Oldest Passenger Ship Lands in Singapore

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 Posted: 7:39:17PM HKT

The oldest, commissioned passenger ship has disembarked in Singapore.

This is the 17th trip of the Doulos to the city-state in its 33 years of water-borne travel worldwide, according to the website dedicated to the two ministry ships – with Logos Hope – owned by Operation Mobilisation.

Both ships travel around the world bringing knowledge, help, and hope through its literature ministry, programmes, staff and volunteers.

The ships offer floating book fairs with over 6,000 titles, including books for studies, professional and career interests, individual development and personal growth.

For many people, the ship fairs represent their first ever opportunity to purchase good quality literature at a fraction of its retail value. Those without the means to study have learned vital skills and enhanced their lives.

For visitors, opportunities to meet the crew, representing over 40 nations, provide insights into the wider world, while interactive programmes offer fresh perspectives on living in a multi-cultural society.

For volunteer crew, time on board the ships provides a chance to experience countries and cultures for themselves, as well as opportunities to learn valuable skills for the future.

Crew members make themselves available to help the communities they visit on their journey. This may take the form of donating supplies, building a house, or offering a listening ear. The ships seek not just to alleviate immediate needs but to also bring long-term change in each community.

In addition, the volunteer crew seeks to tell of how a relationship with God has transformed their lives, to share with others the message that instills hope and purpose. They do this with the greatest respect for and sensitivity towards the culture of the community hosting the ship.

Thus far, the ship ministry has welcomed nearly 40 million people from 158 countries and territories on board since 1970. The ships have made a total of more than 1,350 ports of all.

More than five million people have attended conferences and other events on board, and over ten million children have visited the ships and experienced the unique environment on board. Around 10,000 young people have been trained on the ships for future life and service. Hundreds of tones of books have been donated.

The first time Doulos landed in Singapore was on 8 July, 1987. Built in 1914 by a U.S. shipbuilding company, it is the oldest passenger ship according to the Guiness Book of World Records.

Nathanael Ng
nathanael@christianpost.com