Port Alberni seafarers’ ministry: a personal touch in a global industry
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA Port Alberni may seem small to the shipping industry, but to those who make their living at sea, passing through a quiet fiord to a less congested and relatively calm setting, is a fine location. It’s personal.
A 50-Year Commitment: Ministry to Seafarers Vancouver
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA Sometimes things just get in our blood. For conservation activist, Sigurd Olson, it is the wilderness. For television personality, Jay Leno, it is cars. For some it is other-centered living. Ministry to Seafarers chaplain, the Rev. Gary Roosma understands this well. Roosma has
Stella Maris Vancouver: Practical and Pastoral Care for the People of the Sea
We all seek people we can trust. When seafarers come to a port city after days or weeks at sea, they appreciate the same. Care of seafarers is nearly as old as the profession. The Apostleship of the Sea, or Stella
Montreal Ministry to Seafarers Sees Developments, Adaptations, Hardship During COVID-19
By Maia VanderMeer, Banner It’s Friday afternoon, July 24, and Michelle DePooter-Francis is on her way to Walmart to pick up items requested by seafarers restricted to their ships. DePooter-Francis is lead chaplain of the Ministry to Seafarers, a mission in the
Vancouver Center Replicates Its Outreach: Lighthouse Harbour Ministries
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA The Lighthouse Harbour Ministries in the port of Vancouver, British Columbia sees itself as the evangelical outcome of God’s work among committed communities with an eternal purpose. This mission understands its mandate: to love and honor God
Bluewater connections: Serving seafarers in Sarnia, Ontario
By Susan Huppert, NAMMA Shared experiences enable us to care about others. We connect with others if we can personally relate with their experience. Such was the case when Anglican priest, Steven Gilbert, started a mission to seafarers in Sarnia, Ontario, in 1983. His son
Seafarers finding support at the dot on the map between Canada and the rest of the world – The Mission to Seafarers: Port of Thunder Bay
By Susan Huppert, NAMMA Between the grain fields of western Canada and continents across the Atlantic rests a small port where industry experts balance grain supplies and global demands. As of June 30, the Thunder Bay Port Authority reports exports are
WiFi in Canadian Ports – Spring 2020 Survey
By Dr. Jason Zuidema, Executive Director, NAMMA (Montreal, Quebec) with Kevin Walker, Executive Assistant, NAMMA (Halifax, NS) Introduction Since the early 19th century, faith-based, not-for-profit organizations have existed in ports in Canada to help visiting seafarers with whatever needs they have. Over
Seeing the Seafarer on the Saguenay
By Susan Huppert, NAMMA It seems seldom that we hear true stories of sacrificial concern for others, but when a Canadian business man, Paul Tremblay, decided to study English, his eyes were opened to far more than a language class. A