When plans stall and discouragement creeps in, we’re reminded to trust His timing.
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
| | We have been absolutely amazed...most times just in complete awe at what God has done and continues to do through this boat. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | Not just with the boat itself, but with the relationships and doors it has opened to share about Him.
His character. His goodness. His faithfulness. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | From the beginning, we've wanted Doulos to be more than just a home for our family.
We've prayed over how to set up the boat and made decisions through the lens of how it can become a platform for ministry and a resource to help others.
That has shaped so many of the repairs and upgrades we've made. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | As Tim has researched what we need, he's also developed a heart to invite businesses into what God is doing...not just for Doulos, but potentially for other crew serving through Maritime Ministries and Hope Fleet.
So, he started asking.
He'd research a company, reach out, share our story, tell them about the boat and the ministry, and then we'd wait. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | Time and time again, we'd get responses that left us saying, |
|
Encouragement. Unexpected generosity. Offers to partner. People who simply wanted to hear more.
It has been incredibly humbling. But honestly, the best part isn't what we've received. It's getting to tell the story.
Every time we share how God provided Doulos and what we believe He wants to do through it, we're constantly being reminded of His goodness.
Testifying about His faithfulness encourages our own hearts every single time! |
|
A Potential Connection Between Two Major Parts |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | About two months ago, while shopping for a SHAFT SEAL, Tim contacted the company we considered purchasing from. |
|
He shared what we were doing with Doulos and how we were preparing her to become a platform for ministry.
Their response?
They offered us a substantial discount on the product AND on future products we may need!
Amazing!
We are so grateful for this relationship. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | ⏩ ⏩ Fast forward...the continued STRUT saga... and a little discouragement... |
|
A gallery reminder of why we are replacing this part 🤪 |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | Last week, we found out that the foundry situation had fallen through and our marine shop guy was refunding our money.
Back to square one.
I wish I could tell you I (Kim) responded perfectly.
I didn't. I was disappointed. I was frustrated.
I was thinking about another 6–8 weeks of waiting after thinking we were finally getting close. I was frustrated thinking about all the time and research that had already gone into finding the right marine shop in the first place.
Honestly, I was a little in my flesh and had to remind myself, 'It's not my timing. It's His!"
We're not on our own timeline.
We've surrendered this boat, this ministry, and all of it to Him.
And while I was frustrated about what I thought was wasted time, |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | As soon as Tim got the official word that money was being refunded, he had the prompting to call that same shaft seal company I mentioned above.
He wasn't calling to ask for anything, he simply wanted to tap into their connections and knowledge of the marine industry and see if they had any suggestions or recommendations for someone who could help us start the strut casting process over.
To our surprise, they said... |
|
“We can possibly cast you a strut.” |
|
What?!
I sat back, took a deep breath, and repented for getting in the flesh. I knew what the Lord was reminding me... |
|
“I'm in charge. I'm still working. I'm doing things you don't understand yet.” |
|
We won't know until sometime this week whether they can actually cast the strut.
Maybe they can. Maybe they can't. Maybe we'll end up going with another marine shop.
And that's okay.
Because at that moment, it wasn't about saving money or getting a discount.
It was deep encouragement from the Lord.
A reminder that He knows what we need and when we need it.
A reminder that what looks like a setback to us isn't a setback in His plan.
And maybe most importantly, it opened the door for a relationship, that had already begun, to deepen even further. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | We're going to keep sharing what the Lord has done, keep inviting people into what He is doing, and keep asking.
The rest is up to Him.
Maybe you need that reminder today as much as I do...
He's got this.
Whatever you're facing, whatever feels delayed or uncertain, He is still working, even when we can't see it yet.
He's got this. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | Blessings, Tim, Kim, & girls |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | P.S. We'd love for you to pray with us this week as we wait to hear whether this new relationship can actually lead to a strut. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| | Sharing the gospel on the water, supporting ministries, and bringing hope to the Caribbean. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
