by Jason Zuidema, NAMMA NAMMA In Discussion – Rev. Mark Wodka of Canaveral Port Ministry spoke with NAMMA’s Dr. Jason Zuidema about some best practices for online prayer for seafarers. Canaveral started the ‘Waves of Hope’ daily Facebook chapel time at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as a time of encouragement for seafarers. Below […]
Enabling seafarers’ safety and health protection: A way forward
by Carolyn A. E. Graham, Ph.D., AFHEA, PHF The COVID-19 global pandemic has severely impacted the global economy due mainly to the prevention and containment measures requiring closures of borders, restricted travel, closures of businesses except for essential services, and physical distancing. These measures have severely impacted workers worldwide and seafarers are no exception. It […]
Book Review: Case Studies in Chaplaincy
by Jason Zuidema, NAMMA Renske Kruisinga, Jacques Körver, Niels den Toom, Martin Walton, Martijn Stoutjesdijk, eds. Learning from Case Studies in Chaplaincy: Towards Practice Based Evidence & Professionalism. Eburon: Utrecht, 2020. This collection of essays on the value of case studies for chaplaincy can prove useful for our collective thinking about maritime ministry. Though […]
Part of My Family: Correspondence Ministry with Seafarers
by Karen M Parsons OFS I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. – Philippians 1: 3-5 This is a passage of St Paul’s that I have […]
Book Review: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Colin Freeman
Colin Freeman, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: The Mission to Rescue the Hostages the World Forgot. Icon, 2021. A popular image might relegate piracy to the pages of history only. The Golden Age of Piracy in the late 17th and early 18th centuries has become part of popular culture, safe and enjoyable […]
Book Review: Foundations of Chaplaincy by Alan T. Baker
Alan T. Baker, Foundations of Chaplaincy: A Practical Guide. Eerdmans, 2021. Foundations of Chaplaincy by Alan T. Baker fills a gap in literature about chaplaincy that can benefit a wide range of readers, including those in maritime ministry. Though there are other great books on chaplaincy, they often are geared more specifically to those in […]
“A Very Lovely Tradition”: Serving seafarers in the Port of Quebec
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA On Christmas Eve, volunteers from the Quebec Seamen’s Club (la Maison du Marin Québec) delivered the final gift boxes amid frigid temps to the ships in the port. The 35-year tradition continues to echo the initial mission of the outreach, to bring human warmth and support to the sailors in the […]
Christmas Gifts in the Largest Port of the Nation
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA For ships waiting in the San Pedro Bay and beyond, Christmas will come and go without fanfare. However, thanks to two dedicated chaplains in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as vessels dock they will receive Christmas gifts this year. “Those who moor here, those are the only […]
Seafarers Are a Christmas Priority in the Port of Norfolk
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA From the largest to the smallest, outreach to seafarers is a Christmas priority. As we celebrate Christmas, the seafarers of the world who provide the tinsel and traditional trimmings for us will be lacking their own. No family gatherings or Christmas morning delight for those living at sea. That’s why Christmas […]
Christmas Gift Program for Seafarers Expanding in Seattle Port
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA More than 35 churches are volunteering in the Christmas Ditty Bag Program for seafarers at the port of Seattle, Washington. “People have been so generous,” said Rev. Christi Chapman, Executive Director of the Seattle Seafarers’ Center. “I was blown away by the people’s engagement in this.” The program has a […]