Susanna Burton-Thompson is part of Snells Beach Baptist Church.
My mother walked me down the aisle at 96, looking serene – and slightly bewildered. Her daughter (that's me!) was on her arm, acting like a hyperactive movie star, responding to the cheers of friends and family. Was it because I was 69? Or was it Etta James singing "At Last"?
I married late – but my life has been anything but boring. I now see serendipity as God's delight in setting us up, often with humorous stories, which bring light-heartedness to my book, A Life of Surprises: Random Stories of a Photojournalist, compiled after I retired.
Skip to the last chapter for the story of how God set me up to move next door to a retired Baptist elder whose wife had died two years before. Spoiler: he'd prayed, and God told him clearly what I would be like. When I walked down the shared driveway to the auction next door, he thought I was the one. Within six months, I had married my neighbour, Owen.
Nearly marrying at 28, I instead chose, randomly, to join the Operation Mobilisation mission ship Logos – supposedly for three months, but I stayed nine years in total, a few at a time, earning money at home in between. No one was paid – not even the captain or doctor.
I spent the first three months washing 130 bowls, plates, cups, and glasses for the 130 crew. And I loved it. I found a community of international believers who served the Lord, prayed and studied together, and shared their faith around the world.
Travel was the bonus. After "servant training", I became OM's first full-time photographer, with a darkroom on board, taking photos for publicity, home churches, and local papers.
OM's ships are still part of my DNA. I'd recommend any young person do a gap year on Logos Hope or Doulos Hope – willing hearts are needed, not just the qualified.
In my first year, we went to China – and later rescued Vietnamese boat people from the South China Sea. Kathy and Murray Dilner, sent out by Mount Albert Baptist Church, served as nurse and officer.
My most amazing adventure was on board when Logos hit rocks and was rescued by the Chilean Navy in the Beagle Channel, South America's southernmost tip. I was more excited than afraid – I knew I was meant to be there to record it. Read the book for the full story, but here's a clue: no one died.
I'm now focused on getting my book to believers and pre-believers – an encouragement to share faith while we can, and for others, a step closer to Jesus.
There are humorous stories throughout, as I believe God enjoys funny moments too. After all, I trained at the infamous Truth tabloid, and ended up photographing for Christian missions. God can use anyone! My book is loaded with award-winning photographs, making it a great gift.
To purchase a book or enquire about me speaking at your church, email [email protected]
Find Susanna on Facebook: susannaburtonthompson and Instagram: susannaburtonthompson
