Welcome on board.
Hello.
Welcome on board.
Greetings and welcome on board.
This is one of the oldest passenger ships still sailing the seven seas, the Dulles,
a floating United Nations with people from over 35 different countries.
Initially built in 1914, the Dulles has served many purposes in its long history.
Totally refitted and refurbished, she is today taking on a new spirit of international goodwill to many and varied ports worldwide.
What makes this ship different from any other is that its officers, crew members and staff are all Christian volunteers.
From the captain on the bridge to the hundreds associated with the many tasks to keep the ship afloat and running well, this enterprise is unique.
Even though everyone comes from different nations, cultures and educational backgrounds,
harmonious relationships are developed symbolic of the Dulles' aim to share the gospel with people worldwide.
The one attribute which makes the Dulles so workable is the spirit of teamwork.
Everyone lends a hand to ease the load of a busy life on board ship.
Keeping the amphidoulos ship shape is not an easy task.
We have many skilled workers such as engineers, welders, carpenters and so on.
As you can imagine, keeping a ship over 75 years old in good repair is a constant job.
Our maintenance staff make instant repairs to the ship's facilities, replacing old paint with new or fabricating new decking.
Carpenters make sure that all woodwork is in good repair and properly painted.
Our safety equipment is kept to a high standard of repair and readiness for any emergency.
Lifeboats are regularly checked to keep them seaworthy.
But what makes people of all nationalities share their Christian faith in this way?
One of the main attractions of the ship is the bookshop.
It is the largest floating book exhibition in the world.
Every day we have thousands to come through and we have more than 4,000 titles on display.
Many tons of books are displayed and are on sale to those who visit.
There are educational, scientific, fiction and children's books.
In fact, a vast range of subjects to cater for every taste.
There's also a complete selection of Christian materials, study books and Bibles, compact discs and cassettes.
The books on display and for sale are only a fraction of the stock held on board.
Below decks, tons of material in many languages await another port of call.
The Duloss also has its own printing press on board where millions of leaflets, newsletters, posters and booklets are produced.
The artistic team puts together all the artwork and layout for program guides, newsletters and leaflets.
Children aren't forgotten in their need to study either.
From a very early age they learn to share together as part of a large family.
It's a full-time job with four competent teachers in command,
preparing them for adulthood by means of a British-based curriculum.
The outworking of the Duloss ministry is through on-board seminar programs with instruction to specific groups,
perhaps on principles of a more effective family life.
In every way we want to communicate a spirit of international understanding, expressing the love of Christ.
This is especially demonstrated through our international nights
when the ship's young people share an evening of cultural, spiritual and folk music.
The language of the heart.
The ship is like a city at sea. Everybody has a need even for a doctor.
Not only able to cope with minor ailments, our doctor is qualified to cope with all emergencies at sea.
With his trained nurse he's also looked to for psychological and spiritual well-being.
A dentist is also available, administering his particular skills to all the ship's staff and workers.
A hairdresser is on duty each day to keep every head of hair trimmed and looking stylish.
The locksmith attends to the key needs as well as repair the many shoes and workers boots which require regular attention.
To feed this small city of many nations, the galley is well able to satisfy inner needs,
preparing hundreds of meals for hundreds of hungry mouths every day.
To keep up the enormous supply, a huge store keeps tons of fruit and vegetables,
canned goods and frozen food on hand with a lift serving the galley above.
Everyone goes about their individual tasks with a sense of eagerness,
encouraging each other to labour together in unity and harmony.
Sharing together as part of a large family is encouraged.
Many lives have been changed through the outworking of this relationship on board.
The heart of the Duloss is the engine room.
These huge diesel generators create power constantly, even in port.
While the huge ship's engine, which drives the main propeller, is maintained by a dedicated team of engineers.
As with most tasks, there's a comprehensive training program serving out a one or two year term.
The cabins, though on average small, are sufficient for our crew and workers.
Most have a homely touch, decorated with souvenirs from numerous ports of core and photos of families back home.
A well equipped library helps to fill the needs to study, to be inspired and to be encouraged.
As part of the facilities, a series of audio cassettes in several languages is available to all on board, complimenting the printed word.
Life on board is always a busy one, and no less so than the washing of clothes and bedding
carried out daily in the Duloss laundry.
Teams of dedicated people sort and wash the thousands of garments which result from an active life on board.
As everyone called to serve on the Duloss is separated from family and friends, the post office serves a very essential link with home.
Up to 500 articles a day are posted out, as well as the many packages from countries around the world.
Keeping in touch with the outside world when at sea is essential.
This is done through our radio room, where up to the minute weather reports are received and telegraphic messages are exchanged internationally.
A computer room also provides a comprehensive filing and data processing facility.
This is closely linked to administration, serving the needs and coordinating the many departments and activities handled so effectively and efficiently by a committed team.
Duloss is about people. About people that want to know the Lord Jesus and make Him known.
People that because of that have had their lives turned inside out, and that because of that have had their worldview altered.
Duloss is about people that value that relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ and just want to talk about that.
Duloss is about people that want to grow. They want to grow in the understanding of Him, in the understanding of what it takes to finish the job,
the task that the Lord Jesus has given to us, to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. That is what Duloss is about.
When it comes to serving and sharing a message of hope and international goodwill with the world, Duloss and its ship people are unique.
Committing their lives towards a way of life which spreads love and hope.
Thanks for sharing your time with us in meeting the Duloss.
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