I just wanted everyone to know my new e-mail address. I will still have my Hotmail address, but I won't be able to access it as frequently. The fasted way to email me is: jessica.edwards@mvlogos2.org
This will be filtered through the ships server, so please do not send any attachments. I won't be able to open them.
If you want to send me pictures, send them to my Hotmail account, but I won't be able to download unless I'm using an internet provider from shore. Please feel free to pass this along to anyone who might want my email address.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Intro to Life on Board
My cabin is number B210, my roommate's name is Jin Suk (Korea) and I am a cleaning angel. On Sept 15th PST Cuxhaven joined the crew of the LOGOS II. It’s been an amazing week. We learned our jobs, joined a “family” group, and sailed to a new port. The only sad thing is that on Monday 47 members of our crew will leave and join the LOGOS HOPE in Croatia. This is a good and bad thing. Good, because the more hands working on the HOPE the sooner she can sail. Bad, because we just started meeting one another and now so many are leaving.
Our memory verse this week is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you declare the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you and plans to give you hope and a future.” There are so many changes happening with the ships and OM, it’s a good reminder. We may have the future figured out for ourselves, but really it is God who has final say about our plans.
OM has been waiting 5 years to launch the new ship, LOGOS HOPE, and every step of the way has been met with delays or unexpected repairs. With our team joining the launch it may be only 6 weeks until the HOPE joins us in Germany. Please remember the HOPE, her crew, and her finances in your prayers.
I’m really excited about my job on board. I work in accommodations, but I’m happy to report I haven’t had to clean any toilets yet!!! All the girls that work in accommodation are referred to as the “Cleaning Angels”. They clean the toilets, showers, vacuum, and all the house keeping. But God is good and has already given me a promotion.
My title on board is “Laundry Queen”. I’m responsible for the laundry of the entire crew, all 200 of them. I wash, dry and fold all the personal clothes, uniforms, work clothes for deck and engine, bedding, towels, table linens, etc… Today I did 15 loads before noon and then another 15 after lunch. I get one or two people to help me with the folding each day and I get Saturdays and Sundays off.
Besides my new job, I also joined a new “family”. Everyone on board is part of a ship “family”. It’s a small group of 8-12 people and you get together to celebrate birthdays, special events and pray for one another. A couple, a “mom and dad”, usually heads the family and everyone else are “brothers and sisters”. I’m part of the Carnell Family, and have a “single father”, Andrew (Australia). This evening we had a going away party for one my “brothers” Zach (USA- Georgia). He will be leaving with the HOPE people. The others in my family are: Nari (Spain), Isabel & Udu (PNG), Suhir (Sudan), Patrick (Germany) and Lisa (Germany).
Tomorrow will be a hard day; I say good-bye to my two closest friends here, Grace (USA-Kansas) and Marjan (Belgium) are leaving to go to the HOPE. I’ve been with them since DeBron. I’m looking forward to the new friends God is going to have me meet. Without the comfort of the entire PST here, it will force me out of my comfort zone and truly into a new community.
Please pray for the safety of those heading to Croatia; it’s a 24-hour bus ride! Also pray for the growth of unity among the crew left behind in Kiel.
Our memory verse this week is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you declare the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you and plans to give you hope and a future.” There are so many changes happening with the ships and OM, it’s a good reminder. We may have the future figured out for ourselves, but really it is God who has final say about our plans.
OM has been waiting 5 years to launch the new ship, LOGOS HOPE, and every step of the way has been met with delays or unexpected repairs. With our team joining the launch it may be only 6 weeks until the HOPE joins us in Germany. Please remember the HOPE, her crew, and her finances in your prayers.
I’m really excited about my job on board. I work in accommodations, but I’m happy to report I haven’t had to clean any toilets yet!!! All the girls that work in accommodation are referred to as the “Cleaning Angels”. They clean the toilets, showers, vacuum, and all the house keeping. But God is good and has already given me a promotion.
My title on board is “Laundry Queen”. I’m responsible for the laundry of the entire crew, all 200 of them. I wash, dry and fold all the personal clothes, uniforms, work clothes for deck and engine, bedding, towels, table linens, etc… Today I did 15 loads before noon and then another 15 after lunch. I get one or two people to help me with the folding each day and I get Saturdays and Sundays off.
Besides my new job, I also joined a new “family”. Everyone on board is part of a ship “family”. It’s a small group of 8-12 people and you get together to celebrate birthdays, special events and pray for one another. A couple, a “mom and dad”, usually heads the family and everyone else are “brothers and sisters”. I’m part of the Carnell Family, and have a “single father”, Andrew (Australia). This evening we had a going away party for one my “brothers” Zach (USA- Georgia). He will be leaving with the HOPE people. The others in my family are: Nari (Spain), Isabel & Udu (PNG), Suhir (Sudan), Patrick (Germany) and Lisa (Germany).
Tomorrow will be a hard day; I say good-bye to my two closest friends here, Grace (USA-Kansas) and Marjan (Belgium) are leaving to go to the HOPE. I’ve been with them since DeBron. I’m looking forward to the new friends God is going to have me meet. Without the comfort of the entire PST here, it will force me out of my comfort zone and truly into a new community.
Please pray for the safety of those heading to Croatia; it’s a 24-hour bus ride! Also pray for the growth of unity among the crew left behind in Kiel.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Safety Training and Pool Day
Words will never begin to explain how cold the water was the day we had our Safety of Life at Sea practical training day: cold, freezing, bitter, chilly, arctic, 15 degrees Celsius. If you are good at conversions then you realize that equals about 59 degrees Fahrenheit. It had been raining for two days before we headed for the saltwater pool next to the North Sea. The Lord heard our prayer for sunlight and the morning of the big swim the rain stopped. Bundled in layers, this was the day we would practice life saving techniques in the water.
Entering the water in jeans and long sleeves the first thing I noticed was the bite of the water. After a couple minutes I lost sensation in my extremities and the water became tolerable. We practiced floating and using our clothes to keep us buoyant. Then we got out of the water to practice putting on the lifejacket. It’s when I got out of the water that I begin to shiver. Pins and needles pulsated in my feet and legs, and I also lost control of my grip. Hypothermia was becoming a reality for most of us in my group. We jumped back into the frigid water, this time with our lifejackets on and practiced huddling techniques. Body heat is an amazing thing which you never really appreciate until it’s taken from you.
Over all I was in the water for about two hours. Getting out of the water was as bad as getting in. There were several of us who took advantage of the thermal suits and survival bags to warm our cores. They were teaching us in class that the number one thing needed to survive is “a will to survive”. That’s something that is easily taught and easy to say, but
after being in that glacial water many of us agreed that the warmth of heaven was looking a lot more tempting then staying there. We all survived and there was hot chocolate, chicken noodle soup and fresh French fries waiting for us after our hot showers. Unfortunately, because my hands shook and shivered so much drinking it was almost impossible. I couldn’t bring the cup close enough to my lips to sip without it spilling or jumping out of the cup.
Orange is a good visible color.
PST Cuxhaven
PST Cuxhaven is our new name. PST stands for Pre-Ship Training and Cuxhaven is the port where we joined the ship. There are 46 of us from around the world joining the crew of the LOGOS II in Germany. The plan right now, is to be aboard her for about 6 weeks, then leave her for our new home the LOGOS HOPE.
Our pre-ship training has been filled with get to know you time, as well as practical training about safety and first-aid. I’m one of four Americans; there are also people from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Finland, Switzerland, Australia, Antigua, New Zealand, Korea, Sudan, Papua New Guinea and Albania.
My most challenging day so far has been Ministry Training Day. Yep, that’s code for mime! I don’t care much for acting, especially when you are imagining the scene. We learned a wordless play, about choosing God or the devil and what happens when you don’t pick one or the other. By the end of
the day I was having a better attitude and we learned a Scottish dance. I enjoyed the dance.
We recently visited the LOGOS II and were given a tour of ship and the different departments we can choose to work in. Everyone greeted us on deck waving flags and yelling for us!
I can’t wait to find out what my job on board will be. I have a “big sister” on board to show me the ropes, her name is Celina and she is from Brazil. She has been on board for a year and works in the program department, setting up conferences.
I’ll let you all know what my job is on board and more about the Hope when I write again.
Thanks for your prayers.
Joy Always.
Our pre-ship training has been filled with get to know you time, as well as practical training about safety and first-aid. I’m one of four Americans; there are also people from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Finland, Switzerland, Australia, Antigua, New Zealand, Korea, Sudan, Papua New Guinea and Albania.
My most challenging day so far has been Ministry Training Day. Yep, that’s code for mime! I don’t care much for acting, especially when you are imagining the scene. We learned a wordless play, about choosing God or the devil and what happens when you don’t pick one or the other. By the end of
the day I was having a better attitude and we learned a Scottish dance. I enjoyed the dance.
We recently visited the LOGOS II and were given a tour of ship and the different departments we can choose to work in. Everyone greeted us on deck waving flags and yelling for us!
I can’t wait to find out what my job on board will be. I have a “big sister” on board to show me the ropes, her name is Celina and she is from Brazil. She has been on board for a year and works in the program department, setting up conferences.
I’ll let you all know what my job is on board and more about the Hope when I write again.
Thanks for your prayers.
Joy Always.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
My time in de Bron
With over 300 believers from around the world, singing together, praising together and growing together, this week has been unbelievable. Here, with so many languages and cultures represented it’s thrilling to know we all serve the same Lord. My time in de Bron is coming to an end and on Saturday 38 of us will travel by bus to a small town in Germany for our pre-ship training.
I’ve received some emails wanting to know more about what we are learning in our seminars and who I’ve met. Our days are packed with bible studies, seminars about travel safety, cross cultural experiences and personal growth. I look most forward to our morning Bible Studies. We have been looking at the book of Ephesians. Everyday we tackle another core value of OM; glorifying God, loving others, grace and integrity, submission, and serving sacrificially, to name a few.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
We also break into smaller groups known as Fellowship groups, this is a time for us to time to reflect, share and pray together. The picture below is of my fellowship group: Hannah, Saphire, Grace, Louise and of course me. We are all from the states; three of us are heading to the HOPE, one to the DOULOS, and one to Paris.
On Saturday we were honored to have George Verwer, the founder of OM, speak to us. The topic for the evening was prayer, especially for nations that are lost and striving for hope. One of the nations that God laid on my heart to pray about was Libya. Did you know that there are 5.5 million people in the Libya and only 25 believers!! Please take some time to lift up the nation of Libya in your prayers today, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” Matthew 9:28.
We had some free time on Sunday, so I adventures into the nearby. The “dutchies” love their bikes. Just make sure to get out of the way if you hear the bell behind you. I took some pictures of the scenery.
Thank you for your prayers and encouraging e-mails. Please pray for safety as we travel, and an ongoing growth of team unity. I look forward to sharing with you more stories in the future. We have been informed, however, that we will have no Internet connection while we are at our ship training. This means it may take a while for me to post and respond to emails.
Joy Always.
I’ve received some emails wanting to know more about what we are learning in our seminars and who I’ve met. Our days are packed with bible studies, seminars about travel safety, cross cultural experiences and personal growth. I look most forward to our morning Bible Studies. We have been looking at the book of Ephesians. Everyday we tackle another core value of OM; glorifying God, loving others, grace and integrity, submission, and serving sacrificially, to name a few.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
We also break into smaller groups known as Fellowship groups, this is a time for us to time to reflect, share and pray together. The picture below is of my fellowship group: Hannah, Saphire, Grace, Louise and of course me. We are all from the states; three of us are heading to the HOPE, one to the DOULOS, and one to Paris.
On Saturday we were honored to have George Verwer, the founder of OM, speak to us. The topic for the evening was prayer, especially for nations that are lost and striving for hope. One of the nations that God laid on my heart to pray about was Libya. Did you know that there are 5.5 million people in the Libya and only 25 believers!! Please take some time to lift up the nation of Libya in your prayers today, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” Matthew 9:28.
We had some free time on Sunday, so I adventures into the nearby. The “dutchies” love their bikes. Just make sure to get out of the way if you hear the bell behind you. I took some pictures of the scenery.
Thank you for your prayers and encouraging e-mails. Please pray for safety as we travel, and an ongoing growth of team unity. I look forward to sharing with you more stories in the future. We have been informed, however, that we will have no Internet connection while we are at our ship training. This means it may take a while for me to post and respond to emails.
Joy Always.
Friday, August 24, 2007
DeBron
I made it to the Netherlands early Tuesday morning, and I was ready for bed as soon as my head hit the pillow at nine that night. I can't believe it's already Friday, where does the time go?
Along with me there are about 300 other missionaries reading to leave for their OM fields. I've met a couple of people that will be joining me on the HOPE. It's exciting to be with some many other nationalities.
I know that many of you are anxious to hear where I am going and what I'll be doing. I have a couple answers for you. After we leave this conference all those people that are joining the HOPE are being bussed to Germany for more training. That will be mostly Sea Survival stuff, how to put on a life jacket, how to use a fire extinguisher, how to abandon ship and how to right a life boat that it upside down. After two weeks we will then join the LOGOS II and do ministry along the north coast of Germany. Of course plans can change so don't be surprised if in the future I let you know something completely different. While on board the LOGOS II, I'll find out what my job will be and we remain on board until the HOPE meets up there. Once the HOPE is ready we will all move over to her and help with the final touches of re-fit. Then set sail!!
I hope this answered some of your questions. Please feel free to leave comments. Have a great day!
Along with me there are about 300 other missionaries reading to leave for their OM fields. I've met a couple of people that will be joining me on the HOPE. It's exciting to be with some many other nationalities.
I know that many of you are anxious to hear where I am going and what I'll be doing. I have a couple answers for you. After we leave this conference all those people that are joining the HOPE are being bussed to Germany for more training. That will be mostly Sea Survival stuff, how to put on a life jacket, how to use a fire extinguisher, how to abandon ship and how to right a life boat that it upside down. After two weeks we will then join the LOGOS II and do ministry along the north coast of Germany. Of course plans can change so don't be surprised if in the future I let you know something completely different. While on board the LOGOS II, I'll find out what my job will be and we remain on board until the HOPE meets up there. Once the HOPE is ready we will all move over to her and help with the final touches of re-fit. Then set sail!!
I hope this answered some of your questions. Please feel free to leave comments. Have a great day!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Good-Byes
I just wanted to thank everyone who could come to my "bon voyage" party. It's been so encouraging to know I have so many people praying for me. I look forward to sharing so many stories with you all.
I keep telling myslef that I'm not going to miss anyone, it's only two years, I've been away before, but then I realize...this is going to be two years!! So much changes in that time. I'm excited to see the changes in everyone lives when I return. And also be able to look at my life and see all the changes God has made in me.
Please keep in touch, write lots of e-mails or snail mails. Keep me updated in you're lives as well. As you are praying for me, know that I am praying for you too!
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16
Just some things to know about mail,the ship (Logos Hope) that I will be living and working on for two years may possibly be going to some countries that are hostile towards Christianity, it is VERY IMPORTANT for none of the e-mails I send or receive to say anything explicitly about Operation Mobilization and the Logos Hope ministry being connected with missions or evangelism. Using these phrases could jeopardize OM’s ministry opportunities in these areas. Also, besides avoiding the words “mission” and “evangelism,” there are other key words or phrases that would be good to re-word, such as using the phrase “Good Word” for the Bible or saying “Our Father” instead of “God.” It will be challenging to learn “creative vocabulary,” but I would not want to be detrimental to OM’s ministry.
Also, snail mail can be mailed to the address below.
Jessica Edwards
LOGOS HOPE
Alte Neckarelzer Str. 2
D-4821 Mosbach, Germany
Once it is recieved in Germany they will send it to the port where the ship will be. It may take a month or more for a letter to get to me. To find out other specifications regarding mail, you can go to: http://www.logoshope.org/
Again, thanks to everyone that was able to to stop by the party. You will be missed. As soon as I find out what and where I'll be in the future I'll let you know. Please pray for safe travels to the Netherlands, and good team-building and productive training.
I keep telling myslef that I'm not going to miss anyone, it's only two years, I've been away before, but then I realize...this is going to be two years!! So much changes in that time. I'm excited to see the changes in everyone lives when I return. And also be able to look at my life and see all the changes God has made in me.
Please keep in touch, write lots of e-mails or snail mails. Keep me updated in you're lives as well. As you are praying for me, know that I am praying for you too!
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16
Just some things to know about mail,the ship (Logos Hope) that I will be living and working on for two years may possibly be going to some countries that are hostile towards Christianity, it is VERY IMPORTANT for none of the e-mails I send or receive to say anything explicitly about Operation Mobilization and the Logos Hope ministry being connected with missions or evangelism. Using these phrases could jeopardize OM’s ministry opportunities in these areas. Also, besides avoiding the words “mission” and “evangelism,” there are other key words or phrases that would be good to re-word, such as using the phrase “Good Word” for the Bible or saying “Our Father” instead of “God.” It will be challenging to learn “creative vocabulary,” but I would not want to be detrimental to OM’s ministry.
Also, snail mail can be mailed to the address below.
Jessica Edwards
LOGOS HOPE
Alte Neckarelzer Str. 2
D-4821 Mosbach, Germany
Once it is recieved in Germany they will send it to the port where the ship will be. It may take a month or more for a letter to get to me. To find out other specifications regarding mail, you can go to: http://www.logoshope.org/
Again, thanks to everyone that was able to to stop by the party. You will be missed. As soon as I find out what and where I'll be in the future I'll let you know. Please pray for safe travels to the Netherlands, and good team-building and productive training.
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