Caribbean :: Having stepped down from full-time work as a dentist, Sandra (USA) decided to use her professional skills to serve others with Logos Hope.
Sandra (USA) has been working in the dental field for 36 years. She had been thinking about stepping down from full-time work, so Sandra decided to use her professional skills to serve others on board one of OM’s vessels.
Paving the way through challenges
Making plans to leave her home came with uncertainties. As a caretaker for her mom, it wasn’t an easy decision to leave her family. But her skills were needed urgently on the ship.
She asked, “Lord, is there somebody who is stronger, more talented and younger to come here?”
God faithfully responded, “You are the person.”
“My agenda,” God’s plan
Sandra and her husband arrived on board ready to serve, but complications with some of the dental equipment put a hindrance on Sandra’s work.
“My agenda was to get everyone cavity free and just to work, work, work,” expressed Sandra. “But God‘s agenda wasn’t that. He wanted me to meet local dentists, to interact with the community and to think about what more He had in store.”
Doors began to open wide for Sandra in ways she would have never expected.
Meeting needs through connection
Sandra was reunited with a former classmate who now works in Trinidad. With this and the making of other new connections along the way, local dentists from every port continually blessed the crew and Sandra was happy to stay in touch with each one.
In Grenada, Sandra got to know the only oral surgeon in the area. After graciously performing services for multiple crewmembers, the surgeon visited the bookfair. Sandra welcomed her and gave her a tour of the ship.
“While I was with her, a group of locals that I had met earlier showed up, and they all happened to be friends,” Sandra shared. “We all shared a nice treat in the café – it was such a special evening. Now we are friends for life.”
This surgeon helped Sandra bring her work to a close. Thanks to her dedication and every connection made, Sandra left the ship without a single crewmember in dental need.
More than a dentist
“I kept asking, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do here?’” she explained. “He reminded me that a big part of my life has been to support the next generation.”
“On the ship, there are a lot of young people between the ages of 18-25. But anyone can make a difference. They need mentors. They need good advice and words of wisdom. If you’re helping them, then that alone is a way to serve on Logos Hope, just giving support to the next generation.”
But Sandra also fulfilled a practical purpose. During her stay, she wrote a proposal for new equipment. Her proposal has been approved, and in due time, Logos Hope will be equipped with portable dentistry appliances. This equipment will last beyond the ship’s years and can be moved into future vessels. It can also be taken out into local communities for outreach, depending on the needs of the community.
Seeing skill and passion come together
Logos Hope helped show Sandra that her career in dentistry and her passion for the next generation can work together. “When you’re giving and serving the Lord that way, your life is brighter and more joyful. I would encourage everyone to come and enjoy this amazing community. I am sure that Logos Hope will change you in a way that you will not live the same way [as before].”
Sandra left a lasting legacy on Logos Hope by listening to God’s purpose for her. If you, like Sandra, have a dream in your heart to use your skills and time to make a greater difference, check out opportunities to serve with OM’s ships by visiting our website here.