Florence, SC (PRWEB) March 01, 2012
Through the generosity of a partner of OM?s Ship Ministry, a 1 to 2 matching grant of up to $ 3 million US has been made available to keep Logos Hope sailing into the future.
Having recently celebrated three years of active service, OM?s flagship Logos Hope requires significant technical work to ensure the vessel can continue to bring knowledge, help and hope to the one million people that the Ship Ministry reaches on average every year. OM Ships International began in 1970 as part of the global Christian training and outreach movement, Operation Mobilization (OM) and is well-known for providing educational and Christian literature in ports around the world.
To enable completion of this critical work, over $ 8 million in funding is needed for this year?s planned dry-dock work and the Power Up Logos Hope project, which will replace two generators and the electrical switchboard on the ship in 2013, and install a heat recovery system. With more efficient machinery, and subsequent reductions in fuel costs, the project is expected to pay for itself within 5 to 10 years.
As a non-profit that relies largely on the gifts of many individuals and groups around the world, OM Ships International has a clear history of God?s faithful provision through the incredible generosity of many over the past 41 years of ministry.
?Millions of lives have been impacted tangibly as God has faithfully provided through His people and we thank God for the encouragement of this matching gift,? said OM Ships CEO Peter Nicoll. ?The urgency of our current situation forces us on our knees to continue to trust in His faithful provision.?
Since her launch from Denmark in 2009, Logos Hope has sailed over 40,000 nautical miles from Europe to the Caribbean, West Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore. Logos Hope is currently visiting the Philippines. Having completed a fruitful visit in Cebu with many lives impacted by God?s love, the vessel?s onboard floating book fair is currently open to the public in Manila with plans to sail to Subic Bay where the dry-dock will take place beginning in mid-April.
With significant expenses required for the dry-dock already adding up quickly, the need for funding is critical. This matching gift, which will provide an additional $ 1 for every $ 2 donated, is very timely and is effective immediately for all gifts designated to the dry-dock work or Power Up Logos Hope project. The challenge to raise the funds to be matched is no small one but this matching gift gives new momentum and it is hoped that the $ 6 million can be raised to make the full $ 9 million available before the end of 2012.
Logos Hope?s global impact is dependent on the financial partnership of individuals and churches around the world. To play a part in this special opportunity to impact lives through a unique ministry, please contact your local OM office or give online at http://www.omships.org/donate
For latest news, further information, port schedules and opportunities to participate visit http://www.omships.org
ABOUT OM SHIPS INTERNATIONAL
OM Ships International (OMSI) exists to transform lives by bringing knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world. OMSI pioneered the concept of using ships to transport literature, humanitarian aid and people resources. The organisation?s ships are well known for their work providing educational and Christian literature in ports around the world.
OMSI began in 1970 as part of the global Christian training and outreach movement, OM International. On board Logos Hope the crew and staff of 400, including professional seafarers, are all non-salaried volunteers. With over 45 different nationalities represented, the onboard community is a fascinating expression of cross-cultural living and understanding that reflect the church around the world. Crewmembers are unified by their faith and goal to share God?s love as they serve in port communities. The ship remains in port for several weeks and opens to thousands of visitors every day.
Over one million visitors come on board each year to browse the hallmark of the Ship Ministry?a large floating book fair with over 5,000 titles in stock, including books for university studies, professional and career interests, history, science, economics, language learning, hobbies, novels, children’s stories, biographies, dictionaries, atlases and a wide variety of Christian resources, including Bibles, study materials and books on Christian living.
The ships also bring aid and relief to needy people and places around the world. Crewmembers go ashore to provide medical aid, help construct schools, orphanages and homes, and give gifts of food, clothing and books. Teams also visit hospitals, orphanages and prisons to share God?s compassion and love.
Since 1970, over 42 million people have visited the ships during more than 1,400 port visits in over 150 nations. People from all walks of life, from presidents and prime ministers to street children and the homeless, have been welcomed on board.
OMSI?s operational costs are met by sponsorship of onboard personnel, general donations and gifts, reductions and waivers of fees by civic and port authorities, book sales, and corporate support in each port of call.
Logos Hope is operated on behalf of OMSI by GBA Ships e.V. (formerly Good Books for All), a private, non-profit, entity registered in Germany.
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