The North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) presented its 2026 Distinguished Service Awards to Doreen Badeaux and the Rev. Stephen Cushing during the annual NAMMA Conference. The award recognizes individuals whose sustained leadership and dedication have made exceptional contributions to the welfare of seafarers through local ministry and broader service to the maritime community. Presenting […]
More than 100 delegates gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from August 4–6 for the 2026 North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) Conference. Under the theme “Windows to the World,” participants from seafarers’ welfare organizations across North America, the Caribbean, and beyond joined colleagues from across the maritime industry to reflect on the changing realities of life […]
by Rev Todd Meyer, Rector, Mariner’s Church Detroit This summer we have been building relationships with those who make their living in the ports and along the Detroit River and surrounding lakes. Mariners Church of Detroit was started, of course, for this very purpose in 1842 and we have not yielded from the mission of […]
The NAMMA Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service to seafarers’ welfare over many years through local ministry and broader regional, national, or international leadership. Recipients come from current or former NAMMA members, affiliated agencies, or significant partners in NAMMA’s mission. A list of those who have received the award is here. NAMMA President Dcn. Paul Rosenblum announces that the Board […]
by Dr. Christopher Graham, NAMMA Maritime ministers gathered 23–26 June for the 2026 Port Ministries International (PMI) Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Organized around the theme “Deepening Connections for Global Impact,” the conference wove together times of prayer, worship, fellowship, and sessions focused on strengthening the connections that port chaplains and workers rely on in […]
by Jason Zuidema (NAMMA) During a recent visit to Maison du Marin in Quebec City, I had the opportunity to meet with Director Bruno LeBlanc and spend time with the dedicated volunteers who make this seafarers’ center such an important presence in the Port of Quebec. The visit was both encouraging and inspiring, offering a […]
Ken Hawkins recently sent us some reflections from a long trans-Pacific cruise, and with his permission we share them here because they capture something important about life at sea that is often hidden from view. Ken is retired Executive Director of the Mission to Seafarers in Seattle, Washington. He spent many years serving and advocating […]
NAMMA members and affiliated agencies throughout the United States observed National Maritime Day on May 22. NAMMA members also led and participated in activities in the nation’s capital. Sister Joanna Okereke, HHCJ, the Stella Maris National Director of the United States, offered the invocation and benediction at the National Maritime Day observances hosted by the […]
by Dr. Christopher Graham (NAMMA) Among the many thank you notes hanging in the North Charleston Terminal Seafarers’ Center, one stands out to Deacon Paul Rosenblum. It says: “Thx for a shelter. A place where we can find peace in our minds!” Recalling the incident that prompted that note, Dcn. Paul points out that the […]
The North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) has renewed its online training platform at namma.org/training. For more than a decade via the online platform known as “MARETraining,” NAMMA has offered online training that has equipped chaplains, ship visitors, and volunteers with practical tools for ministry among seafarers. That training has become a trusted resource, hosting a wide range of courses […]
