In order for marine training within YWAM Ships to grow, it has long been my belief that we need to develop more licenced marine instructors and have approved training centres in our main ministry fields.
Now, Dane Suomela (pictured above) one of our 2017 trainees, has qualified both as a Yacht Master and RYA instructor and will pioneer a new marine training establishment in Fiji.
The first School will begin in May in Suva, Fiji and it is already full, without even advertising. They are looking to run introductory and advanced marine training courses annually. More on this later.
Update on m/v Island Reach
Converting this former naval tender to a suitable medical relief vessel for Madagascar has been a big job. We are grateful for the help we have received in north Wales and the many volunteers. To finish off the conversion and sail her to Madagascar, we had to employ contractors to install the electrics, some of the carpentry and plumbing. Skilled work that we needed completed to a high standard. The cost of this has quickly burned through our funds, so we have had to pause that work while our fund-raising catches up. You can view our local marine superintendent, Capt. Jeremy McWilliam’s latest You Tube video report here: https://youtu.be/ptjU5e2HcuY
Although all of the existing equipment has been fully overhauled, we still have to purchased much of the expensive equipment to upgrade the vessel (e.g. air conditioning, water maker) as we first had to install the electrics and plumbing. There is a list of these items at the end of Jeremy’s report, plus we need to raise, at least, £50,000 for the delivery costs.
Please pray about making a donation towards releasing this vessel to serve the people of Madagascar and feel free to forward this message to others that might be interested in donating too. Donations can be made online via Donate – Youth With A Mission Maritime Academy (ywamma.org) or to the other payment methods list there.
Alternatively, to our Swiss office via Donate | YWAMShipsSwitzerland
Or our US partners Pay – YWAM Ships Corpus Christi (ywamshipscctx.org) In all, specify that donation is for m/v Island Reach. May the Lord bless and guide you,