President : The Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Devashayam

Convenor : Rev. Stephen Michael

I am privileged to take charge of this Mission. I thank God for enabling me to learn and practice. I thank our Beloved Bishop The Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Devashayam for giving me an opportunity to do this Mission.

1. Objective

The objective is to relate the men of the sea to the ministry of Jesus. A man of the sea understands seafarers, sailors and their families a complex world, a world of conflicts and different interests. By a curious coincidence, Jesus was also a man of the sea. Jesus adopted Capernaum as the departure point for His mission because it was Peter's native town. He made many trips by boat marked by miracles and teachings.

Jesus' chose simple men for His Ministry of preaching, teaching and healing (Matthew 4: 13-25)

Why did Jesus choose mission near the sea? It is because at that moment everything was centered around temple and land and the mission near the sea was initiated by Jesus.

Jesus appearance on the shore of Tiberius (John 21:1-14) and the miracle he performed established and affirmed faith and fellowship (Vs : 7) with His disciples.

Jesus started the Missionary Movement by His preaching with the message "Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" (Mt: 4:19) In other words the Teaching Ministry for the Laity was administered by Jesus. He called them to be "Fishers of Men". (Mt 4:17)

2. Aim

The aim of this Mission is to help the Seafarers in different ways. To comfort them. to make them feel at home when they are far away from their homes. They need counseling, guidance, fellowship, love and concern, when they are afflicted with illness, loneliness, problem, etc. Liturgical and sacramental services can also be made available if needed by them. The churches in the Coastal areas can involve in this Mission. This involves mainly faith, witness, and service. The Laity and the Clergy can make this Mission a success.

I attended a Two-weeks Training Programme at Tuticorin. There is a Seafarers center maintained by the Diocese with the help of Flying Angels Mission.

The Centre provides Indoor games, outdoor games, counseling, T.V. coffee shop. Library. visit to the Ships at the Port. etc. The Seafarers are invited to the Centre and given recreation. They are also taken to hospitals when they fall ill. There is also a chapel for worship of the Seafarers.

3. Visit to the Ships

Some of the attitudes and needs of seafarers were brought out during visit to the ship. To visit a ship one must get the permission of Port Authorities. The visitor must meet the Captain of the Ship first and then only the other crew.

A Phillipinos said "Well I have almost spent 10 years in this job and I am on the sea for 10 years. I have left my wife and two little children at home! Please Pray for them". He shares all his family problems.

An Indian Captain a Sardarjee said, "I am happy that there is Mission for Seafarers and we are able to share our problems with you".

A Chinese Seafarer who cannot speak English fluently was able to know about this Mission and by his gesture he was able to express that he was happy!!

A Russian Crew was sharing his problem connected to his work very privately and secretly because once the owner of the ship knows these things he would take severe action. This was regarding his wages, debts, and the family conditions at home. He wanted to get through the problems by the assistance of ITF an organization which deals with justice and welfare of the seafarers.

Another Seafarer form Philippines taught me the word "Shalamat" which means "Thank you". Holy Eucharist was conducted on request on Board the ship. It was really a solemn movement of Peace.

There are nearly 280 honorary chaplains around the World in different Ports including the Laity involved in this Mission. The Honorary Chaplains are Priests in the Churches or Pastors who work with the help of the Lay People. The churches play a vital role in this Mission involving all the members in it. It is the belief that we should minister these seafarers with responsibility, care and love like a Shepherd. The Head quarters is located in England. It was founded in 1856 by the members of Anglican Church and the efforts of the Rev. John Ashley, a priest in England.

4. Plan for Future

• A Centre is needed in order to conduct meetings for the Seafarers so that they would have fellowship with Lay People of the Church. It can be a building already available closer to the Harbour.
• The Centre to be kept open all days of the week where there would be indoor games. Library, sale of gift articles, soft drinks, etc. only for seafarers. This also include T.V. Cassettes, etc. for entertainment.
• A portion of this place can be a Chapel where Seafarers can Worship in order to be strengthened in spiritual life.
• Telephone facility like ISD, STD, PCO, Fax can be provided at the Centre.
• A vehicle is essential to transport the seafarers from the ship to the center. This can be used for emergency purposes also.
• Above all more Rapport to be built up by meetings and celebration at time of Christmas, New Year. Etc.
• Meet the needs and problems at Work of the Seafarers through recognized agencies like IFT (International Trade Fund).
• Perhaps the Diocese can request the Headquarters at England for financial help for the Mission to Seafarers.