Open Ship

The ship has been open since we left Denmark in February. This means that everyday, but Monday, we allow guest and visitors to come on board. They come to visit the world's largest floating bookstore, to learn about the crew and the purpose of the ship, they can enjoy a refreshment in the International Cafe, and they have conversations with crew members. Through it all we have weaved the gospel. As they first come on deck 4, they sit in a mock-lifeboat and watch a video about life on our ship, and are asked the question: "Where do you place your hope?".
It's been encouraging to hear the stories of people lost, confused, depressed, and searching, who coming on board the ship and find a reason to live and that Jesus cares for them.



Last Saturday was our busiest day since the ship opened.... we welcomed 2,800 people in one day. And what's more amazing is that most of those people were just walking by on their way towards a beach. They have no church background and spontaneously decided to come and check out this big white ship sitting in their harbor. Altogether we have had 20,000 people visit the ship in the last 18 days while we have been in Scheveningen, Netherlands.
Tomorrow we sail to Scotland.. bright and early at 7:00 am.