Jul 5, 20173 min read

Marsh Harbour, Abaco

After almost 8 days of sailing I have arrived at Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas. I apologize for the delayed post but after 8 days of sailing, I was exhausted. It has taken me a couple of days to stop swaying back and forth and regain my energy.

My pilot, Peter, has left for another northern sail and is not willing to sail to Saint Lucia until the end of Hurricane Season. Yet, through the amazing providence of God, I have been invited to team up with Scott & Colette Harris, two missionaries working here with the Marsh Harbour Church of Christ. After counseling with the elders of the Westport Christian Church, numerous ministers that support this mission, as well as other supporters of the mission, the unanimous opinion was that this would be a great opportunity for me to get familiar with, not only the island cultures, but also the opportunity to work with a mission church already on the ground. God is good... God is always good. God is working.

Ironically, I actually converted Scott & Colette to undenominational, non-sectarian, first century Christianity back in 2006/2007 while I was in Fallbrook California. They have since attended and graduated Sunset International Bible Institute with degrees in Ministry. Small world... coincidence... or providence? Hmmm....

They invited me to preach last night and, of course, I accepted the invitation. (If you know me, you know I have never and will never decline an opportunity to preach the beautiful gospel of Christ). The sermon was well received and the small congregation here was very accepting and kind. I look forward to working with them over the next few months and help them to reach the local community.

As to the passage, it was not without incident. While on the Bahama Banks, the starter would not engage and we were unable to crank the engine. We managed the Northwest passage without the use of the engine by tacking. However, due to the direction of the winds and the direction we needed to sail, this tacking process took an entire day and was somewhat frustrating. Eventually, we were able to determine the solenoid on the starter was bad and bypass it to crank the engine. There were other mechanical issues along the way, but nothing as serious as our starter issue.

I have already begun to experience the culture here and there are many things that differ from the states. Time moves a little slower here... most of the locals are not as hurried as we are in the states. I've heard it referred to as "Island Time."

Some of the food is a little different. This evening I had Spicy Wild Boar with Black Beans and Rice. It was delicious. Some of the items on the menu at the "Take-Out" (a small one room building on the side of the road), Jerk chicken, sweet and spicy grouper, BBQ boar, plantains, and though I did not see any at this Take-Out, I heard BBQ goat is popular. I haven't yet tried pepper pot stew, iguana, johnny cake, or guava duff... but I plan to.

Food is extremely expensive here. I snapped a couple of pictures in the local supermarket to punctuate that issue. (I may need to raise more support - lol).

Even though the Hurricane Season has delayed my arrival to Saint Lucia, God has opened a door for me to gather invaluable experience and at the same time, the opportunity to preach and teach the gospel of Christ on the mission field.

I thank God that He has allowed me to be a part of His plan to reach the lost of this world.