NAMMA East Gulf Coast Regional Meeting 2025: Strengthening Vision and Partnerships
by Dr. Christopher Graham (NAMMA)
Representatives of more than fifteen organizations gathered on September 9, 2025, for the NAMMA East Gulf Coast Regional Meeting. With the distinctive vibe of life “south of I-10,” the meeting took place at the Port Ministry Center of Global Maritime Ministries, just yards from the Mississippi River.
The conference coordinators, Deacon John Archer (Stella Maris, Mobile, AL) and Reverend Stephen McKinney (Global Maritime Ministries, NOLA), prepared sessions for the thirty-five attendees around the theme “Vision: What Can We Do To Support Seafarers’ Welfare for a Next Generation?” Chaplains, leaders, and volunteers from the ports of Gonzales, South Louisiana, New Orleans, Pascagoula, Mobile, Manatee, and Port Arthur forged and strengthened their relationships throughout the day.
The program opened with breakfast and a session on expanding the vision by promoting partnerships to serve seafarers. This session highlighted the strong relationships between New Orleans ministries and their port partners. Dwayne Boudreaux, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Inspector for the Gulf Coast, shared guidance on how ship visitors and ITF inspectors can work together to help seafarers, especially those in distress. Terri Edwards, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port Director, and Captain Gregory Callaghan, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Commander, both spoke of the beneficial role that port ministers play in the port community and the importance of cultivating these relationships for seafarers’ well-being. Several members of Capt. Callaghan’s staff were in attendance. Lieutenant Scott Wingfield, Facilities Compliance Branch Chief, explained how extensive efforts have led to noticeable improvements in seafarer access. He noted that the sector’s Marine Safety Information Bulletin has been a key tool in clarifying for port and terminal operators the federal requirements regarding seafarer access.
NAMMA member Phil Schifflin, Esq., updated participants on his advocacy work, emphasizing his availability to NAMMA members as Director of the Center for Mariner Advocacy of The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI). He and his SCI colleague, Chaplain Joy Manthey, described the unique and vital role of those serving operators on the inland waterways. Dr. Christopher Graham, Assistant Director of NAMMA, then shared findings from his research on the 83 entities providing seafarers’ welfare in 63 U.S. ports. He also summarized key points from the soon-to-be-released report on the collection of vessel fees for seafarer welfare.
Deacon Archer and Reverend Philip Vandercook (Global Maritime Ministries, NOLA) led a session on “Attracting a Next Generation: Best Practices in Recruitment and Retention of Staff and Volunteers.” Both emphasized the importance of identifying and preparing individuals who can carry the work into the future. Port ministries, even when affiliated with larger religious or organizational bodies, depend on the dedication of those serving locally. Without intentional succession planning, even strong ministries risk fading away.
No gathering in South Louisiana is complete without a flavorful meal. Deacon Wayne and Toni Lobell (Stella Maris, New Orleans) treated attendees to a jambalaya lunch, while Global Maritime Ministries volunteers served bread pudding and cheesecake for dessert. During lunch, Kurt Rovenstine shared information about resources available to seafarer centers from Bibles for China which works in partnership with the Merchant Navy Bible Society.
Rev. McKinney then moderated a panel of fundraising experts. Shannon Escarra of the nonprofit organization Crossroads and Jennifer Drummer, owner of Drummer Consulting, drew on their extensive experience in nonprofit development to offer guidance on presenting the vision of seafarers’ welfare in ways that inspire support. Dr. Mike Wetzel and Mark Hagelman from the Advancement Office at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary added insights from a biblical perspective on cultivating donors and supporters.
The day concluded with participants sharing both milestones to celebrate and challenges to address in their ports. Reverend Chad Gilbert, Pastor of First Baptist Church of New Orleans, closed the meeting with an encouraging word from Psalm 1 about the vital work to which participants would return.