Captain Ashley McDonald.*

Since 1978, Doulos has sailed to move than 100 countries carrying about half a million books that provide useful and educational information to people of all ages, colors and of diverse interests. More than 18 million people have visited the book fair since Doulus started its operations. In many ports of call, the ship sends teams to assess community needs and help residents in their construction, medical care and food supplies needs. Doulos, dubbed as a 'Floating United Nations', is a fine example of peace and understanding among peoples of the world with its about 350 crew members- who are actually volunteers and do not receive any pay for their work - from around 50 countries living together in harmony and united in their focus: bringing knowledge, help and hope.

Here's a sample of interesting stories of service to humanity by this Voyager of Hope compiled in the Doulos magazine:

In 1998, in its first-ever trip to Myanmar, 15,000 books and 100 sets of encyclopedias were given to public libraries. This was the first time literature was imported to the country in 30 years.

In Seychelles in March 1993, the National Library purchased so many books from Doulos that the staff had to work in the book storage through the night twice to replace books on shelves.

A record-high of visitors was registed in Taichung, Taiwan in 1988: 24,200 in one day.

In Vladivostok, Russia in 1992, Doulos visited the newly-independent country and is the second non-Soviet ship to sail into this port, which was home to the former Soviet Pacific Fleet.

For the second time Doulos sailed in 1995 to the Gulf Region, visitng ports in the United Arab Emirates, Watar and Kuwait. Kuwaitis bought 43,000 books injust five days.

Tanzania in 2002, Doulos donated atlases, encyclopredias and other books to a school library and hosted a program for 80 children whose parents died of HIV/AIDS.

While traveling in the Red Sea in 1994, the ship offered medical assistance in a rescue operation for survivors of an Egypt-bound ferry from Saudi Arabia.

In 1999, Doulos crew members organized a historic and moving reconciliation between members of the People's Congress after almost a decade of civil conflict.

Vietnam became the 88th country to welcome Doulous. Goods were donated to orphaniages and charies in Ho Chi Minh City while universities and libraries received a donation of 20,000 educational books.

In Montenegro in 2004, the Doulos team unloaded on a rainy evening 12,000 boxes for needy individuals in the country.

Key leaders and personalities from all over the world have acknowledged the Doulos contribution to the promotion of knowledge, international unity and service to others.

Said Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano in 2002: "Many ships are built for war. Here in this harbor, I have visited many war ships. Today, I am visiting a peace ship."

"You are a ray of sunshine in our troubled land. The young people at your helm can do som uch to spread the message of goodwill to their peers in South Africa, You are living examples of the solution to our crisis of violence - the message of peace and love is most important message our ravaged communities need to hear," said Zulus King Swelithini.

Added Dr. Toh Tsu Koon, an official of Penang, Malaysia: "When people come on board, they will be disarmed by a sense of community… You set a good example for the rest of the world… This actually is a a good line of defense. Actually it's an offense - an offensive of love and peace you have transmitted across the world…"

"You not only bring the floating book fair, you also bring different cultures with you. You bring the fact that people can live together in spite of their differences. This should be ideal for each and every person…," said Maltese Communications Minister Censu Galea.

Then Governor Bob Graham of Florida, United States, stressed: "The importance of good quality books and education is a high priority of mine and you have contributed greatly to all of Florida's citizens."

Former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Harold Heart said: "I would name your ship Doulos not the oldest ship but the freatest ship in the world carrying the message of peace, goodwill and harmony to the human race." And from Tanzanian First Lady, Anna Mkapa, quoting Charles Eliot, said: "Books are the quietest and most constant of friends, the most accessible and wisest of counselors and the most patient of teachers. Thank you, captain, for giving us so many constant friends, accessible and wise counselors and patient teachers."

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