YWAM Ships

Gerald Bengesser, a 28 year old computer programmer from Stuttgart, Germany is sailing with the Pacific Link for the second time in a few years. In 2005, while Gerald was volunteering in Aukland, New Zealand, he heard mention of a medical ship docked not too far from where he was working. He was told that they needed help on board and decided to have a look. Through his travels, Gerald had always had a desire to go on a boat and visit different islands. What he didn't realize was that the Pacific Link would be the vessel in which his dreams would be realized.

Crew were needed in 2005 to work in the engine room and Gerald fit the profile. He was ready to learn and eager to be at sea. After volunteering for a few months, he left his job on the ship to complete a Discipleship Training School with Marine Reach, the nautical arm of YWAM in New Zealand. His training kept him on the Link for lectures and eventually took him to the Philippines to do hands on outreach.

After his school, Gerald traveled back to Germany to work on a building project. While at home, he heard that the Pacific Link would be sailing again in 2010. This time, it would be coming to Australia before heading up to Papua New Guinea. The timing was perfect – Gerald's project was ending and he was ready to be back on board.

Gerald headed back to New Zealand and joined the crew in late January before the Pacific Link set sail to Newcastle, Australia. “I really wanted to come back,” recalls Gerald. “It's so exciting (being on the ship). It's always a roller coaster – sometimes it's intense, sometimes is scary, but always exciting.”

Though he was supposed to be traveling back home in March, Gerald decided to stay on with the Link until it finishes its Australia portion of the tour in June. As he speaks, Gerald can't help but smile when he talks of his time on the Pacific Link. “Getting to be in a multicultural place and being able to encourage people, like those in Papua New Guinea – that is what I like about being on the Ship,” he says.

When asked what it's like living on board, Gerald chuckles. “I like it,” he says. “I like the community. But you really have two choices when you're on board with all those people – you get used to it or you go crazy.” Gerald has made a home on board and is accustomed to the close quarters by now.  Though he would have never expected to end up on board a medical ship, he is grateful for the experience. “This is something I've always wanted to do,” he says. “And something I would never have been able to do myself.”

Though Gerald leaves the Ship in a little over the month, it is sure to be a part of his life not soon forgotten. Gerald is just one of the few crew that have dedicated this year to bring the medical ship to Australia and beyond. Thanks to their work on the Pacific Link, many who would not have been able to experience a healthy life, will now have the opportunity.