Christian Boaters discuss ways to spread Gospel on the water

VERMILION, Ohio (AP) -- Dozens of Christian boaters have gathered in this Lake Erie community to discuss ways to serve God on the water.
The Christian Boaters Association's president, Marlin Simon, 66, said there are diverse ways that boats can be used in the name of God.
He has taken Bibles to Cuba and medical supplies to Belize. Every Jan. 1 the ordained minister blesses a fleet of boats in the Florida Keys.
Another member, Ted Orem, has used the odd-looking 32-foot boat he built to spread the Gospel.
"It was an ugly boat. It drew attention," said Orem, who passed out Bibles and religious leaflets at marinas where "Praise Ye the Lord" was docked along the way.
Invitations
About 50 mariners from around the world accepted convention invitations. Several others who planned to attend were stuck in Florida, scurrying to secure their boats from Hurricane Ivan. A Florida boater started the organization under another name in 1976.
In all, about 500 members fly the flag of the nondenominational group, which is signified by a white fish with a red cross in the middle.
Bob and Heidi Winslow were one of just a few to arrive by boat. The live-aboards and their two young children are taking the donated 50-foot sailboat they had just picked up in Wisconsin to Florida and eventually to the Mediterranean, where they plan to run an onboard religious training program.
"We want to use the sailing as a unique platform to get them exposed to [God]," said Bob Winslow. The sailboat can accommodate eight people. Their goal is to find an 80-footer, he said.