The same day last year on the 26th, huge waves stroke the South and East coast of Sri Lanka. That day, more than 35,000 people lost their lives. In this issue of the “Time” magazine, there is an article about a priest called Father Ranjeevan Xavier of Ampara region. His courageous deeds and actions led the people creeping out of the misery, little by little. However, we all know, there are lot more need to be done. Why? We are here, standing alone side with them.

DOULOS came in Colombo since the beginning of December. We went through the physical challenge in the once-an-year drydock. For two weeks, I was back to the Galley (cooking) business again. This annual repairing/preparation operation took place on land. While 150 plus people (mainly guys) stayed on board for dock activity, other hundred plus people split in 20 teams and traveled to every corner of the Island. They were involved of humanitarian relief, practical works (literally building parks for children!), and furthermore, shared the love and hope with hand in our personal Redeemer. Some of the teams went to the toughest areas you may imagine. The active anti-government group LTTE (aka: Tamil Tigers) is still in control of some parts of the island. Many of teams had to come back a few days earlier due to the incidents happening during their visitation (bombing, harassment and threats towards civilians, rumors). However, in the mist of all these, we still pray for the nation could be changed. We still believe there is hope for the generation to come. Our presence to be here, at this crucial moment, actually spoke the message much louder than pouring money into nowhere. "When we talk about Christmas spirit, we better do it instead." I talked to the journalist in one interview.

"Bring knowledge, help, and hope" is clearly the statement of our ministry. I am more than happy to express that time and time again to the media, or anyone listening to me for a few minutes. "Christ Jesus; Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men..." When I went for a ministry day (just for driving) with a team of 4 in a slum area at suburb Colombo, I experienced that power. These 79 families lived together in this "Village" since Tsunami stroke last year. The train track ran through the shelters. The skinny dog picked up its dinner from the rubbish pile. Few meters away, a lady took a shower from the pipe, which came from nowhere. We walked down with a Salvation Army officer into the deepest and darkest lane after the service. The skyscrapers in downtown Colombo from distance were simply iconic and ironic.

The Christmas time on board DOULOS is always fun. This year I enjoy the company with Brandon and special friends. They made the warm, humid, packed Christmas an uplifting jubilee. At the end of the year, I would love to say thank you again for supporting me and praying with me. I am doing very well. My commitment is once again coming to the end. By the end of March 2006, I will be running though another milestone. Please continue to stand along side me. I am now involved of something that God really put on my heart for a long time. The new district of ministry in OM ships is partnership development. There is a stage for me to use the gift and resources for better purposes. Let us all be ready for something big to happen in 2006.

Pray and praise points
The adjustment into the new role on board.
The interaction with a different team and colleges.
Three new crew members from Taiwan are definitely coming in few weeks.
Personal relationship with God and people can be upright and beneficial.

Supporting Su-Rey Peng and my ministry please once again contact your local OM office www.om.org

Ray Peng from Taiwan...

Media Relations/Director's Assistant

M/V DOULOS