Unique Opportunity

Despite their nationalities and different skin tones, they share a common trait, their Christian Faith.

The three youthful crew members, Lincoln Bacchus, Esther Thring and Haruka Kamauchi are part of a global community of 400 volunteers from 60 different countries on MV Logos Hope, a floating book fair which is coming to Barbados on November 9.

Listening to their tales in the various countries they have visited, the surprising cultural experiences, the diverse people on board, one may ask if there were any Barbadians on board. Project Coordinator of the vessel, Lincoln Bacchus who is from Tobago said he was sad to say no, there were no Barbadians on board, but that does not mean that there never was.

Barbadian Melissa Batson was one of the ship’s international crew members having served on Logos Hope’s sister ship, Logos II from 2002 to 2004. She served on board as one of the book fair staff and eventually in the ship’s gallery.
According to the Project Manager of MV Logos Hope, Esther Thring who is originally from South Africa explained that persons who wish to become a member can contact the local office, OM (Operation Mobilisation) Barbados, Inga Lodge Pinfold Street, Bridgetown for more details.

Life on board
It is true crew members visit exotic countries and interact with different people and cultures, but it is not a luxury ship. It is a well-organised operation where crew members are assigned various tasks and participate in serving people through social service projects and good literature. The unique vision and purpose is to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world.

On Wednesday, The Barbados Advocate met Haruka Kamauchi of Japan, who, when she came on board the vessel did not speak English. Now she is fluent in the language and she has the role of project coordinator on the Logos Hope. During a recent press conference, Bacchus told the media about life on board and the crew members who can stay from a minimum of three months to two years on the ship. All members are volunteers and each crew member has raised sponsorship to cover the costs of their two-year period of service.

There are families on board and some 30 children – all at primary school age – who accompany the crew members. The vessel has been assigned a chef who is given the task of preparing meals for the culturally diverse group of individuals.

Major accomplishments
Throughout the years, the ships have provided aid to thee world in a number of ways. In the 2010s, they have assisted with multiple building projects in Guyana, trained college students and local government on human trafficking and in Spain help refurbished a rehabilitation centre for addicts just to name a few.

About the Logos
GBA Ships e.V. Is a non profit organisation based in Germany, which operates ships that sail around the world to bring knowledge, help and hope. Since 1970, the ships, known for their floating book fairs have made almost 1 500 port visits in over 150 countries and territories and welcomed over 46 million visitors on board. There was Logos (1970-1988), Logos II (1989-2008), Doulos 1977-2009 and Logos Hope (2004-present).