Our recent trip to the BVI with New Wind was a breath of fresh air for both body and soul.  Rest and restoration were the main agenda items and we got plenty of both.  It was so good to sail across open, blue waters, under sunny skies, unplugged from the normal responsibilities of life and ministry and be reminded of God’s gracious and abundant love for us.

The laid back schedule was perfect for much needed decompression.  We got all the sleep we wanted, then awoke to enjoy reading with a cup of coffee in hand on the deck of the boat as the sun ushered in another day of beauty.  Each day closed with encouraging and stimulating conversation under the stars.

The constant change of scenery daily provided new things to explore and appreciate.  The snorkeling was amazing.  We chased schools of giant stingrays, challenged the reign of proud barracudas, and marveled at the array of colorful and quirky fish.

The food and drink were beyond satisfying.  We feasted in luxury. We traveled to one of the top 5 meals of our lives like Navy SEALs in our rubber raft, performing a clandestine mission under the cover of darkness.  We swept in like pirates upon an extensive seafood buffet at the Bitter End, taking no lobster prisoner.  This was a trip we will never forget.   -David and Jennifer Rapp

David and Jennifer live in Temple, TX with their three children, where he is the pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

In 2011 New Wind sailed through the British Virgin Islands again for a gorgeous getaway. We hosted three retreats last year in the Caribbean. The first group stayed on land in a fabulous island villa on Virgin Gorda. The sweeping views looked out to Sir Francis Drake Channel. The second group boarded the 50 foot yacht Triton in Road Town and sailed happily away for a week. The last group boarded the boat by dingy in the dark of night in Trellis Bay near the airport on Beef Island. Each week had it’s own uniqueness mixed with a multitude of joy, relaxation, and adventure.

Below deck there are four staterooms. This means every couple gets a room with mini closet, storage, bed and a bathroom (or head in seaman terms). All linens are provided – you don’t even have to pack your beach towel! There’s a nice sized salon with a dining table that seats 10. There’s a galley with two refrigerators, sink, stove top and oven – not too shabby.

Above deck, in the cockpit, there is seating for everyone with a drop leaf table perfect for enjoying 5 o’clock happy hour.

For a full description, photos and floor plan head here.

Patrick Freeman a retired geologist and our fisherman along with his wife, Andrea, a realtor in Truth of Consequences NM, got away without a picture. How did that happen? Patrick caught a Tuna and Groper. Andrea received the best helmsman award.

The second week was our Church planter seminar on rest and renewal.

Bob and Robin Norton have been working hard in Flagstaff AZ for the past coupleof years. Church of the Resurrection is coming along nicely. Robin kept us snorkeling and smiling. Bob, our go to guy, actually relaxed!

Kim and Tito Padilla are working in East E l Paso TX doing community development and planting Las Tierras Community Church. Kim kept the conversation lively and Tito rediscovered his island and sea roots.

You, who helped these servants go on this adventure can only imagine the joy and value of being appreciated.

Then we will go where no state cares,
‘bout finding the Tuna international.
The drift, the hook will bring the wares,
The joys of catch release a free for all.

Barracuda like shiny, Groper the worm,
the Skipper sips rum, the crew well wined.
Keeping the line wet is always the best form
In trawling the tale of the big one not dined.