Written by Felicia Coulter

 

“I never saw myself as a leader, but God had other plans.”

Clara* didn’t set out to lead but today, she’s equipping others to do just that. With a Dutch-Canadian father, German mother and a childhood spent abroad, Clara’s early life was shaped by a blend of cultures. “My passport was German, my accent Canadian, but my upbringing abroad, elsewhere,” she shares.

Yet it wasn’t her multicultural background alone that shaped her into the leader she is today. Life on board Doulos Hope with a crew from over 30 nations played a key role.

God’s leading

Clara first heard about OM’s Ships Ministry through her mother, a former Logos II crewmember. After university in the UK, Clara began praying about her future.

At a conference, a woman she’d never met prayed over her and said, “Get on the boat.” Clara was stunned. “She didn’t know anything about me, but I felt complete peace. I knew Doulos Hope was where God wanted me.”

Learning to lead

On board, Clara encountered leadership in a new light. “In such a multicultural crew, I realised leadership meant listening, learning and pointing others back to God,” she said.

“I did a basic leadership training course, which was really impactful because it focused on the biblical foundation of leadership. What truly sets you apart isn’t just your ability to lead, it’s your faith and how you live that out in your leadership.”

Clara transitioned into leadership within the bookfair team. Beginning as a bookfair crewmember, she now manages others and continues to develop her skills.

A heart for the least reached

Clara’s leadership journey extended beyond her team responsibilities; it has always been deeply personal. During a visit to Taiwan, Clara met a young woman struggling with her identity. Clara shared her story and gave her a book. Months later, the woman returned with a letter. “Thank you for the book. I’ve decided to live for Jesus.”

For Clara, it was a powerful reminder that leadership includes sharing hope and helping others discover their identity in Jesus. Now, she hopes to return to the UK to mobilise churches. “We are so privileged to have the Bible freely available. Who are we to keep that hope to ourselves?”

Help more leaders grow

OM’s Ships Ministry provides hands-on training where young people can grow in faith, develop leadership skills and serve across cultures.

Want to be further equipped too as part of that next generation of leaders? Check out how you can get on board today. 

 

*Name changed