Broad Reach Maritime, the sailing ministry of Hellenic Ministries, has recently added another vessel to its growing fleet. A 33-foot sailboat, Dolphin III, was donated by an American missionary who was influenced early in life by HM’s late founder, Costas Macris. The boat is currently being outfitted in the Azore islands in the North Atlantic and will soon make its voyage to the Mediterranean.

Upon arrival in Greece the boat’s skipper, Robert Feddes and his wife Danielle, will join hands with HM’s Alex and Jo-Ann Macris, who oversee Broad Reach. Alex captains the 68-foot schooner, Morning Star, and both vessels will make regular trips to the Greek islands in order to encourage and support local believers. For instance, the Morning Star is now planning its annual trip to such places as the Sporades islands, the Saronic Gulf south of Athens, and to the large island of Evia. After months of pandemic lockdowns, isolated local believers are thirsty for Christian edification and fellowship.

These voyages also provide opportunities for personal discipleship of crew members and ministry teams, both Greek and foreign. Many heartfelt relationships are forged as crew members share in the adventure of sailing. Sometimes the most interesting aspect of these trips is the relationships made with fellow sailors from around the world. For more than thirty years, the crew of the Morning Star has boldly proclaimed Christ in island harbors across the Mediterranean.

Looking to the future, Alex explains: “My vision is to create a fleet of boats called Island Reach that will carry the good news of the gospel to all the Greek islands, while also providing practical assistance. Specifically, each boat will take on a specific group of islands in order to establish stable relations with their inhabitants".

The members of HM Broad Reach are looking forward to this new season ahead. Please pray for safety, for fruitfulness, and for the Lord’s timely provision of every need.