Going on board the Logos Hope, the floating bookstore docked in Hamilton Harbour, can be a life-changing experience. With a mission that includes more than selling books, the all-volunteer crew have a personal investment in bringing knowledge, help and hope to others through Jesus Christ.

Chantel Minaar, my personal tour guide who hails from South Africa, explains about life on-board ship and why they do what they do. "Everyone on board has a relationship with God," she explains. "We're all Christians."

This might sound like a cliché, but keep in mind that they have volunteers from around 45 countries around the world which otherwise might cause conflict.

Not so with this crew. It's largely evident that their passion is sharing the word of God.

"You get to see the world and minister," Chantel smiles. That sounds like the perfect job, but there's a lot of work involved. The crew members must volunteer for a minimum of two years and they operate strictly on donations.

This means that everyone has to have a sponsor. The company that operates the boat — GBA Ships (formerly Good Books for All), also has companies and persons as sponsors. They have to work through and with local clergy to assist in the mission. In Bermuda, that is Cornerstone Bible Fellowship.

The boat stays in each port for an average of two weeks, and during that time, the crew is active both on land and on the ship. The advance team, who determine the needs of the next port 3 months ahead of time, lets the crew know where to go and what to do. For example, they visit prisons, nursing homes, orphanages, etc. This fulfils the mantra of bringing hope to the people.

The help aspect of their mission is more practical. At times, they build churches or needed structures, and they also offer medical and dental facilities when they are needed. There are times where they have donated books and materials to schools or churches that are underprivileged. Bringing knowledge to the people seems to be the easiest part of the job. The bookstore section boasts around 7,500 titles with topics for families and children, as well as genres such as fiction, cooking, fiction, references, health & fitness and Bibles.

There is also a sizeable media section with CDs and DVDs as well as soundtracks. With many a translation of the Bible and numerous reference books, there's something for everyone. The crew also keeps itself in check in terms of their relationship with God. They hold weekly services and have devotions everyday before starting work. In addition, there are worship nights and special activities to keep their hearts and minds focused to their task.

A real family atmosphere exists on the ship. There are singles, couples and even families that call the Logos Hope home. They have a full-time doctor and dentist as well as a school to meet the many needs of the crew. This is a lifestyle change that is all-encompassing!

Chantel gives insight into daily life that in addition to the religious work: "People can get trained on board in their field and in other areas. You get work experience and learn new skills which can help when you decide to settle down again on land."

If you have even the slightest interest in mission work, being a crew member on board the Logos Hope is a great option.

Applicants are welcome from around the world. The boat is open with free admission for the public until Sunday, April 25th 2010. You can speak in person with a representative on board from the OM Caribbean branch or contact the organization at info@carib.om.org.

"We're here to bring hope to the nations and the world about having Jesus Christ in our heart," says Chantel. "We all have struggles, but as Christians we know who we can take our struggles to. Our commitment is that we love one another through Christ."