|
January 28, 2012 - Welcome Home Paul!!! Paul Edgar left Jan. 11, 2010 for two years to minister
with OM Ships International.OM Ships International (OMSI) exists to bring 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 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. The crew and staff of 500, including
professional seafarers, are all non-salaried volunteers. With over 70 different nationalities represented, the onboard communities
are 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 ships remain in port
for several weeks and open to thousands of visitors every day. Over one million visitors come on board each year to
browse the hallmark of the ships—a large floating book fair with 6,000 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, more than 40 million
people have visited the ships during more than 1,350 port visits in 158 nations. 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.
|
