CONTRIBUTED
LEFT: The 'Logos II'.
RIGHT: Annette Harris in an expressive mood on the 'Logos II' book ship.
Mark Dawes, Staff Reporter
IT HAS returned to Kingston, one of its favourite ports of call. The floating book store and Christian ministry, Logos II arrived here on February 10 and will be here until March 13.
The 110 metre-long Logos II, which was last here two years ago, is one of a trio of ships that engage in similar ministry. The others vessels are Doulos and Logos Hope. The ministry of these ships forms part of the global work of Operation Mobilisation an evangelical organisation devoted to spreading the Christian gospel, disaster relief, medical care and education. Operation Mobilisation operates in more than 100 countries.
The Logos II which arrived at the Caribbean Cement Company Pier in Rockfort last Saturday moved away from that area to make way for another vessel which needed to unload cargo. The Logos II will return to the pier on Wednesday, February 22. Until the Logos II returns to the pier, shoppers can purchase books at the Rockfort Mineral Bath in Kingston.
FOUR JAMAICANS
Among its crew of 200 persons, drawn from 45 nationalities, are four Jamaicans, one of whom is Annette Harris, who is a communications/public relations spokesperson for the vessel.
Miss Harris is a graduate of the University of the West Indies where she did a degree in management studies, with a minor in social psychology and human resource management.
A few months after she completed her studies a team from the Logos II visited her church, Fellowship Tabernacle in St. Andrew. She was intrigued with the reports they gave about doing cross-cultural ministry through seafaring.
She explained she sensed the promptings of God on her heart to get involved in such activities. So while the ship was still here, she filled out an application form to work on board and within five months she was a member of the crew.
The basic prerequisites, she explained for becoming a part of the crew of the OM sea going vessels are:
The candidate must be a follower of Jesus Christ.
The candidate must be active in his/her local church.
The candidate must raise his/her own financial support.
CONFERENCES
After one has been accepted for Logos II duties, one must attend a number of conferences on Christian missions as well as undergo what is called pre-ship training.
Typically, she said, employees of Logos II sign up for the seafaring mission for two years. The Logos II at this point is promoting a short-term experience as a member of the crew.
For three months, someone with the requisite qualifications can become part of Logos II. (More info on Logos II may be found at http://www.mvlogos2.org/).
Miss Harris explained that before any of the three ships makes a stop in a port, it sends out an advance team which liaises with local pastors and leaders of the Christian community to explore avenues for partnership.
This information is fed back to the ship's crew who will then tailor seminars, conferences, and other activities which are designed to address the felt needs of the locale they are visiting.
SEMINARS
When the public visits the ship, they are exposed not just to heavily-discounted books, but a range of forums (sometimes fun activities) for children, youth and adults. These seminars sometimes cover such topics as: discovering and living out one's spiritual giftings; creative ways of doing Christian missions; reaching your peer for Jesus.
Miss Harris said everywhere the Logos II goes it tends to receive a pleasant reception. European nations, however, are not quite as enthusiastic as African countries. She said, "Most non-Christians when they come on board can sense the difference, because the Holy Spirit is here. Some ports are not interested in Christian things and you will have just a few people coming on board.
In Africa the reception is good people flock to the ship. It is a spectacle. Few ships in the world allow the public to come on board just like that, especially in this post 9/11 situation.
Send feedback to mark.dawes@gleanerjm.com
