Many seafarers describe their lives at sea, as “being in prison”, “isolated”, and “lonely” but they make the sacrifice to provide better living conditions and opportunities for their loved ones back home. They have emphasized strongly that their “feelings at sea” are greatly improved by free transportation to the international seafarer centers where they can telephone their families, use e-mail, watch television, read magazines, play table games and simply relax. They also appreciate the free transportation to the shopping malls, church and when time permits, sightseeing. Our port chaplains often tell me about the opportunities they have to share the gospel with seafarers as they transport seafarers from the ships. Transporting seafarers is a vital part of our port ministry. 

We are in desperate need of two late model vans (2000 or newer) to transport seafarers. These vans can be 15, 12 or 7 passenger vans. Recently one of our vans was totaled in an accident (not our fault). Another one is parked due to repair needs (the repair bill is higher than the value of the van). All of our vans except one have over 125,000 miles on them. 

 

    How you can help meet this need.

 

 

 

• Provides spiritual, physical and social ministry to international  seafarers representing 100 different countries.
  
  
• We operate two International Seafarer
  
  
• Centers at the Port of Jacksonville.
  
  
• Port Chaplains, volunteers and mission groups provide ministry on ships and at the centers.
  
  
• We provide and maintain a chapel at the Jacksonville International Airport open 24 hours a day.
  
  
• Other ministries include trucker and motorcycle ministries.