Port:Harmac West
Crew: 23 Filipino
Names of Ship Missionaries: Gary & Gina Steele, Cecilia Lorenzo
Result: 7 gathered to hear the gospel
Items taken on & given out: 23 ball caps, 23 Canadian flag pins, 70 gospel tracts
We arrived at the ship around 5:45 and checked through both dock and then ship security. This is Cecilia’s first ship visit and since it was Harmac West she completed her visitor safety training course to get access to the mill. Upon clearing deck security we went to the crew mess and met the seafarers who invited us to have dinner with them. We gladly accepted as this is a great way to get to know them and also to just visit for a while. They appreciate someone new coming on the ship and gladly talk about their family, position on the ship, etc.
As dinner was finished we turned the conversation to spiritual matters, asking them a question from the book of Hebrews: “ So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary” Hebrews 6:18-19. So, we asked them about their security of salvation and where their hope lies. They could not answer this as Catholicism offers no solid hope of salvation for them. We all three took turns sharing personal testimonies and the gospel message. They were very attentive to our message and we finished by praying for their protection as they travel, safety on the ship, and their families back home.
After taking pictures some of the crew, including the captain, walked us to the gangplank and thanked us for the visit. This is a very good sign that what we said had an impact on them. The captain also said that they would be returning to Nanaimo in October. Praise God for a good visit and please pray for them to read the materials in their gifts, and for the Holy Spirit to minister to them.
Report submitted by: Gary
