Written by Abigail Burgess

 

In every port, Doulos Hope hosts and facilitates events to inspire visitors to partner in God’s work through prayer and action. During the stay in Port Moresby, Doulos Hope was once more able to do this by welcoming on board more than sixty students from Scripture Union Papua New Guinea for a special all-night prayer event.  

As a global movement, Scripture Union helps young people, families, and communities worldwide encounter God, and in Papua New Guinea it has a longstanding tradition of bringing students together through prayer initiatives, especially all‑night prayer meetings. 

Planting the seed 

Attending an all-night prayer on board Doulos Hope was a new and meaningful experience for students. As student Henry explained, “this all-night prayer is a bit different and special because we get to have it on a ship… and not just any ship, but Doulos Hope.”  

Alongside the novelty of a new environment, the event sought use Doulos Hope as a platform to inspire the students. One question guided the entire night: “Who will go?” Students were encouraged to pray about how God might use them to share Him with the world.  

Michal, who is prayer coordinator for Scripture Union Papua New Guinea, described the night as, “an opportunity for students to learn first-hand stories from real-life people on the ship who have been travelling the world, sharing Jesus.”  

Leaving a lasting mark 

As students and crewmembers alike joined in prayer and song, the global fellowship left a strong impression.  

“With representation from all around the world, it kind of felt like you prayed with the rest of the globe,” said Jakob, director of Scripture Union.  

Judah, a volunteer for Scripture Union, adds, “The more we integrate with other people, the more we begin to see that God is not just the God of my country but the God of the nations.” 

From inspiration to action 

Jakob believed the night of prayer would have an impact far beyond the ship. He explained, “Out of one seed comes a plantation, so from these seeds that we’ve planted in here we are hoping and praying that this gets spread all throughout the nations that are represented on the ship.” 

As dawn broke over Port Moresby, many students left with a deeper sense of calling. Even until 6 a.m. as they waited for transport home, the students continued singing. Student Rowland, aged 19, shared, “One of the questions that really got me was about how far you are willing to go for God. It was like a personal question, so I need to go and pray about it and think about this.”  

Together we pray and keep watch 

Together we give thanks for all that God is doing in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific Islands. 

Thank you for your partnership in prayer — we could not do events like this without your help. There is more to come as Doulos Hope continues to serve communities through events like this in future ports — sharing hope and mobilising the next generation to join God’s work among the nations.

Join us in prayer for the future of the Ship Ministry: Be a watchkeeper