“Character building” is one of the most commonly used phrases onboard YWAM’s ship s/y Next Wave, especially on the days when everything goes wrong; on days when the wind comes up out of nowhere, causing 6 guys to have to jump on top of a sail just to get it down; on days when the toilet pump stops working and the crew must find a friendly restaurant or scary public restroom; on days when the water tanks get low and Captain H. Lehman Franklin can’t order more water until the next port. A week of salt water showers is excellent for “character building”.

The Next Wave is a 42 meter sailing ketch, operated by Marine Reach, YWAM’s ship’s ministry. The purpose of the ship ministry is leadership development, sail training and evangelism. Travelling by ship develops flexibility in the crew and students who come aboard. Sailing builds leaders who are able to handle very difficult situations with much grace and humility.

The culture onboard the s/y Next Wave is one of service. Practically, there are things that need to be done each day. There are meals to be prepared, floors to be swept and mopped, laundry to be folded, rubbish to be thrown away and toilets to be cleaned. This means everyone helps: the Captain, the first mate, everyone. Tasks like these are not just chores or responsibilities; they are opportunities for the crew to serve one another. It is a way to model service as leadership to each person who comes aboard.

Each moment, each event, each trip sailing from place to place is an opportunity for training. Chipping rust or painting is a chance to challenge heart attitudes and work ethics. Inviting youth onboard and teaching them to climb up and down the rigging is a way for the crew to share their stories of why they choose to live to serve others. Prayer times to bless each port provide a way to care about and gain respect for a place where the ship is unknown. Attitudes are challenged to reflect a character of love in each of these moments.

The ship’s crew and students become an example of those who make a choice each day to live a life outside of their own rights and desires. They also learn how to lead their peers to do the same. The Next Wave is living out the purpose of its name - to raise up the next wave of missionaries who model strong character, servant hearts, and a desire to share Jesus at the ends of the earth.

For more information go to www.marinereachministries.com