# Sailing Doulos > Using our Passion for the Water to lead People to Life ## Posts - [We Have a BOAT](https://sailingdoulos.com/we-have-a-boat/): Words just aren’t ENOUGH! We honestly don’t even know how to fully put into words what we’ve experienced in receiving this boat. How do you explain the magnitude of an answered prayer? Many of you who have followed our journey know we have been praying and pursuing ministry on the water for the past three years. And almost exactly three years to the day from when this journey began… We officially received this boat. We are still in awe of God’s faithfulness and the way He writes stories far beyond anything we could plan ourselves. So jump in the water with […] - [Through the Peep Hole — Learning to Follow God’s Lead](https://sailingdoulos.com/through-the-peep-hole-learning-to-follow-gods-lead/): All along our travels, we’ve been asked a few common questions: Both are great questions — and if I’m honest, they’ve been part of our own conversations with God too. The best way I can explain it is with a simple analogy. You know what a peep hole is? It’s that tiny opening in a door that lets you see who’s standing on the other side. The image you see isn’t clear — it’s a bit distorted, just a shadow or outline of what’s really there. That’s often how it feels when God leads us. We don’t get the full, crystal-clear […] - [When the Wait Feels Long](https://sailingdoulos.com/when-the-wait-feels-long/): A raw update from our family’s journey of faith, waiting, and obedience to God’s leading We’ve been sitting with the Lord a lot lately—reflecting on the past few months (July–October 2025)—and realizing something: if we’re going to live this journey authentically, we need to invite people into both the beautiful and the brutal parts. It’s easy to share the exciting moments, the visible breakthroughs, and the “God showed up!” stories. But the waiting? The wrestling? The roller coaster of emotions that come with pursuing what you know God has called you to, yet not seeing it unfold on your timeline—that’s harder […] - [Anchored in Faith — Searching for the Vessel God Has Prepared](https://sailingdoulos.com/anchored-in-faith-searching-for-the-vessel-god-has-prepared/): Searching for a boat has been a little like searching for the camper. We’ve walked this road before — praying, seeking, and learning what it means to listen closely to the Lord’s leading one step at a time. From the start, we discussed what would be “non-negotiables” and what we could live with as a family of five aboard a full-time liveaboard sailboat. As crew with Maritime Ministries, we’ve seen the Lord provide donated sailboats every year to others in ministry, and we’ve prayed earnestly for His direction — asking how we would obtain the vessel He desires to use for […] - [Time Aboard SV Selah](https://sailingdoulos.com/time-aboard-sv-selah/): Faith, Fellowship, and a Dinghy Delivery: Time Aboard SV Selah There’s a unique kind of joy in stepping aboard the floating home of friends—especially when those friends are a faith-filled family living out their calling on the water. Our recent visit with Aaron, Laura, and their three kids aboard their 47′ sailing vessel Selah in West Palm Beach, Florida, was one such joy-filled experience. They were in the middle of their first major shakedown aboard Selah, having moved her from North Carolina with hopes of spending the winter and spring in Florida—and potentially the Bahamas. We didn’t set sail during our […] - [Packing with a Purpose](https://sailingdoulos.com/packing-with-a-purpose-a-day-of-service-with-hope-fleet/): Packing with a Purpose: A Day of Service with Hope Fleet and Grace Church We recently had the joy of attending a packing party hosted by Hope Fleet and Grace Church in Sarasota, Florida. It was a hands-on day of service, and our whole family got involved. Together, we organized hygiene items, assisted church members in packing kits, ran quality control, placed stickers on the boxes, and even helped load the finished kits into a van. These kits will soon be transported by private boat to Hope Fleet’s partners in the islands—ultimately reaching those who need them most. The girls were […] - [Trip to Abaco](https://sailingdoulos.com/trip-to-abaco/): Reconnecting, Listening, and Serving in Abaco This past February (2025), a small team from Hope Fleet packed our bags and set out for Abaco, Bahamas—a place of stunning beauty and lingering brokenness, home to resilient and faith-filled people who continue to inspire us deeply. But this wasn’t just a trip. It was a mission of connection, listening, and discovery. With one goal in mind, our team set out to reconnect with our ministry partners, observe their work in action, and learn how we—Hope Fleet—can better support the incredible things God is already doing in the heart of Abaco. Partnering with Purpose […] - [The Reality of Provision](https://sailingdoulos.com/walking-in-faith-the-reality-of-provision/): Walking in Faith: The Reality of Provision I wanted to take a moment to share a glimpse of the “real” — the ongoing wrestle and trust walk we face as full-time missionaries. It’s not always easy, and finances have definitely been one of the bigger areas of learning and growth.When we stepped into full-time missions in 2021, we had a small financial cushion from the sale of our boat and vehicles. At the time, it felt like a step of faith — and it was — but in all honesty, knowing that money was there gave us a bit of a […] - [Our Experience at ICOM](https://sailingdoulos.com/our-experience-at-icom-2024/): Empowered and Uplifted: Our Experience at ICOM (International Conference on Missions) This year, we had the privilege of attending ICOM as exhibitors with Hope Fleet. With over 350 exhibitors and more than 6,000 attendees, the conference was a powerful gathering of individuals and families passionate about fulfilling the Great Commission. The theme of the event centered on empowering and equipping missionaries, ensuring that each attendee left encouraged and ready to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. For our family, it was exactly the boost we needed. A Time of Encouragement and Renewal At times, the work of ministry […] - [E-City Boat Work](https://sailingdoulos.com/e-city-boat-work/): 4 Weeks of Fellowship and Service with Maritime Ministries in Elizabeth City, NC Our family just wrapped up a transformative four weeks in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where we had the privilege of partnering with the amazing team at Maritime Ministries. Our time was filled with meaningful fellowship, hard work, and countless moments of growth. We were able to serve alongside some dear friends and support the incredible boat projects they’re working on, all while experiencing the joys and challenges of life on the water. Serving with Aaron and Laura: Rebuilding Selah for Ministry The heart of our time in Elizabeth […] - [Discovery Trip to Exuma](https://sailingdoulos.com/discovery-trip-to-exuma-a-journey-of-connection/): Discovery Trip to Exuma: A Journey of Connection In June 2024, the Hope Fleet ministry team had the privilege of traveling to Exuma, a breathtaking island in the Bahamas, to build relationships, offer hope, and serve a community that welcomed us with open arms. Our mission was twofold: to meet with government officials and marinas to facilitate the delivery of crucial supplies through the private boating community and to connect with local ministries and organizations working to share the message of Jesus Christ. This trip was not only about meeting immediate needs but also about establishing deep, lasting connections with the […] - [A Week on the Water](https://sailingdoulos.com/odio-utsem-nulla-pharetra-diam-sitametnisl-elementum/): A Week on the Water: Our Family’s Adventure Aboard “More Beyond” Spring break 2024, our family had the incredible opportunity to spend a week aboard “More Beyond,” an Island Packet 31, thanks to the generosity of Maritime Ministries. We were eager to experience what life might be like as we pursue full-time ministry on the water, reaching the boating community. Though the weather wasn’t exactly cooperative—cold and windy conditions limited our sailing to just two outings—it was still a week of growth, learning, and fellowship. The Dream of Living on the Water From the very first night, our girls were captivated […] - [From Land to Sea: When God Expands the Reach](https://sailingdoulos.com/from-land-to-sea-when-god-expands-the-reach/): Some of you have been with us since the very beginning — when God first called us to “GO” and we stepped out in faith, living life on the road in our camper. It only feels right to share how He’s now shifting us once again — this time, from the road to the water. Before we ever left in the camper, life was full and good. Tim was running a successful charter business, and I held a leadership position at our girls’ private Christian school. We were both thriving in what we did, deeply connected to our local church, and […] - [The Fern's Rig](https://sailingdoulos.com/the-ferns-rig/): Full RV Rebuild of The Fern’s Rig When two hurricanes collide one is bound to win… The Project In early 2022 our friends the Fernandez family purchased a Class A motor home.  They jumped and and began helping them with the RV Rebuild. It was a heck of a remodeling project to make it the home on wheels they envisioned.  Months later, exhausted and overwhelmed, progress had come to a complete halt.  Then hurricane Ian hit.  Their rig was completely surrounded by water 2 feet deep and ravaged by the winds… Discouraged they asked if we could take over and finish […] - [God sold our boats... an vehicles too](https://sailingdoulos.com/god-sold-our-boats-an-vehicles-too/): What a crazy, beautiful season this has been — one that began with God’s simple but powerful word: “GO.” We thought we knew what that meant. We had a plan — serve for six months, return home for charter season, earn some income, and then head back out to continue the ministry. It made perfect sense. But then, as He often does, God surprised us. One morning, Tim was praying about what to do with our two boats. As he sought the Lord, God led him to Acts 5, where Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property but kept some […] - [Being Iron Friends](https://sailingdoulos.com/iron-friends/): Iron Friends – As Iron Sharpens Iron “As iron sharpens iron, so one friend sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27-17 We all need to be sharpened! We all need Iron Friends! What does that even mean? Think of your kitchen knives… over time and after much use they get dull, worn out, or even nicked/chipped… eventually if you want them to be effective again you will need to sharpen them. Often, sharpening sticks or stones can be used to rub against the blade, causing friction and changing the dull areas to become sharp again. Friction creates heat and heat causes things to […] - [Meet the Gates](https://sailingdoulos.com/meet-the-gates-2/): Meet The Gates We were camping in the Black Hills just outside of Custer, South Dakota. This area was beautiful and our campsite was in a secluded area in the woods where we could really “be still”. We had discussed heading west just before Labor Day weekend, but decided to stay so we wouldn’t have to fight to find a spot over the holiday. Well at the time, that was why we thought we were hanging around, but God had a plan all along. On September 1st I was scrolling through some of my photos and came across a picture I […] - [We were an Answer to Prayer???](https://sailingdoulos.com/we-were-an-answer-to-prayer/): We Were an Answer to Prayer??? Divine appointment in Mitchell, SD… Our family was headed west, making our way towards Idaho, we decided to stop over for two nights in the middle of South Dakota.  The little town of Mitchell, SD is right off I-90, a little over 3 hours east of the Badlands.  We stayed at the Dakota Campground because temperatures were forecast to be in the upper 90’s; we could plug in to turn on our AC, it had a pool, and laundry facilities. Just there for two nights and God showed up! We had visited the Corn Palace […] - [Meeting Jami](https://sailingdoulos.com/meeting-jami/): Meeting Jami When you pray, do you pray expectantly? When He answers are you shocked? Yes and Yes are my answers to these questions. I’m not necessarily shocked because I know God is faithful, but I am in awe of rapid responses and how He answers!  He is AMAZING! We were in Kentucky and I had a deep desire for another divine appointment and fellowship. I was walking to the bathhouse for a shower  and began asking God for these exact things.  As I was praying, God moved my heart and I began acknowledging that He knows exactly what I need and I […] ## Pages - [Newsletters Archive](https://sailingdoulos.com/newsletters-archive/): Sailing Doulos Newsletters Archive Welcome to an archive of our email newsletters. If you aren’t already subscribed, please use the form below to be added. Also checkout all our social links above! Thanks and God Bless! 2026 Newsletters: Week 13 – Join us in Prayer Week 12 – Growing Partnerships Week 11 – The Girls + Hope Fleet Week 10 – Boot Stripe Week 9 – Repair Updates Week 8 – Gap Months Week 7 – Cave Spring Team Week 6 – Last 2025 Video Week 5 – God Uses a Gym Mat Week 4 – Strut Surprise Week 3 – […] - [Haul-Out & Refit: Getting Doulos Mission-Ready](https://sailingdoulos.com/haul-out-refit/): Haul-Out & Refit: Getting Doulos Mission-Ready A Season of Below-the-Waterline Work Now that we have our vessel, the real work begins. Before we can safely set sail for the Caribbean, Doulos needs a full haul-out — pulled out of the water for inspection, repair, and a long list of upgrades that will turn her from a sailboat into a true mission vessel. This page is where we’ll track that process: what we’re doing, why it matters, and how you can be part of making it happen. Would you prayerfully consider supporting this leg of the journey? Support the Work Please select […] - [Home](https://sailingdoulos.com/): Welcome Aboard Sailing Doulos Christian Sailing Missionaries Serving in the Caribbean. Will you join us on this journey of faith, hope, and humanitarian aid in the Caribbean? Discover the Mission Partner With Us ✨️Latest News: We’re Hauled Out! Right now Doulos is out of the water for haul-out — below-waterline maintenance plus a full list of refits to make her truly mission-ready for the Caribbean. Show Me More A 3-Fold Mission Guided by faith, we navigate across the waters, as sailing missionaries to make a difference in the lives of those we meet. Sharing the Gospel Bringing the good news of […] - [Donate Your Boat](https://sailingdoulos.com/donate-your-boat/): Donate Your Boat YES! You can donate your boat! Do you have a boat you might want to donate? GREAT, we’ll use the boat fund to refit and run her! Why Donate? Benefits of Donating • Potential Tax benefits (contact your tax professional)• Quick Transfer (no sales/bargaining)• Knowledge that your loved vessel will live on to bless many How Does it Work? Contact us with vessel details • Example: size, type, specs etc. • Please provide as many details as possible + photos We’ll reach out • We will have a thorough discussion with you regarding your vessel • A showing […] - [Boat Fund](https://sailingdoulos.com/boat-fund/): Give to Our Boat Fund A Home on the Water — A Mission in Motion From the very beginning, Sailing Doulos has been about more than just sailing. The word “Doulos” means servant, and that’s the heart of our mission—to serve, love, and bring hope to coastal communities through the love of Jesus. We believe God is calling us to live aboard full-time, taking the gospel and practical help wherever the wind and His Spirit lead. To make this next step possible, we’re raising funds to purchase a vessel that will become both our family home and ministry base on the […] - [Needs](https://sailingdoulos.com/specific-needs-and-projects/): Specific Needs & Projects Join in the Mission by Fulfilling Specific Needs or Funding a Project Give to Our Boat Fund 🎉 We Got a Boat! After years of prayer, waiting, and trusting God’s timing — He came through. We are now the grateful crew of our very own vessel, and the mission is officially underway. But before we set sail, she needs work. We’re heading into haul-out for below-waterline maintenance, plus a list of refits and repairs to make her truly mission-ready for the Caribbean. Haul-out is one of the most expensive parts of boat ownership — and we can’t […] - [Link Tree](https://sailingdoulos.com/links/): Sailing Doulos 🙏 Partner with Us ⛵ Give to Boat Fund Goto our Website Goto our Youtube “We Have A Boat” — Read the Blog! Join the Prayer Team - [Thanks](https://sailingdoulos.com/thanks/): Success! Your donation has been processed All transactions are processed by Maritime Ministries Inc. and will appear on your statement as: “NPO* MARITIME MI” Maritime Ministries Inc. is a 501c3 Ministry, EIN: 54-1604155 Why Your Support Matters Sailing Doulos operates as a faith-based mission, relying entirely on the prayers and financial partnership of individuals, families, and churches who share our vision. Your contributions directly fund: Let’s Get Social Follow, Like, Share and help us grow the mission through social media! YouTube For the latest video news, updates and testimonies be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel SUBSCRIBE Facebook Follow, like, […] - [Pray](https://sailingdoulos.com/pray/): Prayer Team We would be honored to have you on our prayer team! Prayer is the wind in our sails. As we serve as sailing missionaries throughout the Caribbean, prayer is what carries us — through open water, through ministry opportunities, and through the everyday challenges of life aboard. When you join our prayer team, we’ll send you regular updates and specific requests so you can stand with us in the moments that matter most, whether that’s a safe passage, a ministry connection, or a need only God can meet. Request to Join the Prayer Team Prayer Request? We believe in […] - [From the Helm](https://sailingdoulos.com/from-the-helm/): From the Helm Follow the journey, with stories and testimonies from the mission field, and see how God is at work. Featured Story: We Have a BOAT May 23, 2026 Words just aren’t ENOUGH!We honestly don’t even know how to fully put into words what we’ve experienced in receiving this boat. So jump in the water with us for a minute as we testify to His goodness. Read More -> Join the Crew When you subscribe to our email newsletter you’ll be one of first to hear about: We respect your inbox and only send meaningful ministry and voyage updates. All […] - [Events](https://sailingdoulos.com/events/): The Jeleniowski Family Connection Event Food, Fellowship, & Ministry Update with Tim and Kim Master’s Grove Connection Event You’ve been invited to join us for an evening of food and fellowship. We will also be sharing a ministry update. Please RSVP for the event. RSVP Below: Event Details: Date: June 6th, 2025 Location: The Master’s Grove 13311 Stringfellow Rd. Bokeelia, FL 33922 Time: 6-8pm - [Our Mission](https://sailingdoulos.com/our-mission/): Christian Sailing Missionaries We are committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus in the Caribbean, navigating by faith to share His love and serve those in need. A Calling on the Seas Our Vision We envision Christ-centered communities flourishing throughout the Caribbean islands, where the gospel transforms lives, hope is restored, and practical needs are met through the compassionate service of God’s people. Our sailboat, “Doulos,” serves as a mobile platform for ministry, enabling us to reach isolated areas and respond flexibly to opportunities for service and evangelism. Core Pillars of Our Ministry Our mission is built on these […] - [Doulos Explained: A Life of Service, Dedication, and Adventure](https://sailingdoulos.com/what-is-doulos/): Why the name Doulos? Doulos Explained What Does Doulos Mean? Doulos (δοῦλος) is a Greek word meaning ‘servant’ or ‘bondservant’ — someone who willingly and completely devotes their life to serving their master. The Greek word δοῦλος (doulos) is a significant term found over 120 times in the New Testament. While often translated as “servant” or “slave,” its meaning carries a depth beyond casual service. A doulos is one who is bound to a master, whose will is entirely submitted to that master. It implies a willing, devoted, and all-encompassing commitment. In a positive biblical context, it refers to someone who has chosen […] - [Partners in the Gospel – Join us in this Shared Mission](https://sailingdoulos.com/partner-with-us/): Partner With Us to Support the Mission Support our missionary family as we commit to being the hands and feet of Jesus on and across the water, navigating by faith to share His love and serve those in need. She’s Hauled Out! After years of prayer, waiting, and trusting God’s timing — He came through. We are now the grateful crew of our very own vessel, and the mission is officially underway. Right now Doulos is out of the water for haul-out — below-waterline maintenance plus a full list of refits to make her truly mission-ready for the Caribbean. A haul-out […] - [Meet the Crew](https://sailingdoulos.com/meet-the-crew/): Meet the Crew we are on a mission to lead boaters to life in Jesus The Crew Tim Tim has a lifetime of experience on the water and is an avid and knowledgeable mariner. He is a USCG licensed captain having operated a wide range of vessels such as towboats, fireboats, charter boats and more. He believes his time on the water has been preparing him for this season and is now using these experiences and skills to further the gospel by water. Kim Kim, having marveled at the ocean from a young age, initially pursued a marine science degree. After […] - [Contact](https://sailingdoulos.com/contact/): Get in Touch Whether you have questions, prayer requests, or want to learn more about partnering with us…we’d love to hear from you! Send us a Message Contact Details Email Us connect@sailingdoulos.com Mailing Address (stateside) Maritime Ministries Inc.Attn: Kim & Tim1851 West Ehringhaus Street #270Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Prayer Request? We believe in the power of prayer. If you have a prayer request, please feel free to share it with us. We would be honored to pray for you. Please indicate if your request is confidential. Frequently Asked Questions Find quick answers to common questions about our mission and how to […] - [Making Waves](https://sailingdoulos.com/waves/): Senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Sed libero enim sed faucibus turpis in eu. Pharetra diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est. ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/sailingdoulos.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)