Strengthening Local Ties: NAMMA Regional Meeting Brings Seafarer Advocates Together in Hampton Roads
by Dr. Christopher Graham (NAMMA)
On June 28th, friends and colleagues serving seafarers in Hampton Roads attended a regional meeting of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). Pastor Mario Biazon, Director of the Norfolk Seamen’s Friend Society, coordinated the morning’s event, which allowed attendees to deepen existing relationships and explore new ways of extending care to seafarers calling on the Port of Virginia—one of the top ten ports in the United States with respect to both tonnage and vessel calls.
Attendees enjoyed a wonderful breakfast provided by members of the Living Faith Christian Fellowship, many of whom are active in the Norfolk Seamen’s Friend Society. After connecting during breakfast, attendees convened in the LFCF chapel to learn about resources and initiatives in the region.
Dr. Christopher Graham, Assistant Director of NAMMA, shared information from his research on resources for seafarer welfare being provided by 81 entities serving 63 U.S. ports. He also provided insight into the support for seafarer ministry that is available from within the port community. He stressed that, “The most fundamental step a seafarer welfare entity must take in engaging their port partners is to recognize that, by virtue of its unique focus on seafarer welfare, it is a valuable partner and participant in the port economy.”
Barbara Shipley provided an update regarding her work as the ITF inspector for the mid-Atlantic region. Shipley emphasized the vital role of ship visitors, who have firsthand exposure to the living and working conditions of seafarers. She extended a special thanks to Pastor Biazon and those working with the Norfolk Seamen’s Friend Society who had recently attended to the needs of a Filipino seafarer during his extended stay at a local hospital. “Every day I received photos and messages from him about his visitors and the home-cooked food you brought.”
Dan Smith, President of Maritime Ministries, is spearheading the effort to establish a robust Christmas At Sea program this year in Norfolk. Encouraged by the support he has received from Shipley and the ITF, Smith invited and encouraged those in attendance to work with him both in the preparation and distribution of the gifts.
The North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) exists to support and network those who serve seafarers in ports across North America. This year, NAMMA is organizing a series of regional meetings like the one in Hampton Roads to bring local practitioners together, share resources, and strengthen mutual encouragement. While national and international gatherings remain important, these regional events allow for deeper conversations and collaborations that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities in each port area. By meeting locally, NAMMA members can build stronger ties with each other and with key stakeholders in their port communities.