Ships :: Captain Dirk Colenbrander (Netherlands) uses his professional skills to share God's heart for others.
Captain Dirk Colenbrander (Netherlands) was raised to understand the importance of knowing God and following His will. From a young age, he already had the goal of working on an OM ship, but it was at 15 years of age that he personally chose to become a Jesus follower.
For the last 19 years, Captain Dirk has been volunteering his professional skills with the Ships Ministry and his heart for those who are yet to hear the Good News, in response to that personal knowledge of God’s love for him.
“The main thing I wanted to do is help with my skills, so that the ship could sail wherever it needed to be. At the same time, wherever possible, I wanted to share the Good News with others. Before I joined, I thought maybe I would be more focused on the job, so that others can share the Good News. But thankfully, in my experience, you can do both!”
Serving the people, both on shore and on board, is a highlight for Captain Dirk. “When you arrive somewhere, you're really there for the people. We always check with local organisations and churches and ask, ‘What are the needs here?’ You widen your perspective.”
“Whenever I have the chance, I [also] love to get my hands dirty, because then you're working together with the team. I love it when containers come, or we set up the gangways and I can be involved. Teamwork is what I love the most, so I love to help out and do it together.”
Thank you for considering partnering with the Ships Ministry this Christmas and giving as you are able. Together, we can reach more people who are yet to hear of God’s love for them, so that more may hear, come and adore Him.