Pastors/Church Leaders Reception: One of our first receptions or events we hold in a country is one with the pastors and leaders of the local church. Following a time of refreshments and talking with the crew, we have a presentation of who we are and what we are planning for our time in their nation. This photo is one taken while we were giving them a tour of the ship. We have met with them early on during the assessment process, but this is a time to honor them and to request their assistance and partnership with us. I enjoy these times with those God has called to lead His people in the area.
m/v Anastasis
This is the ship I am on now – my last time as crew here was in spring ’91. Due to the delays with the Africa Mercy, we are using the Anastasis to start the outreach here in Ghana. The Anastasis has just finished up her second outreach in Liberia. This is a time of transition as many are leaving and others have come and more are to follow. Once the Africa Mercy arrives, we will move over and the Anastasis will be retired from her service which started in ’82 after renovations in Greece.
Map of Ghana
Ghana is located in West Africa – just west of Togo. I am in the Port of Tema – on the coast, last city listed on the right hand side. Near to Accra which is the capitol and where the international airport is located – which all of us will be using. We will be here till February ’07
Cabin 142 – B Deck
My cabin on the m/v Anastasis – larger than my cabin on the Caribbean Mercy. It is located on B deck, port(left) side and at the very back, just at the entry to the Crew Clinic. The cabin has good storage spaces, a telephone, port hole and a shared bathroom.
Buckingham Palace
We visited Buckingham Palace which is the official London residence of the sovereign – the Queen, and was first opened to the public in 1993. Entry to Buckingham Palace is via Ambassador’s Court on Buckingham Palace Road which we walked down following walking around in front of the palace, though we were there at the wrong time to be able to go inside..
Hillsong London Church
While visiting my friend Dalletta and her husband John who live west of London in Slough, we went to their church in the West End of London – Hillsong London. They have three services every Sunday at the Dominion Theatre with 2,500 people each service – lavishingly and energetically worshipping our Father God. I was able to spend the weekend with them and now John is no longer my friend’s husband, but a friend also.
Windsor Castle
While visiting a friend from my home church who now lives in England, we went to see ‘The Official Residences of the Queen’ – Windsor Castle. I particularly enjoyed visiting St. George’s Chapel and seeing all the artwork through out the Sate Apartments.
Worship and Praise on board
Worship and Praise from on board the Africa Mercy. Even though we are not living on board, we are having regular times of work on board and also times to gather to pray and offer worship and praise to God. This week during worship, I was looking out one of the large windows and in my mind I could see an urban area in Africa. I believe that was a gift from God to help during this interim period as we prepare to go. We want to keep our faith and focus on Jesus and the direction He has for us.
Angel of the North
A landmark sculpture with wide open arms greeting all those coming to Gateshead, the community where I am living now. She is 65 feet tall and 175 feet wide (almost as long as the wings of a jumbo jet).
York Minster
York Minster, the largest Gothic church north of the Alps. The word ‘minster’ means a place from which people go out to minister – to spread the word of God. Visited today with friends and participated in Holy Eucharist.