My day on board the YWAM medical ship starts with morning devotions with the crew. I enjoy leading songs on my guitar or ukulele and sometimes get the opportunity to teach from scripture. This time of worship sets a positive tone as we prepare for the day ahead.
Afterward, I jump into the logistical side of ship life, scheduling specialized technicians for essential maintenance and sourcing marine parts through emails and phone calls. Having worked a few years in the engineering industry has been a huge help to me in tracking down the right kinds of parts.
Lunchtime offers a welcome break with a hearty meal of rice and chicken or spam, often followed by a quick nap to recharge. The afternoon typically involves running errands to pick up requested items from the First Mate or Chief Engineer. We go to workshops, local hardware stores, and many other shops to find what we need. Finding things in Papua New Guinea is not straight forward. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt; I am often redirected to three or four different locations before collecting the items I need.
Evenings are filled with camaraderie as we gather for dinner, sharing stories and laughter. As the day winds down, I enjoy playing board games with friends, engaging in meaningful conversation, or reflecting through journaling and reading. One night a week we have an extended time of prayer and worship. That is often the best night of the week! It's pretty cramped living on this ship, but we have a great community and find ways to keep it fun, lively, and glorifying to Jesus!
I'm not on the "front lines" of ministry at the moment. But helping this medical ship get ready to sail and bring the gospel to isolated people groups in Papua New Guinea is a really cool way for me to use my career skill for the glory of Jesus.