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Operation Mobilisation is a Evangelical Christian organisation founded by George Verwer to mobilise young people to live and share the Gospel of Jesus. OM, as it is known, started in Mexico and had spread to Europe and India by 1963. It is perhaps most famous for using large ships as floating bookshops, bringing Christian literature to countries where such materials are often censored. In addition to their primary role, the ships are been involved in disaster relief, medical care and education around the world.
The Ships
The work of the MV Logos, as the first ship was called, started publicly in 1971. It was used until 1988, and in that time visited 103 countries. During that time an estimated 7.48 million people visited the on-board book exhibition. Over 5 million books were sold. Throughout this time the ships were staffed by a international mixture of young volunteers and professional sailors.
In 1977, the MV Logos II was joined by the MV Doulos. Originally built in 1914, the MV Doulos is the worlds oldest active ocean going passenger ship, and is still in service as of 2004. It takes its name from the Greek name 'doulos' meaning 'servant'.
In 1988 the MV Logos ran aground on rocks off Tierra del Fuego, Chile under horrendous weather conditions. The ship was lost, but all the crew members were rescued. It was replaced by the MV Logos II which entered service in 1990.
On 2nd April 2004, the 12,000 ton ferry Norrona I was purchased as replacement to the MV Logos II. It will be renamed the MV Logos Hope and will enter service during 2005.
On average, the ships of OM have been visited by more than 1 million people per year since 1971.
Sources
(Source: The Logos story. Elaine Rhoton)
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