In light of the World Health Organization (WHO), Centres for Disease Control (CDC), and multiple Governments including our own, calling for everyone to isolate, YWAM Ships Aotearoa has paused, for the foreseeable future, the 2020 Pacific Island deployment of the m/v YWAM KOHA.
The shipyard we are currently docked at in Tauranga has also gone into lockdown and as such, there is currently no access to the m/v YWAM KOHA. We have been so encouraged by the interest shown by the Tauranga Moana community and look forward to a time when we can reopen the ship again to public tours.
This time will not be wasted, we are working on plans to set the m/v YWAM KOHA to function for the next 20 years in the Pacific. In many ways, this time is a gift for us to ensure that she is set up to maximise her potential. One praise report we do want to share, that in the midst of the chaos that COVID-19 has released on the earth. Just two weeks ago we received an anonymous donation of $50,000NZD towards the upgrade work on the ship: God is so good.
The heart of our mission is to go to isolated communities, taking ships where there are no airports or roads. We see first hand the suffering of those who live isolated from life options and often distanced from family, and we believe that the Lord has given us incredible tools to bring hope and healing.
As you read this, please know we are praying for you and your family. We serve a remarkable God who is able to do far greater than we can imagine. In the face of this global crisis, we set our eyes on Him!
Warm regards,
Brett Curtis & Marty Emmett
On behalf of YWAM Ships Aotearoa & the m/v YWAM KOHA crew