What's a Hawespipe?

Maritime speak is considered among many to be a language unto itself the language of ships and boats. It is one that in my experience must be lived to understand it. Many words used onboard to describe an object or process, have been created by sailors of old, and many are from other languages and have been accepted and changed to the user's needs. Starboard, for example, was originally a Dutch word (Stuurboord) used to describe the side of the vessel that the steering oar was on.

What is a Hawsepipe?

It is the tube that goes from the foredeck where the anchor windlass is bolted to the deck and leads to the anchor house where the anchor is housed and allows the anchor chain to pass smoothly when letting the anchor go.

These are just a few of the words that help mariners “navigate" onboard their vessel. This language is the foundation to becoming a mariner. However, it takes much more than knowing words to determine which side of the vessel you're on.

There is a great need for training now as many maritime ocean-going ministry vessels (less than 500 gross tonnage) are struggling to meet their needs for competent and qualified mariners. We are dedicated to training those who serve in the maritime ministry field both by hands-on practice and the use of online curriculum.

Online Training

The MAST Global online training platform in development continues to take shape. Our Maritime PPE (personal protective equipment) course has a first draft of the first module covering eye, ear and body protection. It is always a good idea when training to start with the most basic components to create a solid foundation for future learning. I believe the same applies here.

We believe that creating and providing a way for maritime missionaries to have access to a web-based platform will increase not only the knowledge of the individual but will aid in a safer environment onboard and we will be able to train many more than we can in person.

Pray with us as we embark on this new voyage that we will be able to navigate these new waters and come to our destination safely.

MV Koha - Yasawas Islands, Fiji

The Koha arrived in Fiji in early September after a few interruptions for additional repairs. She is on station now into her fourth outreach, most recently meeting the needs of the people of the Ysawa Islands. I had the privilege to serve here in 2015 when I was sailing with the former YWAM Ship, MV Pacific Hope.

These are remote islands only accessible by sea as they are far west of the main island of Fiji. There are no airstrips and all medical attention they require must be sought on the main island. Please pray with us as they meet the physical and spiritual needs of these beautiful islanders!

Island Reach - Currently sailing to Madagascar!

The Island Reach has just set sail on her maiden voyage to the island nation of Madagascar. She and her crew have a long and arduous journey from Wales, UK as the sailing route takes them through the Mediterranean Sea, transiting the Suez Canal, through the Red Sea, around the Horn of Africa, and into the Indian Ocean.

Please pray with us for protection along the way and especially passage through the Red Sea and then on down the east coast of Africa. Her mission is to serve the remote Malagasy people all along the coastline.

The ship is an ex-Navy tender, purchased in 2021, and has since been equipped with a medical clinic onboard providing dental, surgical, and ophthalmic relief services, as well as much-needed care to these people along with the hope they share in Jesus.

Thank you for taking the time to read this in-depth update!

We are so grateful for your prayers and to those MAST Partners who financially give to make a difference in the lives of isolated islanders where medical ministry ships deploy!

"Soko vata kei Karisito" - from Fiji

"Mandeha sambo miaraka amin’i Kristy" - from Madagascar


Sailing with Christ!
- Matthew