Heartbeat - January

Logos Hope’s visit to the UK in 2026

Where some people may see a large ship, God sees thousands of people. Hundreds of people from scores of countries and cultures live on board the ships serving as crew and staff - all are in God’s discipleship training programme. All are focused on the thousands of port visitors who come aboard. Many of these visitors meet Jesus for the first time - others are challenged to take serious steps forward as they learn about the needs of the 3 billion who still live within limited reach of the gospel.

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“From him the whole body […] grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Ephesians 4:16 

January 01

Remember the community life on board Logos Hope and Doulos Hope. Ask that all would experience a new level of unity and encouragement as they continue to find creative ways to support one another and share the Gospel with all they meet on board and ashore.

January 02

The teams planning the ships’ schedules need God’s insight and wisdom. Specific ports are planned many months ahead. General global locations are usually in mind some years in advance.

January 03

Pray for ongoing good relationships as Logos Hope comes to UK ports. Many hours are spent working through details and building significant connections with key personnel in each port region. Thank God that, in many cases, seeds sown in previous visits are still bearing good fruit.

January 04

Uphold Seelan Govender, CEO of OM’s Ship Ministry, based with his family at the ships’ office in Mosbach Germany, in prayer. Pray for his administrative and leadership abilities but, more importantly, ask that he will walk close to the Father and hear His voice as he gives spiritual leadership to the entire Ship Ministry.

January 05

Our ships’ Captains must not only be great mariners but they also help set the spiritual tone on board. Some are almost retired from a life at sea, others are just starting out. It is vital that dependence on the Lord is the paramount focus of life on board.

January 06

The Deck Officers have varied vital responsibilities on the ships including navigation, safety and security. They take care of everything that happens on deck, skilfully planning and completing safe departures, voyages and timely arrivals. Pray that they will have good respect for each other and work well as a team.

January 07

Some crew members may have their families on board Logos Hope. Children love the adventure of ship life and enjoy a rich education through the great teachers. Some weeks are like long geography lessons! Cover the lives of the teachers and school children with prayer.

January 08

The Chief Steward’s department is responsible for all the ‘living’ aspects of on board life: the acquisition and preparation of all food, the provision of suitable accommodation, the laundry facilities etc. Pray for the Baker and Chef and their teams.

January 09

Every year, a good number of short-term workers come on board. Some are filling gaps on the crew, but most are joining the various training programmes. Almost all come with strong prayer and financial support from their home churches and friends. Pray that these sending churches will be strengthened and encouraged in their world vision.

January 10

With the ships working in a large number of ports and cultures sometimes an opportunity opens for someone with little financial support to join. Give thanks that this can be a means of strengthening a small home fellowship. Praise God for our generous supporters who give specifically to cover these occasions.

January 11

Training lies at the heart of the ship ministry. Learning aspects of catering and accommodation services can sometimes provide opportunities after returning home for some to earn a living and provide for family. Deck and engine room skills have also transformed many lives after service and training on board.

January 12

As the ships’ departments meet regularly to pray and worship, ask that God would meet with them. May their eyes be lifted to see the King of Kings on His throne.

January 13

The Purser department has big responsibilities, especially when arriving and leaving port. Dealing with immigration and customs officers requires accuracy and sometimes diplomatic skill. Once the ship is ‘cleared’ crew and visitors can come and go. Pray for wisdom and attention to detail.

January 14

Pray for opportunities to share God’s transformative love as the purser does daily business with the shipping agent. These business meetings often create the right context for building relationships and explaining the personal outworking of the gospel.

January 15

Under normal circumstances it would not possible for visitors to enter a port area, much less go on board a ship. This makes our ships’ visits a big attraction for families, church groups and large numbers of curious sightseers. Pray that many will come, for what is often the transforming opportunity of a lifetime.

On board events have increasingly become a key part of ministry on our ships. They are designed to be a catalyst for believers to begin to live missionally towards least reached communities whether at home or around the world. Pray that many will discover their part to play in God's mission.

January 17

Many visitors will be directed to the bookfair, and it is often the biggest bookshop they have ever been in. There, they will have the opportunity to browse the large selection of Christian titles, bibles and the many other good books. Wherever possible, there is selection of titles in the local languages and at appropriate prices.

January 18

Bookfair staff are available to help answer a wide variety of visitors’ questions. Pray for this important relationship building activity. Visitors are usually fascinated by the many nationalities working in harmony, and gospel conversations come naturally.

January 19

Hard work goes on to keep the bookshelves stocked. Picking replacement titles is an ongoing task for the book hold team. Thank the Lord for the amazing book stocking system.

January 20

Pray for the ongoing cycle of getting millions of books and God’s Word into the hands of many thousands. It all starts at the central bulk purchase and restocking warehouse in Florence, South Carolina USA. The books are then transported via shipping containers to the ships’ book hold, and finally, arrive at the book fair display shelves and cash desks.

January 21

Thank God for the way He has used the ships and their international staff to bring many to faith and involvement in world missions over the last 54 years. We have seen many being called and trained for Christian service, as well as new churches and ministries being formed.

January 22

The Chief Engineer and their highly skilled men and women need our prayers. They keep the engines running efficiently and economically; and as they move the ships from port to port, keep the lights on, the air-con running and the fresh water in the taps.

January 23

Around the world, we are seeing less people choose a career that keeps them away from home. Uphold our staffing personnel in Mosbach as they recruit Christians from a diminishing pool. Ask the Lord for more Christian professionals to consider serving with OM Ships at sea.

January 24

Ask specifically for masters, mates, marine engineers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and welders. Pray that God would move in the hearts of Christian skilled workers, that they would be ready for an exciting and faith-filled life onboard.

January 25

The onboard ministry team oversees training programmes, contacts with churches, pastoral issues, corporate spiritual life and general member care. Pray for wisdom and strength as they carry-out all of these activities and responsibilities.

January 26

Plans for Logos Hope to visit to the UK were put on hold when Covid struck in 2020. What blessings does God have in store for the UK and its Christian community with the upcoming visit? Dare to pray big prayers.

January 27

Special prayer is needed for the local committees formed in each port that will be visited. We ask God that they will be people of prayer with strong faith who will help with local publicity and the many other aspects of a successful port visit.

January 28

A strong group of port volunteers is key to a smoothly running visit. Ask the Lord for a good variety of young and old who are ready to serve and be blessed.

January 29

Think of your friends, family and other contacts who do not yet know Jesus. Make a list, pray for them regularly and plan how you can use the ship’s visit as an opportunity to share with them. God uses time on board to make a big impact.

January 30

Uphold OM in the UK’s leaders, local churches and regional groups in prayer as they plan port visits with the Logos Hope teams. Pray that God would give them guidance and unity in all of the preparations.

January 31

Give thanks for all the youth organisations and partners who are joining with the Logos Hope visit to see growth and fruit in their own ministries. Ask that the Spirit-filled energy of life on board will be a big blessing to them.

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