During the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) Annual Conference on September 25, 2024, in Newark, NJ, a historic signing of a partnership agreement took place between the Deutsche Seemannsmission and Seafarers’ International House (SIH). This collaboration was a notable highlight of the conference, symbolizing a renewed commitment to serving seafarers worldwide. The signing involved key figures such as Pastor Matthias Ristau of the Deutsche Seemannsmission, Pastor Marsh Drege of SIH, SIH board member Pastor Susan Tjornehoj, and German Seafarers’ Mission chaplains Pastor Arnd Braun-Storck and retired chaplain Pastor Clint Padgitt.
It was noted that the partnership brought a unique moment of unity and solidarity to the conference, celebrating the collective mission to support seafarers. Pastor Matthias Ristau shared the historical context of the German presence in the United States, highlighting the migration of many Germans to the U.S. in the 19th century and the founding of the Deutsche Seemannsmission New York in 1907. He spoke of how these efforts laid the groundwork for today’s cooperation, saying, “Finally, a relationship that has existed since 1907 is now officially recognized as a partnership.”
The conference session allowed the audience to witness this “partnership in action,” with Pastor Marsh Drege adding historical insights about the German Seafarers’ Mission in the U.S. and its close connections to SIH. Drege mentioned that the collaboration has evolved to reduce confusion and enhance cooperation, stating, “We are hoping for a little less confusion and a lot more partnership and collaboration.”
Pastor Clint Padgitt, who served for 32 years as a chaplain, and his successor, Pastor Arnd Braun-Storck, were also recognized for their roles in this journey of supporting seafarers. The German Seaman’s Mission of NY officially merged with SIH in 2012. Pastor Braun-Storck will continue the mission of ship visitation and pastoral care, a role that has been integral to the German Seafarers’ Mission’s presence in the U.S. The formalization of this partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) will facilitate greater cooperation between the two organizations, aligning their shared goal of providing comprehensive welfare for all seafarers, particularly those who speak German.
As the signing proceeded, a sense of celebration and acknowledgment of the partnership’s deep roots was palpable. Pastor Ristau brought a gift – the flag of the Deutsche Seemannsmission – to be displayed on special occasions at SIH, symbolizing their unity. “You can now also use this flag on special days at your new house,” he remarked, cementing the spirit of collaboration.
To conclude the ceremony, retired chaplain Pastor Clint Padgitt was invited to share memories of his early days with the mission, reflecting on the simpler times of ship visitation in the late 1970s. He humorously reminisced about the difference between then and now, noting how “in those days we had no internet,” and how something as small as a postage stamp was a vital lifeline for seafarers to communicate with their families.
This partnership marks a new chapter for both the Deutsche Seemannsmission and Seafarers’ International House as they continue their shared mission of serving the needs of seafarers, building on a legacy of care and compassion that has spanned over a century.
