by Susan Huppert, NAMMA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s personal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2015, Dr. Jason Zuidema, Executive\nDirector of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) and\nChristian Reformed Church leadership began to determine if an outreach to\nseafarers could be established in the Port of Alberni, B.C. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among them was 73-year-old Matt\nGregory, a retired school teacher, who was sold on the idea. With minimal\nfunding and no physical location, the vision took hold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI got hooked on it and I haven\u2019t\nlooked back,\u201d said Gregory. \u201cIt\u2019s a practical outpouring of Christ reaching out\nto humanity.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a mission project of sorts\nand operates loosely with a core of about 6-8 volunteers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Upper Room Seafarer\u2019s Centre\nis located on Vancouver Island and operates out of a rented apartment suite\nwithin walking distance of the port. The Rev. Curtis Korver of Alberni Valley\nChristian Reformed Church and the church board provide direction and oversight.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The quick turn-around of ships\ncommon to most ports is pleasantly missing in Alberni. The majority of ships\nexport raw logs to Asia which can take three to six days to load. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Korver and his volunteers visit\nthe ships in port to engage with crew members and assess their needs. Filipino\ncrews often request Mass be celebrated. The local Catholic priest is a willing\nministry partner and welcomes the opportunity to serve seafarers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Port of Alberni offers the precious commodity of increased time to interact with seafarers. A practice of getting a ship\u2019s manifest when first boarding a vessel provides volunteers the opportunity to hold a surprise birthday party for crew members born that month. Colored balloons, decorated cakes and ice cream with a few simple gifts convey care and concern to the global workers far from home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe try to bless them in their\nwalk with God in the moments we have,\u201d said Korver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mission is a community effort. After days or weeks on ship, a game of basketball is a welcome alternative to ship life. Thanks to the cooperation of the Alberni District school, seafarers and mission volunteers can connect over a game of hoops. The junior hockey league offers free tickets to sports events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe like to provide something of\na break from the monotony of the ship,\u201d said Korver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Korver developed a fondness for\nworking with seafarers 26 years ago, when a portion of his practical seminary\nstudy included harbor ministry with the Montreal Ministry to Seafarers. His\nfirst-hand knowledge helps volunteers gain confidence with those from other\nlands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The relationship between the\nministry and seafarers is clearly one of trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Upper Room Seafarers\u2019 Center is seen as an extension of the ship with regard to seafarer access. The ministry provides the ship a key to the center so seafarers can visit when unhindered by their obligations and requirements on board. When schedules allow, they walk to the 700 square-foot apartment suite which offers 24-hour Wi-Fi away from the noise and discomfort of the ship. Ministry workers offer rides to shop or sightsee. Occasionally, they share hiking trails and \u201cLake Day\u201d bar-b-ques at a volunteer\u2019s home. The personal interaction reduces work related stress and eases feelings of isolation for seafarers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through online courses, NAMMA helps\nworkers understand the plight of seafarers and ways to serve this distinctive\ncommunity. Training on a range of topics from safety to the value of listening enables\nvolunteers to better serve those who dock at Alberni. Gregory appreciates the\nprofessional training and the personal exchange of his new endeavor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has been such a rewarding\nexperience. I can\u2019t say enough about what the fellows have given me,\u201d he said.\n\u201cIt\u2019s been a grand experience.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking forward, it is unclear at this point what the future of this small mission might be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the port\u2019s website, Port\nAlberni Terminals has historically operated as a mixed forest products\nfacility. However, cargo volumes have experienced significant fluctuations in\nrecent years due to changes in market conditions, and the logistics and\ndistribution decisions of the local forest industry clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pastor Korver takes a serious\nlook and waits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe future of the ministry – it\nis difficult to say,\u201d said Korver. \u201cThere is a push-back against shipping raw\nlogs. The church in Vancouver is interested in funding this. The volunteers are\ncommitted. The future is entirely the economy of the local forestry industry.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For now, the ministry continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChrist admonition is that\nwhatever I do to the least of these, I do to him,\u201d said Gregory. \u201cI feel this\nis what Christ wants me to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n