Today the boys started school here in Florence at The King’s Academy, a Christian school just around the corner. Thanks to some kind generosity, we’re able to send the boys to this school for the year and we’re very glad to have them in a school which has the same values as we do for their education and spiritual growth. Holly and I both went to drop them off and pick them up and I don’t know if we were more nervous and excited for them than they were themselves. At the end of the day, after we picked them up again, we were pleased to hear they had all had a good day and were happy with their classes. Zac is blessed to be in the same grade as a good friend from the ship who lives here now as well and they are actually sitting next to each other so that will help him find his way more easily. The twins have each other although they are sitting in different desk areas (which is probably a good thing for them). There is a girl in their class called Gabriel and so I was a bit worried about how that would work out for our Gabriel. But this morning as we dropped them off, I introduced Nate and Gabe to a group of boys from their class and one of the boys who had seen them at the orientation told the rest of the boys “we can call him Gabe”. So that was encouraging for me.

Another encouragement for us today was that at 1pm in Liberia, the millionth visitor to Logos Hope since it began ministry visited the ship. When there are milestones like this on the ship, leadership and others make it a special occasion and celebrate. This person was a man who had brought his brother to try and get some medical help. The ship doesn’t often offer medical help to the public but Liberia is a special port where a number of different practical help and health projects are taking place. As such, it turned out a clinic put on by the ship was taking place nearby and hopefully will be able to meet that practical need. The visitor was also looking for some good books as he is a university student and so he was at the right place for that! For us it is a great encouragement to have that many people visit the ship in about a year and a half of sailing and is a testimony to the wide reach and appeal of the ministry that is so much a part of our lives. Thanks for your part in helping us continue on even now as we serve from on shore. If you weren’t aware, we have a significant need for an increase in our financial support to enable us to serve from this office location so if you might be in a position to help with that, please take a look at this page.