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by ChrisW-15, 13 July 2009
The MV Doulos is the world’s oldest active passenger faring ship and largest floating library. A floating library that sells books.
After nearly a hundred years of sea-faring, the MV Doulos has a rich and varied history.
Built originally as a cargo ship, the MV Doulos has transported pilgrims to Rome, served with the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II and of course, acted as a floating library, bringing “knowledge, help and hope” to the world.
Manned entirely by volunteers spanning all races and walks of life, the MV Doulos has gone around the world almost nine times. And no one on board, not even the captain, is paid a salary!
The MV Doulos crew also has other aims and duties other than manning the ship. A large part of their duties is in providing practical aid where necessary at their ports of call, where the crew disembark and do volunteer work. Scouts visit their ports of call in advance of the ship's arrival and decide on which organizations they will support upon arriving at port.
A highlight in many ports is "International Night", often attended by thousands of local people. The event seeks to promote and educate cultural awareness through local costumes, dances and music.
Given a brief tour, I was surprised and moved by how close the crew were. The walls were decorated with personal messages to volunteers that were leaving, or had just returned; everyone in the dining room seemed to know each other; and the general atmosphere was very comfortable and relaxed (several of the crew members even had children that traveled with them!).
The MV Doulos is one of two boats that are a part of "Operation Mobilization", an Evangelical Christian organization founded to mobilize young people to live and share the Gospel of Jesus.
The MV Doulos is a non-profit venture, and relies on donations.
Visit www.MVDoulos.org for details.
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