What’s Happening in 2009?

Massport (The Agency that runs Cruise Ship Operations at Black Falcon Cruise Terminal here in South Boston) announced that it is “Spiffing up” the place. A new coat of paint and such. So the terminal should look better next time you or your church group comes up for a Missions Trip Day.

But life onboard the Cruise Ships for Seafarers remains the same. These hard-working men and women often report putting in 16 hour days, 7 days a week. Since their contract with their company is anywhere from 3 months to 9 months long, that adds up to a lot of fatigue , separation from family , loneliness and vulnerability. Nearly all of the seafarers are family bread winners, often supporting an extended family back home. And I know I’ve said this before, but home means 140 nationalities not to mention language and culture groups within those countries. So when we say that New England Seafarers Mission is a global Missions presence, we are not kidding. As the seafarers are from so many different countries, when they run across trouble within their job position, e.g. contract difficulties, medical issues, job termination disagreements and legal entanglements, they often have no where to turn for an advocate. Our chaplains and ship visitors are trained to identify many of these issues so that they can intervene by offering assistance or referral to specialized assistance.

Finally, many of these seafarers of all faiths are looking for spiritual support, for someone to come alongside and ask questions, seek prayers and look for friendship. Christians onboard these ships have often set-up cell groups who gather to worship at all hours of the night. They need bibles, teaching materials and general support so that they can carry on their work of evangelization on the ship. While all this is going on, the seafarers are coming into our Center to accomplish some of their basic needs—phone calls, purchasing personal supplies, sending money and correspondence home or checking e-mails. I hope you can see how needed you are! Last year we had 230 volunteers from more than 30 churches come into the center in Boston to us extend the compassionate hand of Christ to these seafarers. I am hoping you will join them, or return if you have already been with us before. Our schedule has changed a little (see insert) There are only a few Saturdays and less Sundays available to volunteer. But this is a real Missions trip we are asking you to take. So pray about it, and let a lonely seafarers know that she is not forgotten. Help a seafarer send his money home so that he can support his family. Help them call home to speak with their kids, spouses and loved ones. Help the visitor to our land while they are on our doorstep, and send them off in the name of our loving God.

At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” Boaz replied, “I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—Ruth 2:10-13a.

WHAT CAN WE DO?.

1.Discuss with your: Pastor, Missions Chairperson, Youth Group or Small Group about serving.

2. Go to www.neseafarers.org and click on the 2009 calendar page for open dates and what to expect.

3. Don’t go for a unanimous consensus date. That won’t ever happen. PICK A DATE and fill out the on-line sign up form at our web site.

4. Put out a sign-up sheet. Make calls, Encourage one another to good works!

5. Ask for prayer from your sending church the week(s) before. VERY IMPORTANT!

6. Come In. NEED A RIDE? Don’t stay away because of driving into Boston . Call us, maybe we can give you a lift. Really..

I was in prison and you visited me - Mt. 25:35

The Rev. Steve Cushing, Senior Chaplain and Director

This is a map of Boston harbor with REAL TIME positions of ships in port. Courtesy of marinetraffic.com Move your cursor over the different shapes to see names of the ships.

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