Regional Gathering Connects Seafarers’ Missions at NAMMA North-East US Meeting in Stamford, CT

by NAMMA

On April 2, 2025, more than 25 maritime ministry leaders from across the US East Coast gathered in Stamford, Connecticut, for the North-East US regional meeting of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). Held in the Aspen Room of the Hilton Stamford Hotel, the gathering took place alongside the bustling CMA Shipping Conference, offering participants a unique opportunity to access the conference’s exhibitor area and connect with the broader maritime industry. This crossover gave seafarers’ chaplains and mission leaders a rare and valuable window into the commercial world they serve alongside.

The morning began with a series of presentations designed to frame the day’s conversations. Dr. Jason Zuidema of NAMMA opened the first session with reflections on the instability that continues to characterize the global maritime landscape. His remarks emphasized the importance of building and maintaining infrastructure—both physical and relational—to help maritime ministries remain resilient in changing times. Dr. Christopher Graham followed with an update on financing welfare work in U.S. ports. He focused particularly on strategies involving port levies and the increasingly vital role of package delivery in seafarers’ welfare services. Ben Bailey of The Mission to Seafarers capped off the first session with an engaging presentation on the Ship Visitor app, encouraging NAMMA members to sign up and use this powerful tool for organizing and tracking ship visits.

After a break that allowed participants to visit the CMA exhibitor floor—where booths showcased everything from engine parts to propeller-cleaning systems—participants reconvened for a round-table session. Representatives from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina each offered short updates on their mission work. In these updates, several common themes emerged: challenges in accessing terminals, the increasing complexities of immigration policy enforcement, and the renewal of staff and volunteers. Yet despite these hurdles, there was a strong sense of hope and momentum. Many ministries reported increased ship visits and new partnerships, as well as creative strategies for engaging churches and volunteers in their local contexts.

One particular strength of the day was the spirit of mutual encouragement. Ministries shared both frustrations and successes, from dealing with port authority restrictions to celebrating birthdays with long-stuck crews, like those on the MV Dali in Baltimore. Others highlighted efforts to grow relationships with shipping agents and customs officials, noting that collaboration is key to navigating the unpredictable waters of maritime ministry.

The event concluded with a communal lunch and more time to explore the CMA exhibitor area. Participants walked away with a renewed sense of connection—to each other, to the maritime world beyond their port, and to the global mission of caring for seafarers. As several attendees commented, gatherings like this are essential in reminding mission workers that they are not alone—and that even in instability, there is strength in shared purpose.