, several crewmembers from Doulos Hope joined with a local church to hold youth programmes for children and teens. There they met Youth Pastor, Eman Lao.
"I’m tasked to connect our school and church together," he shared. "But it’s challenging because the students are busy and spiritually passive. Plus, it’s difficult to reach 500 students alone," he said. "But when Doulos Hope came, we were energised again!
“I didn’t grow up with Sunday School in church... With these new tools, I feel like I can do so much more for the kids.
“Trying to restart our youth fellowship was a struggle for me this year," he continued, "but the ship’s collaboration with us gave me a jumpstart... It’s amazing to work with the same mind and spirit!"
Give thanks with us for the opportunity to encourage one another in service!
For more updates from the ships, click here.