Inspiring new hope

In a rehabilitation centre in Southeast Asia it is quiet in the afternoon, sunlight streaming through its windows, a home-like space, where boys and men recovering from addiction find structure, care and hope for the future. For Sam and Lee Ann, this ministry is the fruit of years of prayer, perseverance and their shared journey with OM’s Ships Ministry.

A newfound faith

“I come from [another faith background],” Sam begins. “I hated Christianity; thought it was for outcasts. But deep down, I was empty. One day at the beach, I cried out for help.”

A friend later told him, “You’re a dead man. You need Jesus.” Sam didn’t understand, but he followed his friend to meet a pastor who had also struggled with addiction. “I couldn’t stop crying. In church, I prayed, ‘Holy Spirit, if You’re real, I need You.’ That day changed everything.”

Sam’s transformation was radical. He attended a rehabilitation programme, memorised 250 scriptures, went on to serve as a port volunteer and later joined Doulos for two years. “The ship taught me discipline, faith and how to work with more than 35 nationalities — skills I use here at the centre every day!”

Sparking passion for the least reached

He recalls his experience participating in the port volunteer programme: “I was nervous, unsure if I belonged. But serving alongside people from around the world showed me that God uses anyone willing to say yes. That season taught me humility and teamwork — lessons that shaped this ministry.”

His burden for the least reached grew. “People say there’s no hope. I wanted to show them there is.”

Lee Ann smiles. “The desire to share this hope is what drew me too. I worked with street kids in Mexico, then joined the ship as a crewmember for two years and met Sam.” Sam laughs. “Everyone thought we were too different, but we knew God was leading us.”

A centre inspired by hope

“That leading birthed this rehabilitation centre,” Lee Ann explains. “We wanted to create a family environment, not just rules. Our vision is to restore dignity, build character through Christ’s love and the power of the Holy Spirit; providing an environment where the boys learn faith, responsibility, respect and hope for the future."

Inspired by their experiences serving on Doulos, recovery at the centre teaches skills so that the boys can be ‘equipped for life.’ “We teach cooking, construction… practical skills that build confidence,” Lee Ann says.

Sam adds, “One boy came addicted to gaming — suicidal. Today, he scored 12 A’s and studies psychology.” Another baked a cake for his mom after years of silence — an act that brought reconciliation.

Lee Ann concludes, “Wherever God places you, be faithful. Sow seeds. Some you’ll see grow, others you won’t, but stand firm.”

Fuel ripples of transformation

Sam and Lee Ann’s rehabilitation centre is just one of many organisations birthed through the Ships Ministry. From the Ships Ministry, more than 100 organisations have sparked greater ripples of hope — transforming lives far beyond the Ships Ministry.

By giving a financial gift, you can support the training and equipping of more than 1,300 crewmembers and port volunteers serving with the Ships Ministry each year.

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