I have fallen increasingly in love with a ministry within our diocese, and on behalf our diocese, that goes virtually unnoticed most days. It is the Mission to Seafarers in the West Seattle Seaport. The following comes from the international Mission to Seafarers Website:
"Loneliness, danger and separation from loved ones are just some of the problems seafarers face. Around the world, night and day, The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to those in need. As a Christian agency, we work in more than 230 ports caring for the practical and spiritual welfare of seafarers of all nationalities and faiths.
Through our global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers we reach out to seafarers by visiting them on their ships, offering them the hand of welcome and friendship, and caring for them in their hour of need.
In over 100 ports we also run centres which provide ‘a home away from home’. These are places where seafarers can contact their loved ones from whom they are separated for months on end, receive assistance with any problems they may be facing and get a break from their demanding way of life onboard ship"
One of those ports is right here, to large degree literally in my backyard! And I am always so impressed with all they accomplish there, with so very little. There is a small but dedicated band of board members, ably led by the Rev. Bob Moore, who have worked diligently over these past years in order to make sure this ministry continues. It basically survives on just over $100,000 a year but meets and ministers to countless seafarers from all over the world, many of whom will be in our ports this Christmas, away from family and friends.
Over the last few months our few employees have forgone salary at times in order for the ministry to continue. Even now there is back pay and I am so moved by the commitment of these disciples, who forego their own well being in order to keep the ministry alive.
As I looked at their impending year end budget, I saw that they were roughly $20,000 behind for this year. I give to this ministry, and I encourage you to consider them as you consider gifts at this year end and in this season when we celebrate the greatest gift we have ever been given. If you would like to give to the Mission you can do so online, by going to the Diocese of Olympia website www.ecww.org, hitting the "Make a Gift" button, and then mark it for Mission to Seafarers or you can send a check marked for this mission to The Diocese of Olympia, 1551 10th Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102. I can vouch for the fact that it will be used wisely, and for the good of many.
Prepare the Way of the Lord!
Blessings,
+Greg
