Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, will soon bring its international crew with their life-changing stories to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The ship will celebrate the new year in Trinidad before continuing to other Caribbean nations in 2020. After a few years away from this region, crewmembers are excited to return and anticipate an unforgettable time.

Khemraj Lakhan from Trinidad is one of the volunteer crewmembers onboard. Before joining, some friends spoke to him about ship life. “During that time, I was working at a good company in the south of Trinidad. Quitting that job was quite difficult, because it meant giving up my salary and all different benefits to serve as a volunteer on board”.

Tanzania was the place in which his journey began. Since February 2016, he summarizes his journey thus far. “I look around and I see a real need for help. I see the need of hope in a lot of places and a lot of countries”.

As an engineer, during his first year onboard, Khemraj worked in the engine room. His previous experience on this area equipped him for the job he had to do in the ship as watchkeeper. Not long after, he was training the new crewmembers that were joining the engine team. Now, he serves as one of the directors, being part of the leadership team.

Choosing one experience over the others is not easy, looking retrospectively at almost 4 years on board Logos Hope. “There’s so many… but I would have to say the highlight is always seeing God at work, especially when it is difficult for us to enter some countries”. As a crewmember can recognize how God has helped him to overcome every obstacle during these years. “Sometimes we try to depend in our strengths and abilities but there is a point where I see God telling me that I can’t do those things but only trust in him”.

Khemraj is one of 400 Logos Hope volunteers who come from over 60 nations, leaving behind families, jobs, and homes. The crew offers a unique example of unity in cultural diversity. Some come with qualifications to fill specific roles such as engineering officers, plumbers, carpenters, bookkeepers, cooks, and other professionals; many young people come with no qualifications except a willingness to serve. Although they have different backgrounds, the crewmembers agree on a common goal: serving people through social service projects and good literature.

MV Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V., an international, charitable organisation registered in Germany. Since 1970, the organisation has welcomed over 45 million visitors up the gangways in over 150 countries and territories around the world.

MV Logos Hope will open to the public at Cruise ship complex from January 2nd through January 26th, 2020. Opening hours are as follows: Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sundays: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Entrance fee is 5 TT per person. Adults 65 and over enter for free. Children under 12 years old enter for free, but must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, follow Logos Hope on social media at https://www.facebook.com/LogosHopePortOfSpain/, Instagram: @logoshopeportofspain.