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Paul Edgar left today, Jan. 11, for two years to minister with OM Ships International.OM Ships International
(OMSI) exists to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world. OMSI pioneered the concept of using ships to transport
literature, humanitarian aid and people resources. The ships are well known for their work providing educational and Christian
literature in ports around the world. OMSI began in 1970 as part of the global Christian training and outreach movement,
OM International. The crew and staff of 500, including professional seafarers, are all non-salaried volunteers. With over
70 different nationalities represented, the onboard communities are a fascinating expression of cross-cultural living and
understanding that reflect the church around the world. Crewmembers are unified by their faith and goal to share God’s
love as they serve in port communities. The ships remain in port for several weeks and open to thousands of visitors every
day. Over one million visitors come on board each year to browse the hallmark of the ships—a large floating book
fair with 6,000 titles in stock, including books for university studies, professional and career interests, history, science,
economics, language learning, hobbies, novels, children's stories, biographies, dictionaries, atlases and a wide variety of
Christian resources, including Bibles, study materials and books on Christian living. The ships also bring aid and
relief to needy people and places around the world. Crewmembers go ashore to provide medical aid, help construct schools,
orphanages and homes, and give gifts of food, clothing and books. Teams also visit hospitals, orphanages and prisons to share
God’s compassion and love. Since 1970, more than 40 million people have visited the ships during more than 1,350
port visits in 158 nations. OMSI’s operational costs are met by sponsorship of onboard personnel, general donations
and gifts, reductions and waivers of fees by civic and port authorities, book sales, and corporate support in each port of
call.
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