“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
Ministry for YWAM’s large Sail Training vessel, the 42 metre gaff rigged Ketch s/y Next Wave has always been seasonal, much like most YWAM bases. There is a season of the DTS lecture phase on board, a season of hosting YWAM outreach teams and a season of travelling around hosting short term church groups. There are seasons for being in southern Europe (usually in the winter) and seasons for being in more northerly climates (usually in the summer). However, spreading the word of God, in words and deeds and training future mission leaders is always in season on Next Wave and this is what we want to be known for.
Over the last four years the vessel has travelled from as far north as Sweden and south as Malta; west as Ireland and East as Ukraine. The crew have hosted numerous teams in many ports around Europe, steadily building up a reputation for hospitality and fun, as well as prayer and worship; making new friends in ports and in local churches while trying to demonstrate God’s love.
Now, after an extended time around Sicily, Next Wave is preparing to return to northern Europe and the next ministry season the Lord has for us. Most crew, who have faithfully served on board during these pioneering years are moving on, many to get married to life partners they met on board. (By June 2011, seven couples will have met on board and married).
Next Wave in Siracusa, Sicily
This new season, needs new crew on board and support staff ashore with a vision to call forth, train and release a new generation of missionaries to reach out to a needy world. Next Wave is a good place for individuals to spiritually grow as well as to help nurture the God given gifts of a new generation. However, it is not an easy option, as it is front line ministry, but it is a comfortable friendly place and no previous marine training or experience is necessary. As a training vessel, you will be surprised at how quickly you pick things up and learning new skills is all part of the adventure.
The Festival of Life 2011
At the end of May 2011, s/y Next Wave will sail from Augusta naval base, where she has been undergoing a refit period to Salermo, south western Italy (just south of Napoli) to start The Festival of Life 2011. After the success of The Festival of Life 2010 (touring all around Sicily) the plan is to extend the concept. The churches in Salermo have come together to invite Next Wave to be with them for the whole month of June; picking up the fuel bill and port expenses to show their enthusiasm.
Festival of Life Italian Poster
Last year, YWAM teams and individuals flew in from around the world, some for a week others for 3 months, to demonstrate the love of God through music, dance, dramas, preaching and teaching, as well as friendship, as evangelism comes in many forms. The Island was greatly blessed, 900 bibles being distributed, 9 people gave their lives to Jesus (that we know of) and many others made renewal commitments. The churches have asked for us to do it again, however, Next Wave is only one vessel and there are many places wanting visits.
So, after Salermo, Next Wave will return to Sicily and between 20th July and 9th August will be sailing around Sicily (Siracusa in the east; Sciacca in the west and Palermo in the north) before visiting Sardinia, Ibiza, Spain, Portugal and France on their way back to the UK & Ireland.
On 1st of September, the Next Wave Discipleship Training School (DTS) will begin in Cascais, Portugal (near Lisbon) and already the student applications are filling the limited places on this school. This is a group that will see many things, but hopefully mostly God move in their lives and the lives of those they learn to minister to in the ports visited.
If you are ready for “…life in all its abundance…” adventure and ministry that will challenge you to grow spiritually every day, pray about joining the crew of Next Wave or the support staff in England. You can find details on www.marinereachministries.com and down load a DTS application, long or short term staff application forms are there. You can also contact the vessel at nextwave@marinereach.com or support the office at info-eur@marinereach.com However, we advise joining soon, so you can get used to your moving/floating YWAM base, bond with the other crew and receive some initial training prior to the start of ministry and sailing.
Is this new season, your new season? Do you want to grow in your walk with the Lord and are you ready to be challenged? If the answer is ‘yes’, consider BEING THE NEXT WAVE!
If you have an account
If you are a new user