Celtic Mist co-ordinator and captain, Rick Ganly, recently gathered 10 men for a weekend out on the boat for a time of fellowship and teaching. Chris Smith, a pastor from Penge Family Church, who teaches widely on the Old Testament with a particular emphasis on the covenants, came over to teach on Eschatology. The sailing experience of those assembled varied greatly from a few old hands to relative newcomers. Two of the crew were a welcome addition from Victorious Life Church in Newport, one of whom, Sam Wells, is becoming a regular sailor and trainee skipper aboard Celtic Mist.

The plan was to set sail from Cowes on Friday afternoon and head west to Totland Bay where, once anchored, we would have dinner followed by Chris leading his first teaching session. The boat sleeps seven, so a couple of us slept in the spacious lounge area, while one hardy soul, step forward Mr Nigel Rowe, slept outside on deck! Saturday morning started with a cooked breakfast and then Chris taught again which brought us up to midday and the return to Cowes Harbour.

Chris' teaching stirred up some fairly opposing views in regards to end times and God's plan for Israel in the context of Jesus' return. The reality is of course that we do not all have the same interpretation of scripture but the purpose of teaching God's word through those Christ has annointed for the task, is that we might be brought to the unity of the faith and that God would make clear to us the things on which we think differently.

This was the first time that Celtic Mist has been used in this way but it is hoped that many more ventures of this sort will be undertaken in the coming months. Using the boat like this is a great way of not only gathering men together for fellowship but also offers the unique opportunity of having a Bible school aboard a fully functioning sailing vessel and all the challenges that this presents in regards to sea and weather conditions. Sailing and steering the craft safely through choppy waters parallels the the job of guiding the saints in the truths of the gospel.

So watch this space for further adventures in God's word aboard Celtic Mist!