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Nathanael Wiebe (Canada) grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus when he was very young. Church activities, Bible camps and youth groups were part of his upbringing.
Outside of this Christian environment, in elementary school, he faced a lot of struggles as he was bullied by others who made fun of him and pushed him around. This continued for several years and made Nathanael depressed. At the age of just eight years old, he had his first suicidal thoughts. These returned from time to time over the next decade.
When he started high school, things began to change as he became popular, due to the fact that he dared to be who he truly was and did what he was passionate about: art and fashion. This seemed to attract people and brought him friends. Nathanael says, “This attention sort of fixed the hole inside me to begin with, but I still didn’t feel full. I continued to struggle with the meaninglessness of life. I had made the choice to follow Jesus a long time before and knew that my salvation was secure but going to school, getting a job, paying taxes and eventually dying didn’t seem like a meaningful way of living the rest of my life.”
Next, he tried to find purpose by changing partners but he still felt very empty, discouraged and depressed. Nathanael went to a psychologist, who affirmed the meaninglessness of existence and left his patient with the realisation that there is no real purpose.
After finishing high school, Nathanael still struggled with thoughts of suicide but, as he was afraid to end his life, he pushed himself to focus on his future. His thoughts turned to mission service as he was a believer and wanted to serve God, even though his faith was based on his head-knowledge of Jesus and he didn’t have much experience of Him in his heart.
Nathanael made the choice to let Jesus rule over all of his life. He says, “It took me about ten years to put my whole life into God’s hands, but finally I found my life’s purpose in Jesus as He is faithful and reveals Himself when you look for him and surrender. It was then that I understood what my purpose is. The reason I am alive isn’t for me, but to glorify God in everything I am and do. And to help save other people’s eternal lives while promoting God’s name.”
He heard about the Ship Ministry when OM’s founder, George Verwer, spoke in a church in his home city. In 2019, Nathanael joined Logos Hope in Valparaíso, Chile and has been working in the deck department ever since.
During his time on board, Nathanael has grown in maturity in Christ. God has taught the young man, among other things, that the main authority in his life is God Himself and He wants him to love and respect authorities on board, too. Having struggled with this at the beginning of his ship life, Nathanael can now treat authority figures with the respect God wants him to show.
As a designer, Nathanael enjoys connecting his passion for creativity with his desire to glorify God. He says, “I want to invest my talent for His kingdom and spread the Good News through that.” He plans to start a business producing organic, recycled, sustainable and fair-trade clothing when he leaves the ship later this year. Eager to love others and care for them as much as he can, he says, “I want to use my brand, Golgotha Garments, to glorify God’s name and donate at least 10 percent of the profits to charity.”
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Ships :: The Ship Ministry marks the 50th anniversary of Logos' first voyage.
Ships :: An insight into how a family has found God faithful when they left their jobs and home to serve on board Logos Hope.
At Sea :: One crewmember has grown in her love and care for others, despite the disappointment of the last year.
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OM Ships :: The onshore literature ministry's sponsorship scheme to help struggling ministries in other parts of the world through the pandemic.
OM Ships :: Jareht hated his father, who’d walked out on five sons when Jareht was just four years old. By the age of 16, Jareht was close to ending his life. But God showed him what a true Father He is. Now, Jareht is serving on board OM’s ship, sharing God’s transforming love with others.
OM Ships :: A look at how one former crewmember is using what he learnt on board in a new initiative in his home country.
Portonovi, Montenegro :: A summary of different programmes undertaken by Logos Hope crewmembers in Montenegro.
Logos Hope :: Lucas (Brazil/Spain) shares his personal story about his journey to join and serve on board.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Crew hear from speakers helping them consider how they may serve God with their future.
Caracas Bay, Curaçao :: A British couple shares about life's journey and their service on board Logos Hope.
Willemstad, Curaçao :: Crewmembers clear rubbish from an area close to the ship.
At Sea :: One crewmember has grown in her love and care for others, despite the disappointment of the last year.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Logos Hope hands over aid donated by the people of Curaçao to Vincentians affected by volcanic eruptions.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Logos Hope's crew gives Bibles to children and adults living in temporary shelters after the island's volcano erupted.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Crewmembers share a message about God and receive one in return while visiting a shelter.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Logos Hope is receiving visitors again - subject to limited numbers and social distancing.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Logos Hope’s crewmembers install an outdoor playground, donated and shipped to the island from the USA.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Logos Hope's crew are inspired by the attitude of islanders they meet while cleaning up after a volcano.
