Morning Star News

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea-the Lord on high is mighty. Ps 93:4
Hellenic Ministries' sailboat, the Morning Star, has had a busy fall. Almost every weekend, different groups have been out on it; some for spiritual retreats, some for training exercises. Regardless of the occasion, God is touching lives in this unique ministry setting. Here are a few thoughts from recent participants:

It was very neat to me to see the spiritual interest that surfaced in the teens we served over the weekend. There is just something very calming about seeing nature from still water while talking about God. I saw people evaluating themselves spiritually, as they were forced to relax and think without all the distractions that normally so consistently interfere. For myself, I saw God really use the time away from school and the city to work in me as I worked on the boat and spent time with Him.
Timothy Price

Serving on the Morning Star has been a true inspiration, leaving me with experiences that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It's not just about expanding your knowledge and learning all there is to know about a boat. It's more than that...It's the idea behind it that makes the difference. Seeing how God works in the lives of those involved in this ministry and the affects it has on people is what touched me the most. Through my short experience over the past few weeks I have gotten the chance to work with several different groups and I have come to enjoy it very much. The way you can connect with people on the boat is truly unique and the Morning Star creates a cozy atmosphere you can't really escape from. It almost forces you to feel like a family, but I think that's what makes people feel comfortable and when people feel comfortable they can express themselves easier and just be themselves. I was impressed by the depth and level of the discussions that took place on the boat, especially by a group of young teenagers. They were analyzing topics about life and God and how real He is in their lives and how seriously they take His will and try to put it to practice every day. Being able to be part of that experience has been a true blessing and I know that God has great plans for the Morning Star and many lives can be affected and touched through it.
Anastasia Papadopoulou

When I first heard about the Morning Star ministry I was incredibly excited to get involved as much as possible. Before I had the chance, however, I broke my leg in a rock climbing accident. I was incredibly blessed and encouraged when the Captain told me that I wouldn't be counted out just because of my injury, he told me I was no less useful because of it and that this was my chance to "learn to be a human being instead of a human doing". I still do feel pretty useless and in the way many times when I'm hobbling around the boat, but am so excited for this opportunity for God to blow my mind with the power of prayer. While others are cleaning or cooking or fixing things, I'm praying, and I trust that God will do great things. I praise Him for this time to draw near to Him and serve on the boat in a completely different way than I initially expected. Rachel Scott

One thing I love about the boat is looking at the stars at night. It really makes you feel small and God seem huge. Where I come from the stars are not nearly as good, so its quite a blessing. You get a glimpse of the creativity and limitless power of God. John Oehler