Continuing our journey

We expected to continue our journey to Mexico soon after leaving the shipyard; however, after speaking with our team in Mazatlán, we learned that Mexico had 7 tropical storms and 5 hurricanes in the month of July, the most on record since 1800s.  Therefore, we were encouraged to stay in the bay until the hurricane season ends.  God is faithful and His timing is perfect.  Although disappointed, this will give us more time to prepare the ship.  In Romans 5:3-5 “But we rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint…”

Well, for the past several months, we’ve been systematically working our way from stern to bow preparing for our voyage.  We’ve painted the stern bilges where the propeller shafts reside as well as cleaned the engine room bilges.  Next, Charlotte and Noah flushed the 4 water tanks and filled it to the top to add ballast (about 1000 gallons each weighing about 8000 lbs for a total of about 32,000 lbs.).  We’ve added an emergency bilge pump as well as maintained the primary ships bilge pump that also serves as a fire hydrant.  We’ve also received a donation of a brand new life raft and EPIRB unit.  Moving forward to the other cabins and salons, we will be inspecting and securing port holes, furniture, and gear.  In Paul Chappell’s book, Sailing with Jesus, Choosing Faith as Your Compass, he states, “An untested faith is an unreliable faith.  Thus God allows tests to our faith to bring our focus back to where it should remain.”

We are so grateful for our individual support partners and YWAM Mazatlán!  You have encouraged us in so many ways.  Because of your generous contributions the ship is ready to go. As we look forward to the New Year in sailing south, we need others to help meet our monthly personal support of $4,000.  We already have $1,700 monthly support. $2,300 is all that stands in our way for our family to serve full time.

If you are not able to donate financially, you can donate non-cash items such as computers, laptops, smartphones, cars, boats and airplanes.  Through our iDonate service, we can convert your items to fund your giving.. Therefore, we invite you to view our quick video.

Have a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year!

Zeus & Charlotte