A gorgeous late summer sunset over English Bay, Vancouver, with cargo ships anchored in the bay in the distance.
IN THIS EDITION
- Tensions
- From our Intern
- Literature Resources
- Vaccinations
- Shore Leave
- Christmas at Sea
Tensions
On a recent ship visit the captain called me (Gary) to his office to help negotiate some issues on board. The chief officer was experiencing chest pain and worried of a heart attack – he was understandably distraught. We arranged for a speedy transport to the mariners’ clinic and before long he was in the hospital. Before he departed the vessel, I prayed with him. The third mate was in a dispute with the captain which they asked me to help negotiate. Cultural differences played a big role, as well as general stress and interpersonal issues on board.
Subsequent visits were made to the officer in the hospital as well as with the crew on board the ship. I had a long subsequent visit with the captain who was under a great deal of stress and needed to “debrief” (his term). Most visits on board ships are, thankfully, not that intense. In fact, we are seldom called to intervene in personnel issues. But we are ready to serve in whatever way we can, and cases such as this one, a listening ear and voice from outside the situation can be helpful.
From our Intern
My name is Georgia Omwa, this year’s Summer intern at the Ministry to Seafarers. I’m a wife and a mother. I came upon this opportunity by chance, and it has been a real blessing. I have gained insight into the Maritime industry in which seafarers find themselves, and cherished moments spent in conversation with seafarers. They have inspired my own life of service, seeing that the seafarer lives an “invisible” life of sacrifice, often serving contracts of 9 months away from home to move goods, big and small, around the world, in all kinds of weather and work conditions. I see my role as giving voice and visibility, being a friend in times of need whether giving rides or making deliveries or playing pool. I affirm to them through prayer and presence that God is with them, loves them, and sees their work!
Literature Resources
Dipak, an Indian seafarer who works on a cruise ship, stopped by our centre several times this summer. On his last visit we spent time sharing from the Word, and I prayed for him as he seeks to be a witness for Jesus on board. He was especially thrilled to receive a Bible in his native tongue of Marathi.
One of the key components of this ministry continues to be sourcing and distributing resources on board ships. These include Bibles, devotionals, pamphlets, prayer cards, etc. Funds for these resources have traditionally come through our “Literature Fund,” which is separate from the General Fund. Lately funds for these resources have been nearly depleted. If you or your church would consider a donation or offering for “Literature & Media”, it would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Vaccinations
While most seafarers are already vaccinated these days against Covid19, we are still called upon at times to assist them in getting boosters doses, as I did recently for 10 crew members from one ship (5 pictured, including captain on the right). To date, over 3,500 seafarers have been vaccinated here in BC, and around North America more than 90,000 have received their vaccinations.
Shore Leave
As Covid restrictions relax in many areas, we are seeing a steady rise in the number of seafarers who are able to leave their ships and enjoy shore leave. Many of them will stop at our seafarers centres. It is wonderful to see more and more of them able to come ashore - the relief that they feel at being able to leave their ships is tangible.
Yet there are still too many companies that are not yet allowing shore leave. In response to this situation, Transport Canada recently published a bulletin requiring ships to allow shore leave. Shore leave is a right for seafarers under the Maritime Labour Convention, of which Canada is a signatory. We're thankful that TC has taken this action. We can now show the bulletin to ship crews and encourage them to contact their companies about this requirement.
Christmas at Sea
Hard to believe, but it is already once again time to plan for another Christmas at Sea season for the ships. As usual, we will be preparing gifts for distribution during the Christmas season. And your contributions to this special cause are again welcome. Cheques payable to “Ministry to Seafarers” can be sent to: 401 E. Waterfront Rd., Vancouver, BC, V6A 4G9. Please designate these cheques for “Christmas at Sea” on the memo line. We also appreciate donations of toques to be included in these gifts. Thank you for your support.