We have now included a page about our ministry vessel which was donated in December.
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Answer to a hostile email...
So, just received a very hostile email from someone I have known at a distance a long time. No names but I feel I should address some huge misconceptions about what we are doing!
First off, we are not running a scam in the name of religion to live a life of luxury and ease aboard a large yacht.
This is just another step in a long chain of work we have been quietly involved in for over twenty years. We have been involved in the supply and aid to peoples in the south pacific all these years. A mere handful of us, never more than five. This is just a huge step up in what we have been involved in.
As for this vessel being a luxury yacht the hull started it's life being built as an oilfield supply vessel which was indeed finished out as a yacht. The fire she experienced has changed much of that now. We will be rebuilding a working vessel designed for supporting many activities. If some are offended because there are granite counter tops and stainless appliances she came to us, free of charge, that way. No donated money has or ever will be spent on luxury items. In fact what truly impresses me about her is her equipment, not her appointments. I don't want luxury, I want solid, dependable and safe equipment which she has.
As for the notion that the south pacific is an earthly paradise where we will be living a life of ease this is also a fantasy. The people there can be wonderful and there is much physical beauty. But there is also a lack of even basic health care in the more remote areas. High child mortality rates. Human trafficking, abuse of women. There have been civil and tribal wars. Mosquito borne diseases, water borne diseases. Lack of basic sanitation to prevent disease. Illegal drugs making inroads. Rising sea water, deforestation and sinking lands are destroying the ability to grow enough food and due to how lands are traditionally owned relocation can be very difficult.
Transportation is a problem in many of these areas. Airstrips are not possible in many places. Small aircraft are limited in weight carried. Helicopters in a salt water environment are very, very expensive to operate. There are thousands of islands in this part of the world and precious few boats dedicated to this kind of work. Often boats that are in bad repair or very undersized to be safe are being used locally and yes, folks have died using them.
All these and more are harsh realities for many, many people. Can we solve all these? No, we can't but we can solve some of it and are determined to try. On top of this I, and my family, are unapologetically Christians. I have seen and experienced too much to be anything else. I believe in helping the poor, the infirm, those experiencing injustice. I also believe that everyone should have a chance to hear this message of hope which so transformed my life. If this is offensive to you please, feel free to unfriend me, write me off, whatever, but that will change nothing we do.
Why not help people here you ask? We have, and still do. But if you have ever visited any of these places you will see needs that make those here pale in comparison. Further I would ask those who feel this way are you helping here? If so, thank you and may God bless you. If not, please consider doing so. I have seen how much some basic effort can change the world. Just try! Don't depend on the government to solve the issues.
As for getting rich by scamming people and taking money from innocents this one surprises me I admit. Our ministry bylaws put a very tight limit on any salary we can earn. Well below the poverty level in fact. And that would only be available if ships costs and ministry costs were covered first. We have never received a penny for anything we have done in all these years and have put thousands of our own into it. If I was in this to make money I must be doing something terribly wrong!
I fully expect to spend as much of my life as I can helping and bringing aid to the poorest of the poor in remote places among the islands of the south pacific and Asia. I have no plans for retirement unless physically unable to continue. I surely won't have any financial gains from it all.
So there it is, hopefully laid out in plain language for those who want to know. Those who know me well can verify all of the above. Those who would like references, I'd be glad to provide some. Wish to talk more? Contact me and we'll set up a time. God bless you one and all.
Eric
This is just another step in a long chain of work we have been quietly involved in for over twenty years. We have been involved in the supply and aid to peoples in the south pacific all these years. A mere handful of us, never more than five. This is just a huge step up in what we have been involved in.
As for this vessel being a luxury yacht the hull started it's life being built as an oilfield supply vessel which was indeed finished out as a yacht. The fire she experienced has changed much of that now. We will be rebuilding a working vessel designed for supporting many activities. If some are offended because there are granite counter tops and stainless appliances she came to us, free of charge, that way. No donated money has or ever will be spent on luxury items. In fact what truly impresses me about her is her equipment, not her appointments. I don't want luxury, I want solid, dependable and safe equipment which she has.
As for the notion that the south pacific is an earthly paradise where we will be living a life of ease this is also a fantasy. The people there can be wonderful and there is much physical beauty. But there is also a lack of even basic health care in the more remote areas. High child mortality rates. Human trafficking, abuse of women. There have been civil and tribal wars. Mosquito borne diseases, water borne diseases. Lack of basic sanitation to prevent disease. Illegal drugs making inroads. Rising sea water, deforestation and sinking lands are destroying the ability to grow enough food and due to how lands are traditionally owned relocation can be very difficult.
Transportation is a problem in many of these areas. Airstrips are not possible in many places. Small aircraft are limited in weight carried. Helicopters in a salt water environment are very, very expensive to operate. There are thousands of islands in this part of the world and precious few boats dedicated to this kind of work. Often boats that are in bad repair or very undersized to be safe are being used locally and yes, folks have died using them.
All these and more are harsh realities for many, many people. Can we solve all these? No, we can't but we can solve some of it and are determined to try. On top of this I, and my family, are unapologetically Christians. I have seen and experienced too much to be anything else. I believe in helping the poor, the infirm, those experiencing injustice. I also believe that everyone should have a chance to hear this message of hope which so transformed my life. If this is offensive to you please, feel free to unfriend me, write me off, whatever, but that will change nothing we do.
Why not help people here you ask? We have, and still do. But if you have ever visited any of these places you will see needs that make those here pale in comparison. Further I would ask those who feel this way are you helping here? If so, thank you and may God bless you. If not, please consider doing so. I have seen how much some basic effort can change the world. Just try! Don't depend on the government to solve the issues.
As for getting rich by scamming people and taking money from innocents this one surprises me I admit. Our ministry bylaws put a very tight limit on any salary we can earn. Well below the poverty level in fact. And that would only be available if ships costs and ministry costs were covered first. We have never received a penny for anything we have done in all these years and have put thousands of our own into it. If I was in this to make money I must be doing something terribly wrong!
I fully expect to spend as much of my life as I can helping and bringing aid to the poorest of the poor in remote places among the islands of the south pacific and Asia. I have no plans for retirement unless physically unable to continue. I surely won't have any financial gains from it all.
So there it is, hopefully laid out in plain language for those who want to know. Those who know me well can verify all of the above. Those who would like references, I'd be glad to provide some. Wish to talk more? Contact me and we'll set up a time. God bless you one and all.
Eric
