The Best of 2008 From the Ships

“We admire your desire to gain freedom. We desire to serve your nation by bringing lasting peace,” said Director Daniel Chae (South Korea), at the official opening of the Doulos visit in November. Media, United Nations (UN) staff, and a large crowd created a lively atmosphere as the young nation welcomed the ship for the first time. East Timor’s Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said, “We recognize your mission of peace and love. We are trying to build the country, states and people. The children have to understand your mission as we live in a world that needs peace.”

Working together with East Timor’s Prime Minister’s wife, Kristy Sword Gusmão, the Doulos medical team helped the Dili National University Hospital become a better-equipped health-care facility. Wheelchairs, crutches, a ventilator, and non-sterile gowns were given to the hospital. In Australia, Adelaide doctors contributed medication while the Albany Public Hospital in Australia donated half of the medical equipment. Surgical instruments for the maternity unit were also collected in Australia and given to the hospital so that babies and mothers could have a better chance at a healthy life. Boxes of clothes carried off the ship were put to good use there too. “This is all God’s provision,” said Lydia Cho (Taiwan), the help ministries co-ordinator.

The Doulos medical team also partnered up with Clinic Sidara, a primary health and birthing centre in East Timor. Donations of baby scales and medical books were added to the clinic’s supplies. “Our crew has been unloading items ever since we arrived here,” said Gary Barto (USA). The medications given to the clinic by the Doulos medical team tripled what they had in stock. Nurses and a doctor from the ship ran a medical clinic at Sidara with 80 patients. The work being done there, “is pioneering work which has never been done before,” said Dr. Yi-An Neoh (Australia).

Lives will be impacted for generations to come through literature donations made to several institutions. Among them were the only Public Library in Dili; the National University Library, primary schools and the Alola Foundation, established by the Prime Minister’s wife to for the purpose of empowering and educating women. The Public Library was heavily affected in the struggle for independence in 1999; the National University was basically destroyed at that time, and even though classes have been re-established there is a serious lack of resources. As well as literature, 20 computers were donated. The donations have boosted access to and interest in education in this needy city.

The Doulos crew prays that the people of East Timor see the donations as from the Lord. The crew’s purpose was to encourage the church to live in faith and unity, and also show God’s love in practical ways to those in need during this visit to Asia’s newest nation. One young boy named Nathan said, “I call Doulos people ‘Do Lots’ as they go to places and do lots.” In a nation where many of the people are so young, the Doulos visit can make a lifetime of difference.