Several weeks ago, MV Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, made her visit to Singapore, docking at The Promenade, VivoCity. During the Chinese New Year season, a group of us had the opportunity to board the ship as “ambassadors”.
The afternoon began with us being introduced to the ship, briefed of our responsibilities and taught several evangelism tools by Simeon, a volunteer from South Africa. Following which, we were split into three groups, and each group was assigned to a different area to start off at.
My group was headed for the promenade, and we were tasked to invite passers-by onto the ship. Personally, I found this most challenging. As people strolled past the docked ship, curiosity was written on their faces, and it was easy to ride on that curiosity to strike conversations with them. However, some were evidently put off at the mention of “Christian ship”, and there were times when discouragement set in. A quick Google search lands me with 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (ESV), which says, “… but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” This verse reminds me that as long as we speak in love, sincerity and sensitivity, people’s responses should not deter and discourage us from continuing to approach other people. The motivation of our service – to further God’s Kingdom and to please Him – should give us sufficient joy and strength to keep going.
Our second stop was “Journey of Life”, a section of the ship that had attractive displays depicting the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Matilda, a volunteer onboard Logos Hope, demonstrated how we could walk people through the Journey of Life. She did so with much zest, and it was extremely encouraging to see her serving the Lord so joyfully. I was also blessed by a little girl and a group of Christians, who agreed to let me take them through the story. Although I did not manage to engage with any pre-believers, I am thankful for the strengthening that God rendered to me through fellow believers. Also, narrating the parable reminded me so strongly of God’s everlasting grace towards me, a prodigal child.
Finally, my group headed for the café, which was situated just after the Journey of Life. There, I had the opportunity to sit with two girls who hadn’t intentionally planned to visit the ship. The entire session was a little awkward, but I thank God for the chance to share the Gospel to willing ears. As I type this article, I am reminded to pray for those who heard the Gospel during the course of time when Logos Hope was docked in Singapore, that they will continue to think about what they have heard, and that people and events in their lives will point them towards God.
Although I had gone on board the ship with the intention and expectation to spread the Word of God, I think I really was blessed so much through the interaction with others, including many fellow believers. Truly, we are called to fishers of men, and, in the process, we are also called to have fellowship with each other, to encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). May we continue to urge one another to live as ambassadors of Christ daily!
Miss Mok Zi Yan
