MAST Global

MV Koha is Deploying

Opening the Floodgates
PC: YWAM Ships Aotearoa
Outreach to Fiji
mast global
Opening the Floodgates
Out of the Graving Dock

The picture of floodgates opening brings back memories for me, but all with an expectancy of good things to come.

The first is of many times both entering a graving dock when the shipyard floods the dock with water to allow the vessel passage in the dock to set it on the blocks and when they flood it again to float her free to put her back in service.

The second is that the ships we serve are preparing for their field service for 2022 to serve the needs of more than they have the capacity for which means a physical need requires a physical response.

MV Koha
Soon to be sailing from New Zealand to Fiji
PC: YWAM Ships Aotearoa
Preparing to Sail

One of these opportunities is our work with YWAM Aotearoa's vessel MV Koha. She is currently alongside the dock in Tauranga, New Zealand. She and her crew have been hankering to get underway and they are so close. They have worked diligently in raising awareness of the needs of so many in the Pacific region and have established themselves in the work they are called to do by serving those in need close to home.

One of the main services that the ship will supply is dental care. While they have been restricted to New Zealand, dental outreaches to communities around the Islands have been operating and meeting the needs of those who don't have the means to have their dental care met.

This is one of the areas that will be addressed as they make their way to the Fijian Islands. As we all know our teeth are important and can make life enjoyable or miserable. The Islanders had many restrictions placed on them over the last few years and the need is great.
MV Koha
Dental-suite outfitted containers ready to serve
PC: NZ High Commission, Suva, Fiji
Dental Outreach

Several containers have been purpose-built that have dental suites set up inside and can be fastened to the deck and or lifted ashore. These are climate controlled and will allow the flexibility the vessel needs to begin this vital service. A delegation has already made its way to procure a memorandum of understanding with the Fijian Ministry of Health and have a formal invitation. This week another delegation is back in Fiji speaking with the Maritime Authority and Port Authority to secure berthing and other needs for the ship while it serves there.

There are many more opportunities and needs around the world that ships and their crew can meet!

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- Matthew

"Empowering a healthy future for the Pacific, by serving isolated island communities, accessible only by ships. "
- YWAM Ships Aotearoa