While the vessel is undergoing scheduled maintenance, Logos Hope’s crewmembers have spread out on shore to spend time with various ministries and projects. One team has been working with ConPasión Comunidad Cristiana, a church affiliated with Acts Ministries International.

The team of volunteers was tasked with helping the church by doing painting and practical work, attending house groups around the city to encourage members in their walk with God and motivate them to think about missions, as well as running the youth and children’s programme and getting involved in ministry to homeless people.

Every Saturday, the church opens its doors to people in need and distributes clothing. Stepan Vardanian (Armenia) spoke to those waiting to be helped. Stepan said, “I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit speaking through me” as the audience of 30 sat captivated by the story of how he became a Christian. Pastor Jenny Lagunes explained how to come to know Christ personally and 11 made the commitment to follow Jesus.

Pastor Jenny invited the Logos Hope group to pray one-on-one with these people; giving them the opportunity to hear individual stories.

One crewmember, Misha Gukov (Russia), was deeply affected by the story of an elderly man who had moved to Veracruz and is now living in a shelter.

“He was crying and shivering while telling me how badly he is treated [at the shelter]… He was so ashamed that he couldn’t look me in the eyes. He sounded hopeless,” recounted Misha. After prayer, the man left, feeling somewhat more positive, though still tearful. He promised he would return to the church and would continue to pray.

The team left the church a brighter, cleaner place after their redecorating. The international volunteers thank God for the experience in which they not only made an impact on, but were also impacted by, many people’s lives.