Among the many crucial people who make the OM Ship Ministry run are people like James Vellani Saustian, a repeat port volunteer on three vessels since 1974. His first stint was while Logos was in port at his hometown of Penang island and this transformative encounter has led to a 50-year long affair with the ships.
James Vellani Saustian first signed up as a port volunteer for Logos in 1974 when OM Ship’s pioneer vessel – Logos - was docked in Penang, his hometown. It was seeing the love of Jesus in a German ship officer’s life that transformed James’ own life and unknowingly to him then, set the course for his future. He later went through an interview to join Logos as a long-term ship volunteer, but due to other commitments, he didn’t take up the challenge. But he continued serving as a port volunteer whenever the ship came by and also joined OM conferences and events that were held overseas.
He finally signed up as a fulltime volunteer on board Doulos in the 80s. James then continued his involvement with OM through various outreach works in London working among Punjabis, Gujaratis, Pakistanis, Afghanistan, Bengalis, Egyptian and Arabs and later being assigned to work among the Jews. Some other memorable times were with a travelling team visiting 15,000 villagers for three months in Spain, as well as being involved in a joint international night with Logos and Doulos.
A lack of financial support saw him leaving OM but James steadfastly continued on as a port volunteer whenever Doulos came by right until her final run in 2008. He then continued as port volunteer on board Logos Hope and finally Doulos Hope, where after 44 years, he ran into old friends he had known from his days on Doulos! Such is life with the ship ministry, where partings are common and reunions always an unexpected, but thrilling surprise. Sewing 200 cushion covers for the first time at age 74 for Doulos Hope was just another part of the flexibility required of ship duties. James found fulfilment also in sharing his life experiences with the young people on board.
“Thank God for OM ministries, which have motivated my life to love and serve the lost.
“Thank God for the great Leadership in OM, such as the late George Verwer, who have motivated my life to run the race for my Lord and Saviour until this day.”