Sharing God’s compassion and hope with seafarers continues through the hospitality, ship visits, prayer chapel, Bibles in many languages, transport, outings and the simple provision of a ‘safe place’ in a foreign port. At the Hobart Station AGM our chairman, Mike, reported,

It is my pleasure to report that the Hobart mission has concluded a rewarding year both in volunteer participation and the growing number of seafarers, totaling 4362, who came through our doors. There were 39 visits by cruise ships and 100 others for the year.

In reminding ourselves why we are here, I wish to quote our new Secretary-General, the Revd Tom Heffer: ‘The world’s economy relies heavily on the movement of trade by sea. Yet the men and women who tirelessly work on ships often go unnoticed. Since the middle of the 19^th century the “flying Angel” logo of the Mission to Seafarers has symbolized a safe haven of hope and support to seafarers and their families worldwide.

 During the AGM we joined in intercessions for the seafarers, here is a sample:

Let us thank God, the Creator and Redeemer of all people, all things, for his loving kindness in giving us this world and everything in it. May we care for creation in all its forms that all may live and grow together in love, peace and justice. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Let us thank God, the giver of all good gifts, for seafarers who leave their families, friends and homes to bring us the food for our table, the cargoes for industry and commerce, the goods and fuels for our country. May we in our turn care for them and their families, and hold them in our prayers so all may sail in safety, and return home to their loved ones. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for all who are in darkness or despair, at home or at sea, in hospital or in prison. May we do everything we can to bring the love of God, the light of Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to them. May they find light in the darkness and hope in their despair. Lord, graciously hear us.

Creator and Father of all, we pray for those who go down to the sea in ships and on whom we depend. Bless them and those who long for their safe return and bring us all to your Kingdom where there is no sorrow, no tears, but joy and life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 More information on Mission to Seafarers in Australia and Internationally here.