Hope for a brighter future

More than sharing hope from shore to shore, OM’s Ships Ministry has been part of transforming lives far inland.  

In need of a new start, Clyde began working with OM in Florence, USA at the Ship Ministry Literature Center through an organisation called the House of Hope. Now, he can say with confidence that his hope has been restored.  

The House of Hope 
“Three months ago, I was still withdrawing. The strength that I have now by working here is a miracle. Cause I never thought my body would replace itself,” said Clyde, who began working at OM’s Ships Ministry Literature Center in February of 2025. 

“I came here for growth. This was just a stepping-stone, but now I want to stay here and work.” 

Due to challenges in his past, Clyde began seeking recovery and joined an organisation called the House of Hope. It is “a faith-based ministry that focuses on homelessness and the addicted population,” shared CEO Jon Weiss Jr. They provide men, women and children in need a temporary home to live in, while offering various opportunities to help them get back to living a safe and healthy life. 

One of these opportunities is working full-time at the Literature Center. Here, staff support online and local bookstores, send books around the world, and ensure that the right books are sent to each of the vessels at the right time – Logos Hope and Doulos Hope. Their bookfairs could not open without the work done by the volunteers in Florence.  

And the Ships Ministry is happy to welcome men from the House of Hope to their team. 

Part of something bigger 

“I’ve been here a long time, almost ten years. And God has been with me every step of the way,” shared Dredd, whose journey also began with the House of Hope. 

“I haven’t done anything quite like this. The love and the godliness you hear with the people that you meet, it’s unbelievable… God knew I needed it. Cause I thought I could stand on my own and it did not work.” 

Working at the Literature Center gives the men from the House of Hope a chance to adjust back into a typical work environment. They work from nine to five and as well as completing individual work, they learn how to be part of a team. 

Clyde expressed, “There are so many cultures that pass through that we learn from… so many nationalities, so many people. It’s real humbling to hear the stories. We’re so busy getting to meet people, you forget you’re working.” 

“They impact us as much as we impact them,” said Andy Davis, who has been overseeing the Ships Ministry’s Literature Center in Florence for ten years. 

Leaving transformed 

Beyond relationship building between coworkers, the Ships Ministry and the House of Hope have a shared heart to help these men strengthen their relationship with Jesus. Every day at the Literature Center, the team engages in group prayer time where they pray for each other and the team, both of OM’s ships, as well as least-reached people groups.  

“It’s very important for our men to have a loving, encouraging culture that they’re going to,” Jon emphasises. “We know that our men will be loved, cared for and that they will grow their relationship with Jesus at OM’s Ships Ministry.” 

“It’s the most inspirational, most honouring thing to see these men come in, maybe not understand Jesus and leave a completely transformed person.” 

Hope for tomorrow  

Clyde is hopeful for his future and knows that God has good plans in store for him. With a heart now burdened to make God’s love known, it’s Clyde’s dream to join one of OM’s ships one day. “There’s plenty of options with OM’s ships. I can’t wait to see what’s next,” he concludes. 

Thank you for supporting OM’s Ships Ministry and helping rebuild the lives of people like Clyde! Your prayers and financial support are making a difference.

And your prayers and gift of financial support today can help us continue to share the hope that we have in Jesus with those we encounter through our vessels, Logos Hope and Doulos Hope AND further inland through our Ships Ministry's Literature Center in Florence, USA.

Your financial gift of any amount can help us continue to share this Hope. If you'd like to give today, click here to find out how.