MV Doulos Reborn for Ministry and Community

The MV Doulos has undergone a remarkable transformation, breathing new life into this incredible vessel. It was rebuilt in 1977 in a Greek shipyard, where it was lengthened by 14 meters.

This extensive renovation allowed the Doulos to serve as a floating library and bookshop, spreading knowledge and literature to people in need. The ship's new design enabled it to reach remote areas and bring much-needed resources to communities.

The Doulos has played a vital role in promoting literacy and education, with its vast collection of books and educational materials. It has also become a symbol of hope and opportunity for those who have been touched by its mission.

The mv Doulos is a symbol of God's work in the world, traveling to over 400 ports in more than 100 countries.

It's a reminder that God's work is not limited to a specific place or time, but is a global effort that requires patience and perseverance.

The Doulos has a crew of over 200 people from various countries and backgrounds, illustrating the diversity of God's people working together for a common purpose.

This crew is made up of people from different ages, cultures, and professions, all united in their commitment to serving others.

The Doulos is a floating university, offering courses and training programs to people from all walks of life, empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.

This ministry has been operating for over 50 years, a testament to the enduring power of God's work in the world.

The Doulos is a reminder that God's work is not just about grand gestures, but also about the small, everyday actions that make a big difference in people's lives.

The crew's dedication to serving others is a reflection of God's love and care for humanity.

Eric Saw's conviction grew as he processed his struggles with his mentor, leading him to believe that God had prepared and led him to purchase the Doulos Phos.

The dual nature of this project – business and ministry – meant that Saw would not make decisions solely based on financial considerations alone.

Saw's salary is a nominal sum of $1 per annum, a testament to his commitment to using the profits of the Doulos Phos to support charities and ministries.

He refused to give up despite facing rejection after rejection, and the cost of that mistake was $25,000 per month in upkeep and berthing fees.

The MV Doulos has a rich history, and its transformation into a hotel is a testament to the power of perseverance. The ship has been fully converted into a 104-room hotel, complete with a spa, an infinity pool, and even a small amphitheatre.

After being re-purposed for ministry, the Doulos Phos hosted its first guests in a private soft-launch with a thanksgiving service on Resurrection Sunday. This was a particularly poignant milestone for Eric Saw, who had to re-register the ship as a "dead ship" in 2010 due to its inability to move on its own power.

The Doulos Phos has welcomed over 22 million visitors in over 32 years of service, and it's now ready to welcome its first visitors in nearly a decade. The ship's transformation is a result of Eric Saw's dedication to his vision, despite facing rejection after rejection and paying $25,000 per month for upkeep and berthing fees.

Eric Saw's conviction grew as he processed his struggles with his mentor, and he refused to give up on his vision. He stayed on, doggedly, even when it seemed like the project was not going to work out.

Doulos sailed into the Papua New Guinean island of Bougainville in September 1999, arriving just after a decade-long civil war had ended with a ceasefire.

The ship has traveled the equivalent of almost 17 times around the world, demonstrating its ability to reach remote and conflict-ridden areas.

Doulos' visit to Bougainville was a pivotal moment in the island's history, as it provided a platform for peace to take hold.

Then-president Joseph Kabui asked Doulos to hold a seminar on prayer for the island's new leaders and a workshop on good governing principles, which was a key factor in bringing about reconciliation.

The leaders of the two factions each came with about 30 of their senior people, but initially kept to themselves, not interacting much.

On the third day, delegates who had been rivals and even enemies in combat publicly released their bitterness and sought forgiveness from one another.

A reconciliation ceremony was held on the ship's final day in port, September 21, 1999, which coincided with the United Nation's International Day of Peace.

The UN ambassador, His Excellency Mr Noel Sinclair, praised the Doulos community, saying they were a demonstration of the reality and effectiveness of unity and reconciliation among people.