Lonnie Curl, Pastor of Lamb's Chapel in Florence, SC, accompanied one of his church members, Onni Hytti, on a recent visit to Logos Hope. An OM Ships' technical manager, Onni was there on ship's business.

They flew into Antigua in order to board the ship before she set sail for St. Kitt. When the customs official asked Lonnie the purpose of his visit, he replied "To visit the Logos Hope ship." The lady said, "I know that ship! I wanted to go myself but I haven't had a chance." Explaining that the ship would soon be leaving Antigua, Lonnie encouraged her to come that afternoon when her shift was over.

In the taxi driving to the port, the friendly driver asked, "Why are you here?" Lonnie answered, "To visit the Logos Hope." The driver said, "Oh, I have been to the ship myself two times and bought some books!"

Once on board, the two split up. While Onni was working with technical systems and personnel, Lonnie was also working: one day in the Book Hold, one day in the Book Fair, and one day in the International Cafe. Whether unloading crates, stocking shelves or pouring coffee, he enjoyed getting to know some crewmembers, as well as greeting visitors to the ship.

He was also invited to speak on the life of David to the ship's company on Friday night and Sunday morning, as well as to the marine division crew on Saturday.

Lonnie and Onni did get to spend some time together off the ship, sight-seeing and speaking to people. "Everybody we talked to seemed to know about Logos Hope," Lonnie said. "A lot of them had already been on board, buying books or taking a tour. They really looked forward to the ship coming!"

"What touched you most during your visit?" I asked him. He thought for a moment, then told me about meeting a member of the crew just back from furlough. Thomas, his wife and daughter live on Logos Hope, and he just signed on for another two years  of service. Lonnie was deeply impressed by the commitment of both Thomas and his wife and the sacrifice they are making to live in such small space and to raise their child onboard an ocean-going vessel.

He also was touched by the fact that crewmembers work such long hours, have little privacy or personal space, yet know they are in the right place doing the right thing in their lives.

This was a short visit for Lonnie Curl, but perhaps one with far-reaching and long-lasting consequences - Lonnie was invited to re-visit Logos Hope some day, to minister to the crew again through working alongside, preaching and teaching from the scriptures. He is praying about that possibility.

Here are a few other photos of Pastor Lonnie Curl and some of his activities  while onboard the ship.