The goodwill ship Doulos arrived in Bahrain in early March - everyone was getting excited to visit the floating bookshop as it was eight years since it last docked here.  But the excitement turned to deep disappointment when we were told that there was a ban on the sale of books, as it conflicted with the Arabian Book Fare Exhibitions.

After powerful prayer and a reconsideration that this was not altogether commercial but part of a missionary field, the ship was open for sales. Thousands of people flocked to invest in their children’s educational future purchasing some of the best buys. Adults were extremely happy with their sales and the Doulos volunteers were very satisfied with not only good sales but great hospitality given to them by not only the different churches but the Bahraini people also. There were bible study sessions, prayer groups, witnessing, and a tremendous lot of inter-reacting spiritualism, and a great contribution to community projects throughout Bahrain. Rod & Avril hosted a dinner for some volunteers along with members of our congregation, and they gave witness of their everyday life on board the Doulus - this was given by a Thai young man by using a lap top presentation. A memorable evening and one which we will all cherish.

Avril