KUCHING: Doulos Hope and her crew are in the city here and on a mission to share knowledge, help and bring hope.
Some of the crew members spoke to Sarawak Tribune and shared some of their thoughts volunteering on the ship.
Jabulani Witthoft, a 27-year-old project manager, describes his time aboard Doulos Hope as an extraordinary and fulfilling experience.
He has been serving on this floating book fair after previously serving on its sister ship, Logos Hope.
“It’s absolutely lovely, a brilliant and unique experience. The satisfaction that comes from serving on this ship, engaging with the community, and connecting with people is entirely different.
“It’s a practical way to love people in different forms. The beauty lies in the selfless service that everyone volunteers for, coming on board to serve communities globally and inspiring future generations to care for their neighbours,” he said.
Witthoft added the joy of opening the book fair, where visitors can access affordable literature.
“The best part is the friendships formed around the world and the hospitality we experience. It’s exciting and satisfying to host, connect, and exchange cultures, learning about others’ traditions while sharing our own beliefs on board,” he said.
He also believed in the importance of education and the beauty of literature.
“We aim to encourage a culture of reading and engagement with knowledge in various forms.
“Our selection includes comprehensive study materials, children’s books, and stories that ignite a passion for literature and reading,” he said, while adding that Doulos Hope carries nearly 3,000 books, offering a wide selection worth close to 260,000 units.
Meanwhile, Belinda Lim, a 60-year-old volunteer from Singapore, has joined the crew of Doulos Hope, with a mission to bring hope and joy to people across different countries.
When asked about her motivations for joining the ship, she responded, “I came to the ship because of the hope I want to bring to people of different countries. I love to help out in various places, offering assistance to those in need and bringing hope to those who are feeling depressed.”
She added it was important to connect with people and bring joy and peace to those who are struggling.
“I joined this ship in the middle of February and yes, currently, I’m enjoying serving people,” she said.
As for Dr Martin Jackson, he is a 65-year-old doctor from the United Kingdom and recently joined the crew of Doulos Hope.
“I flew into Singapore to join the ship about a week ago. Previously, I worked on the ship for two months in February, March, and April, and I enjoyed it so much that I’m back here again,” he said.
He added it has been such a joy to meet people from new countries and discuss important topics with them when volunteering on the ship.
Excited for his first visit to Malaysia, Dr Jackson is also eager to experience the local culture and cuisine.
“The people I’ve met so far seem very happy, and they say the food is excellent. I’m looking forward to trying lots of good food,” he said.
Bishop of Kuching Right Revd Datuk Danald Jute expressed his joy on the ship’s visit to Kuching.
“For many, this is something people have been waiting for, and it’s not just about the books. It’s much more than that. It is for fellowship and family.
“More importantly, it is a testament to how open Sarawak is to receiving this ship and the ministry,” he said.
He added the ship’s visit gives Sarawakians the opportunity to learn and also to offer themselves to the wider world.
“The ship’s crew will visit various locations, providing Sarawakians, including the youth and even the not-so-young, with opportunities to volunteer, learn, and consider future prospects.
“It’s a win-win in that sense. They have come from all over the world to us, and we have the opportunity to meet, learn from them, and understand their cultures as well.
“We are very, very glad and pleased to welcome the ship and the crew,” said Danald.
One of the world’s largest floating book fair which is open to the public from Aug 2 to 28, presently has more than 100 crew and staff from over 30 nationalities on board.
The word ‘doulos’ is Greek and means servant, so the ship is to be a ‘servant of hope’.
Originally built in Germany in 1991, the ship was formally handed over to GBA Ships in May 2022, and required some repurposing of spaces before it was launched into service in May last year.
