“To see random people who aren’t believers come and join us showed me how much of an impact we can have on those around us” reflected Monica Harder (Canada). More than 150 teams were sent ashore from Logos Hope in the space of nine weeks to help clean churches, houses and community facilities on the island of St. Vincent.
They were responding after the La Soufriere volcano erupted for the first time in 40 years, raining down toxic ash on buildings, roads and crops. Monica saw for herself that meeting practical needs led to conversations about why the ship’s volunteers would do dirty work for strangers. As they cleared ash together, there were opportunities to speak about the gospel permeating all aspects of life lived for Christ.
Crewmembers were joined in their efforts by the first mission trip group of guests since prior to the corona virus pandemic. Reverend John Lewis and his wife Denise led a ten-day ‘vision team’ from the neighboring island of Grenada. Rev. John was born in Saint Vincent. He and the ten Grenadian men on his team joined outreaches every day, helping clear ash, visiting people staying in temporary shelters and sharing their faith. One of the team, Cosley McKenzie, said, “It gave me a new outlook on mission work and a greater desire to serve and help others.”
Rev. John said, “We can help with rebuilding the physical houses, but people have some deeper brokenness. We want to encourage pastors and leaders on the island that God has not abandoned the people here, not forsaken them. When we go through turbulence and trials, God is still in charge. He still loves us, and He hasn’t given up on us.”
