MISSION OF THE MONTH FOR JULY
Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face. Around the world, The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.5 million men and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.
The Mission works in over 200 ports in 50 countries caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. Through their global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers they offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to seafarers through ship visits, drop-in seafarers’ centres and a range of welfare and emergency support services. Her Majesty the Queen is the Patron, The Princess Royal is the President and the Secretary General is the Revd. Andrew Wright.
The Mission produces a regular newsletter called ‘Flying Angel News’, which gives an interesting update on how the Mission is performing against its key aims. It also gives an interesting insight into the work of some of their chaplains and caseworkers around the world. A copy of the current Flying Angel News is available at this link.
In 2020 the Mission made 30,576 ship visits, encountering 187,140 seafarers onboard their vessels. Also, 86,996 seafarers visited their seafarers’ centres, and 46,063 seafarers used their transport services. The Mission worked on 1,286 justice, welfare and medical cases. As part of their Covid 19 response, their Digital chaplaincy enabled 1,913 interactions on digital Chat to Chaplains; 144,612 items of PPE were given out to chaplaincy teams and centres globally; in India, 1,688 families benefitted from our the Mission’s families feeding programme in Tuticorin; in the Philippines, 2,876 seafarers received essential food aid, transport and practical support through their Covid-19 response programme.
Sunday July 11th is designated as Sea Sunday, which has been happening for over 160 years, when prayers are especially focused on the seafarers upon whom we rely for global trade. We will be recognising Sea Sunday at St Eustachius on this day, remembering the work of the Mission in our prayers, and holding a retiring collection for them as well.
As we have done for other Missions of the Month during the current Covid crisis, we are running an online appeal for donations. As with the other collections, this is set up as a campaign within the St Eustachius’ VirginMoneyGiving site, where you can make a donation, including gift aid if you wish. When this campaign is over, we will send the total to the Mission.
Here is a link to the donation page.
A Prayer for Seafarers Families
Heavenly Father we pray for the families of seafarers, often separated for long periods from their fathers, husbands, mothers and wives. Protect those families and help them stay close together until they are reunited. Bless the children of seafarers at school and help them in their learning. Amen.
A Prayer for the work of The Mission to Seafarers
Heavenly Father we pray for the work of The Mission to Seafarers and their kindred organisations, their Chaplains and Ships’ Visitors around the world. Help them as they help seafarers and may the Mission always provide the practical and spiritual support that seafarers need. Amen.
Martin Pendle