“You are a real expression of the message of giving,” said the Hon. Deputy Mayor, Counsellor Ian McKinnon, affirming the role of Doulos during his speech at the Official Opening ceremony in Wellington. He encouraged the local population to make the most of the opportunity to visit a ship bringing knowledge, help and hope into a society where spiritual matters are hardly ever spoken about. Previously a head teacher, the Deputy Mayor stressed the importance of taking educational literature to developing countries, and obtaining support from developed countries like New Zealand. Cutting the ribbon, he urged all of the official guests, “not to leave the ship with empty hands,” but to show support for the ship by purchasing lots of books!
