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9. Let Thanksgiving Be Evident to All




 

We have just returned from Wales this past weekend where we could join in the celebrations and thanksgiving with the wonderful team who have walked with us through the renovations of Island Reach this past two years.



The transformation of this small ex-naval vessel into a floating clinic which will serve the Island of Madagascar has been outstanding. Remarkable not because of our capacity, nor our tenacity - although those have been needed throughout the months. Quite simply because of the smallness of us, and the greatness of God.



We may have had thoughts, plans and ideas of how and when this project would come together. But Gods ways are so much higher than our ways. What has been accomplished in these last months has taken many if not all of us to an end of ourselves. An end of our strengths, an end of our resources and an end of our ideas and imaginations - and at the end, we have found God. He who is more faithful, more capable, more generous and because of HIM, we are where we are today.



You can see The Whole Story of the work to date using this link: 
















CELEBRATIONS AS WE COME TOWARDS THE END OF THE RENOVATION PHASE



In Conwy, Wales over this past weekend we could open our doors and allow guided tours of the small medical vessel to the hundreds of people who came and visited us. 


For some it was their first time on board to see the ship and hear of its intended purposes. For others they could see the amazing transformation which has taken place since previous visits to the vessel. Each week now the progress is evident. The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Llandudno, Cllr Michael A Pearce and Mrs Lindsay Pearce, were honoured to come on board.


On Saturday evening we hosted an evening of celebration in St Marys church, Conwy. The Côr Meibion Maelgwn male voice choir presented a wonderful repertoire of music supported by Mr Anthony Stuart Lloyd (Welsh baritone opera singer)


We welcomed representation from the Madagascan embassy in London, Mr Tojonirina Ramarolahy. The Mayor of Conwy, Evie Roberts. Mr Darren Millar MS Clwyd West North Wales sat in front of us and explained how his kids have all completed their Discipleship Training Schools with YWAM.


The church was full to capacity, extra seats needed to be added, town car parks reached maximum capacity as guests made their way towards us. We gathered to give thanks and celebrated the "almost completed" renovation of the ship. 



MOST COMMON QUESTION - WHEN WILL SHE LEAVE?

Over the last months as we make plans and complete this phase of the project we do get asked this question over and over. We would love to give a definitive answer. We are getting closer!



The funds have been raised for the air conditioning which will be fitted in these next weeks. The water maker/ desalination plant has also been purchased and was delivered to the ship on Saturday while we were there. The RIB has been purchased and delivered this weekend after the davits are fitted it will be secured. The deck generator has also been purchased but kept on shore for the moment.



Some electrics need finished, we need to swing a compass and do some anti-fowling as well as fit some fire alarms.



A major area of consideration right now for us is the passage plan which the captains and the board are prayerfully holding before the Lord.



It has become deeply moving to watch the escalating tensions in the Middle East, and our hearts go out to all involved. Although at times these events can seem removed from our daily reality, sailing as planned through the Suez Canal has become too big a challenge to ignore. 



Please pray with us as we consider and research options for alternative transportation routes to Madagascar. Pray that we would respect Gods timing and choose according to wisdom rather than most convenient. His plans are prefect and we want to walk in step with Him, trusting for the best time to sail and the best route to take.



 

YOUR NETWORKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We are so grateful to the many people who have given time, energy, expertise and finance to the project so far. Without you we would not be where we are today.



But we realise that your networks make a difference. Talking about the project with others, sharing the vision and encouraging others to get involved could be the final steps we need to see this ship delivered to Madagascar.



We do need to raise the transport fuel or passage for Island Reach in these next months, so if you have a church, business contact or company who would be interested in participating in these costs - please do put them in touch with us. We would love to make a connection and share the big picture of what the ministry is about.



God has provided every step of the way in this ministry, and we trust Him for provision. But each of us can play a significant part by sharing and connecting with the network of people who make all of this possible.



Thank you so much for your support.


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