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, working 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’s newsletter is ‘Flying Angel News’, which gives an interesting update on performance against its key aims and an insight into the work of some of their chaplains and caseworkers around the world. A copy of the current Flying Angel News is on the Mission of the Month stand at the back of the church and at this link.
In 2021 the Mission made 34,629 ship visits, encountering 173,155 seafarers onboard their vessels. Also, 23,629 seafarers visited their seafarers’ centres and 12,131 used their transport services. They assisted seafarers and their families in 6,623 welfare cases and worked on 1,433 justice, welfare and medical cases. In India, 1,950 families benefitted from the Mission’s families feeding programme in Tuticorin, reaching 11,903 individuals; in the Philippines, 3,240 seafarers received justice and welfare support through their Family Network.
Sunday July 10th 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. However, we will be recognising Sea Sunday at St Eustachius’ on Sunday 24th July, holding the work of the Mission in our prayers, and having a retiring collection for them. Donations can also be made through the Card Machine in the church throughout the month of July.
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