7 000 visit floating book shop

More than 7 000 visitors visited the Logos Hope, the world’s biggest floating book fair, since it docked for a two-week visit at the port of Walvis Bay. Benjamin Smith Junior (24) from Walvis Bay is the only Namibian on board the vessel and one of the ship’s 400 volunteers who represent over 55 countries.
He is a Bible-school student who joined Logos Hope in May this year. Books are offered at a fraction of their retail value, while in certain ports, significant quantities are also donated.
“It’s amazing to live in a multicultural community. Interacting with different cultures helps me to know myself and find my own identity,” he said. “
Young Namibians must look past their circumstances and see the potential that is inside of them and in each other because God has put potential inside each one of them. Our country is a land full of potential and I believe Logos Hope’s visit can activate the light in Walvis Bay.”
The crew will visit different schools in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, provide manpower to help with constructing a church in Mondesa, do eye-testing and supply water purifiers to the Topnaar community. The crew offers a unique example of unity in cultural diversity.
Some are qualified to fill specific roles such as engineering officers, plumbers, carpenters, bookkeepers and cooks, among others.
Locals can experience life on board the ship by working at the book fair, in the pantry, hotel services or the I-café with international crew members as part of the Deep discipleship programme. The M/V Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V “Good Books For All” a German Christian charity.
Crew members devote two years of service to the charity and work on the vessel without earning a salary.
Since 1970, the organisation welcomed over 45 million visitors up the gangways in over 160 countries and territories around the world. To sail Logos Hope one nautical mile costs approximately 80 euros, which is equivalent to N$1 200.
Besides bringing the ship from port to port, fuel is also needed to keep the generators running for providing lighting, air conditioning and electricity to make life and ministry on board possible.
In 2002, the Doulous, Logos Hope’s former sister ship, visited Walvis Bay.
Logos Hope is open to the public until 27 July. Opening hours are Sunday to Tuesday from 14:00 to 20:30 and Wednesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 20:30.

LEANDREA LOUW & OTIS FINCK