Alva family

We (Elon & Joyce) are serving with OM Ships out of Newcastle, NSW. Elon joined Logos in 1985 and Joyce joined Doulos in 1989. We met on Logos II and were married in 1992. Elon served on all 4 ships as Chief Engineer and together with Joyce have lived on the ships for a total of 14 years as singles, married couple and as a family. Joyce served onboard Doulos and Logos II working in the galley, laundry, accommodation manager, ships driver and many varied office jobs.

We had a break from the Ship ministry and Elon taught Marine Engineering in Newcastle from 1998 to 2005. God called us back as a family to the Doulos in 2006. After two years onboard we found ourselves back in Newcastle. Continuing with OM Ships fulltime Elon worked on Ship projects for a couple of years before taking up the role of Marine Superintendent for OM Ships. This entails looking after all aspects of the Marine side – Deck & Engineering.

We have an adult son and daughter. Joyce is heavily involved in Help ministries at church, and takes every opportunity to promote OM in the city too.

We are thankful to our supporters for partnering with us prayerfully and financially in this ministry as our work is in the background.

Here are a few words from OM’s founder George Verwer –

Dear Friends of Elon and Joyce,

I am no longer the leader of OM which included OM ships but I am still very committed to the ship ministry. I want to especially thank those of you who have prayed for and supported Elon and Joyce and their family. They are among the longest serving people in the ship ministry. Elon has been with us since 1985 and Joyce since 1989. Our history shows that people in this somewhat behind the scene ministry often have difficulty raising their financial support. This has been true in their situation and I know is a burden on their hearts.

If you are not supporting them I would really ask you to pray about getting involved in that way. I believe you will be blessed to be a vital part of such a strategic ministry.

Perhaps you know of others or even a church that would be willing to support them. We would be grateful for any effort you make in that direction.

Thanks for praying about this.

In His grip,

George Verwer
Founder and former Director