Learning and Fellowship: NAMMA Training 2024 in Houston, Texas
Article audio (courtesy of Don Sheetz) Maritime ministries have evolved significantly over the past generation, a transformation further underscored by the impacts of pandemic, technological developments, and political instability. Professionals engaged in seafarers’ welfare and ministry must continually refine their skills
A Feeling of Home while at Sea: Seamen’s Church Institute’s Christmas at Sea
Article audio (courtesy of Don Sheetz) by Susan Huppert, NAMMA Knitting needles bring Christmas joy and global impact. Knitting, like other hobbies, can be personally gratifying when you see the end product. But, for 102-year-old Ms. Vicki, in Fresno, Calif., satisfaction isn’t what she
Houston School 2023
by Kevin Walker, NAMMA Our ministry’s newest generation shared a week of discussion, worship, and fellowship at NAMMA’s school in the Houston International Seafarers’ Center (HISC) this February 12-17, 2023. This was the second in-person course since the COVID-19 lockdowns, and
ICMA Meets in Rome to Discuss New Opportunities to Improve Seafarers’ Welfare
by Jason Zuidema, ICMA From September 27-30, 2022, ICMA held its annual general meeting and conference in Rome to discuss challenges and programs during the pandemic and war, but also the new opportunities that have been made clear. The COVID-19 pandemic
Seafarers’ Ministry and a COVID-19 Vaccine
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA The COVID-19 vaccination roll-outs around the world have generated many questions for those patiently waiting. We might wonder when it will be our turn and which vaccine will be available to us. These questions are not
Fundraising for seafarers’ welfare during COVID-19
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA Familiarity brings comfort. Due to the global pandemic, this year’s fundraising for seafarer centers, ministries and those who support mariners was critically challenged. The normal ways of attracting donations have no longer been possible. Large group banquets
Celebrating Christmas at Sea
Image: Chaplain James Kollin of the Seamen's Church Institute with a seafarer wearing a new watch cap and scarf. While crinkled tinsel hangs in the mess room and a slightly battered artificial tree is pulled from storage, Christmas on ships is
Finding Fulfillment in Chaplaincy
By Susan Huppert, NAMMA Transitions can be a navigational challenge. But for these newly established chaplains finding fulfillment in a new role proves to be profitable. Three professionals who shifted from their previous positions to the world of serving seafarers discuss how
Lessons from Healthcare Chaplaincy for Maritime Ministry
Photo caption: Chaplain David Reid accepts a certificate on behalf of SCI Philadelphia during the ISWAN Seafarers' Welfare Awards ceremony at the ILO in Geneva on April 23, 2018 from ILO Deputy Director Greg Vines for being shortlisted for the
Never Too Old to Learn: Reconsidering an Old Method in Maritime Ministry
A short time ago, I read Virginia Hoel’s monograph, Faith, Fatherland and the Norwegian Seaman. The work of the Norwegian Seamen’s Mission in Antwerp and the Dutch Ports 1864-1920 (Verloren, 2016). This study provides us with a beautiful insight into the