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| 1.
Who is Friend Ships?
Friend Ships provides food,
medicine, clothing, and other critical life support relief items to people
in need, throughout the world. We own and operate our own ocean-going ships
and distribute food to supplement more than 150,000 meals (in
groceries) to the needy people in Los Angeles every week. International
operations have recently expanded and now include a program in Honduras to
provide trade school training, Bible studies, agricultural development and
community services programs to people in impoverished communities. |
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2. Why
haven't I heard of you?
Our strategy here at Friend
Ships is to operate quietly, behind the scenes. In the USA and abroad, we
distribute our supplies to needy people, primarily through local churches and
mission groups. We like staying in the background so that the thanks goes
where it belongs - to God for His wonderful love and provisions! Quietly,
over the years, the good reputation of Friend Ships continues to spread,
mostly by word of mouth. |
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3. When and
how did Friend Ships start?
Don Tipton founded Park West
Children's Fund, Inc., also known as "Friend Ships", in 1983 as a charitable
outreach of Park West Polo & Hunt Club. At that time, the charity sponsored
special programs for battered, abused and handicapped children. Then in 1985,
Park West acquired MV Spirit, a 5000 ton ocean-going ship, and began
restoring the vessel for international missions of mercy. The following year,
we established a food distribution program for needy people in the United
States. Read more about
the
vision of Friend Ships. |
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| 4. Are you registered in the U.S.?
Friend Ships operates as a 501(c)(3)
tax deductible charitable organization. We are registered with the Internal
Revenue Service, the California Registry of Charitable Trusts, the California
Attorney General and the Los Angeles Department of Social Services. |
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5. What
is so special about Friend Ships?
Imagine each $1.00 dollar donated
to Friend Ships resulting in an average of $100 worth of aid reaching those
in need! Here at Friend Ships, because of our unique operations, it
happens!
The multiplication works like
this: Most of our supplies and commodities come as gifts to us, at no
charge. In turn, we give away these supplies for free to those in need. Although
we have operating costs, our cash needs are a fraction of what most others
incur because we have no paid staff. Everyone working in Friend Ships volunteers
their time, including the founders and directors! For the most part, even
our warehouses, offices, and motor vehicles are donated. Generally, all fees
are waived for our ships, both in the U.S. and in other countries. This includes
customs, immigration, port fees, tug boats, pilots, warehousing, longshoremen,
trucking, everything! We take the world's corporate product overages and
"out-of-service equipment," along with the Lord's blessing, and turn them
into critical life support for people in need. We send these supplies not
only by way of our ships, but also by commercial ships, planes, trucks, buses,
cars, and even in travelers' suitcases. If a delivery door opens, we use
it!
This incredible multiplication
is a demonstration of the love of God, He who is the Great Mathematician!
Read about this unusual math and 20th Century miracles occurring within Friend
Ships in the book,
Jesus
& Company,
by Don and Sondra Tipton. |
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6.
What is a mission?
A
Friend Ships mission begins with deciding to which country we will take
the mission. The preparation of the ship is followed by gathering the
supplies, ship stores and fuel. When the loading of the ship is completed,
she is then ready to set sail with her precious supplies. When reaching
the destination, the supplies are unloaded and distributed. Please note
that the actual sailing is a small part of any mission. It’s primarily
a lot of preparation work. Can’t do a whole mission? You can still
come to Port Mercy and help with the various stages of preparation
leaving your handprints on the success of the mission. |
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7.
How
often do the ships sail?
We are unable to
determine the voyage departure dates, length of stays and return dates
until very close to the time of departure. This requires flexibility as
we operate on faith and donations. There are times when we think
God has provided and prepared for a voyage, yet we are surprised by a
delay or change of plans. But, He promises in Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) that
“we make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Based on our
relying on His work, the ship sails when God makes everything ready and
we trust that is when the people at our destination will be most
prepared to receive us in the power of His love. |
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| 8.
Are you taking
new
applicants?
Yes, we are! Because Friend
Ships is continually expanding, the opportunities to advance the Kingdom
of God and help the needy are literally endless. We are always in search
of serious, dedicated, willing hearted individuals who want to join us. |
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| 9.
How can I become
involved?
We have several options and
opportunities.
Staff
Member - For those
interested in joining Friend Ships for a short or a long period of time,
two months or longer.
Volunteer Guest Worker - For those wanting to serve with Friend Ships
for a day, week or up to two months.
Work
Team - Bring a work team (Christian
Adult or Youth Group) to one of our facilities for the day, week, or
longer to experience what God can do with and through you.
Prayer - Join "Special Forces," our dedicated prayer
team, to pray for specific needs of the organization.
Financial support or
Donations
- Allow us to
multiply your dollars
100 times to the intended target!
Contact
us! |
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10.
Will I get to go on a mission?
The
choice of crew for the ship is dependant on the needs of the mission as
the time nears to departure. We do not normally bring crew on just for
a voyage, but require one to be with Friend Ships for at least a
few months prior to sailing. If you are here during the time of
choosing a crew and wish to be part of the mission, submit your request
to your supervisor. You will certainly be considered. |
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11.
What can I expect
to do when I arrive as a volunteer with Friend Ships and will my
skills be used while I am serving?
There
are several areas where you could be assigned when you arrive at Friend
Ships. The type of work would include ship work meaning chipping,
painting, mechanical (engineering), electrical, construction, yard,
landscaping and greenhouse, domestic and cooking, plus there is office
and warehouse work. When we are getting ready to sail, many other
things are added to the list such as inventories, loading the ship,
preparing charts and ship stores, etc.
Your
skills will definitely be given consideration and used whenever
possible. However, your assignment will be based more on the
needs of the organization at the time you arrive rather than on
your skills and experience. The most important aspect of serving
is a willing heart and hands. At Friend Ships we believe God has
called us to have a spirit of excellence in everything we do, and
that is all that will be expected . |
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12.
How long is the
commitment?
There is no minimum time for
a person to come along side and serve, you may come as a
guest
worker, short or long
term
staff
member.
Everyone who comes will participate in a 4 day intensive orientation/training
period. Keep in mind that you will be expected to complete the
commitment that you decide to make. Please be advised that some specific
positions, based on their nature and the training involved, may require a
specific commitment by the staff member. The way we look at it is this
- Why work for any one else when you can work for the " King of
Kings"?!!! |
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| 13.
How much will it cost to
serve with Friend Ships?
It will cost NOTHING
to serve with us. |
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14.
Do I
need support?
Everyone at Friend Ships is
a full time, 100% unpaid servant. It is not necessary to have support because
God meets our primary needs, such as food. We often receive clothing and
other necessary items as well. We do recommend a support base of $50-100
per month, if possible, for personal spending money. |
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15.
Why should I become involved in something with no
pay?
Few people take the opportunity
to live a life full of faith, with real meaning and purpose. God created
you to do just that! He has a place for you to fill in His great plan and
it's time for all soldiers to report to their posts. Maybe your post
is with us, here at Friend Ships. |
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16. Are there age limitations?
You must be 18 or over to join
Friend Ships unless you join with your parents. We have no other age
limits. |
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17.
What
can I do if my skills are limited?
Of greatest value to Friend
Ships is the willingness to learn, experience new opportunities and work
as part of a team. We are always in need of personnel skilled in the areas
of mechanics, construction, truck driving, computers and the maritime trades.
However, training will be provided for people whose skills are limited or
not applicable to our current needs. If you are willing and available, we
can find a satisfying and productive place to utilize your gifts! |
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18.
What kind of training
will I receive?
At this time, during the orientation/training
period, we teach a orientation course. This consists
of teaching tapes, Christian movies, Bible studies, books and other
materials used to help the new staff members grasp the vision and better
prepare for their service with Friend Ships. Throughout
your stay with Friend Ships, you will participate in a daily devotional.
The most valuable training you will receive
at Friend Ships, however, is the character growth that God continually provides
to each of us as we work together to fulfill His commands. |
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19.
Where
will I be stationed?
Every new staff member will
go based on, first and foremost, the needs of the organization and your
abilities, though your preferred working area will be taken into
consideration. |
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20. I'm from the United States and would like to
work within the United States. Is there a place for me?
Yes, along with operating ocean
vessels, we still have a tremendous need for staff to operate the Headquarters
and U.S. based operations. |
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22.
Can I bring my
pet?
If
you will be staying aboard ship, it is not possible for you to bring
your pet with you. If you are staying in an RV and do not intend to
make a voyage, we will review your request and make a decision based
on numerous considerations. Contact the Office about staying in
RV's while serving with Friend Ships. |
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Updated
December
2005 |
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