It Is Written Oceania

God has had His hand on the Medisonship for many years, and it’s exciting to now be a part of this remarkable story.

A Vision for a Medical Boat

It all began more than 30 years ago, when Pastor Bill Turner, a Christian minister in Australia, had a dream of building a medical mission boat to be used in the Pacific. Given its specific purpose, Pr Turner built a stable craft, with a cathedral hull and plenty of room. But in the mid-1970s, Pr Turner was, very reluctantly, forced to sell the boat he had been working so hard on. From that point, he lost track of the boat as it moved from owner to owner.

But God had His eye on the vessel, as He does on all of us! God doesn’t abandon His purposes, although we cannot always understand His timing. Haven’t you found this to be true in your own life? We can always trust that God never forgets and will bring about His will in His time. And in His time, he has brought about His will for the Medisonship.

The Need for On-going Medical Support in the Solomon Islands

In 2007, Sonship Incorporated, a ministry of Adventist Christian volunteers committed to serving the people of the Pacific, recognised a need to provide on-going medical support to the people in remote areas of the Solomon Islands. With most of the villages and rural communities accessible only by sea, they knew that the best way to do this would be by boat. Eventually, in August of that year, after much prayer and searching, Trevor and Helen Oliver, on behalf of Sonship, found the very boat they knew would serve their needs. After purchasing it in Queensland, Australia, they had it delivered to Tweed Heads, in New South Wales, where it could be repaired under the supervision of another fine Christian man, Mr. Peter Gately, who would co-captain the boat on its journey from Australia to the Solomon Islands following its repairs.

And this is where the story gets really exciting, as these faithful Christians saw the revelation of God’s work. Don’t you feel that way too, when you finally see God’s hand at work in your own life, especially if there have been long moments of confusion and anxiety? The revelation of God’s leading is wonderful!

The Boat Finds Its Purpose

A few months after receiving the boat to oversee repairs, the co-caption, Peter Gately, was sharing in church about the project and showing pictures of the boat. Following his presentation, Peter was confronted by an excited man who claimed to know that very boat; ‘That’s the boat my Dad built years ago!’ he exclaimed. Peter was doubtful. It couldn’t be – could it? The man recounted the story of how his father, Pr Bill Turner, had built a boat for the Pacific mission field, but was forced to sell it. Peter wasn’t sure it could be the same boat, but the man was adamant and insisted that Peter meet his father. So Peter did and, after comparing stories and photos, it became clear – this was the same boat! They marveled over God’s amazing providence and care for this boat and the purpose He had designed it for.

Isn’t this a wonderful story? God had his eye on this boat all along, waiting for just the right time to bring the Medisonship to people in need in the Pacific.

You Are invited To Be A Part of This Amazing Story!

With your support, this boat can take its life-changing and soul-saving ministry to the people in remote areas of the Solomon Islands. It Is Written Oceania is partnering with Sonship to send the Medisonship out to people in need, and keep this vital service available.

Your Donation Is So Important!

Your gift today can mean that children and their families can receive much-needed medical care, and also see the love and compassion of their Saviour, Jesus Christ, in action. Please make out your gift to support this wonderful project today!