October 2024 to October 2025 has been a period of many experiences and blessings. The weather has ranged from snow and ice, warm and cold to wet and rain and the ‘haar’ (cold sea fog) rolling in off the sea on a regular basis.
To my joy the individual that conducted my port induction was also a believer and is delighted that there is another saved person in and around the Port of Aberdeen. This is a real encouragement to both of us!
After arriving at the port, the first sight of a supply vessel was one of awe and wonder at their size and capacity. However, I quickly adjusted to the notion that God called me to minister and pastor to seafarers not to stand in wonderment at gargantuan vessels.
I hadn’t been long at the port when a Filipino asked me do you have any SIM cards? At this point I did not have any but for some time this was a regular request. As seafarers long to connect with their families back home, it's a joy to provide SIM cards and a Wi-Fi hub.
Not long after I arrived, I was asked to lead a scattering of ashes down by the main channel, the deceased had been a seafarer all his life. The bereaved niece had requested that the port chaplain preside, so her minister contacted me. I preached from John 11:25. One comment after was, “all I heard was new life, new life in Jesus.”
In January this year, at the closure of the Port Welfare Committee, myself and Doug Duncan from Stella Maris, were called over by one the VTS secretary. "There is a vessel called Lowlands Diamond coming into South Harbour. It has had a fire on board, could you both go and minister to the crew." We looked after the crew for about three months. I took the crew on outings, shopping - they found Aberdeen very expensive, prayed with the crew, read the Bible with them, and left blessings. Part way through their stay they had a partial crew change so I had to familiarise myself with some new faces. Teddies and hats were gratefully accepted but the crew were very appreciative of the friendship shown and the blessings given.
I was visiting a vessel on Good Friday and had spoken to several of the crew. I was pointed in the direction of the tool room with the instruction “there is someone in there who would like to talk with you.” I entered and was greeted with the words “Hello Father.” If I cannot share the Gospel on Good Friday, when can I? I read the account of the crucifixion and the resurrection from Luke’s Gospel and made a few comments as we went along. I prayed with the seafarer and as I stood up to leave I heard the plaintive words “can I give you a hug, Father?” Strange, I thought but the seafarer gave me the biggest of hugs and burst into tears. When I asked why he was crying the reply came back: “You are the first person who has explained the Bible to me.”
On another vessel I was talking to a second officer. "Good to see you chaplain. Thank you for coming. I don’t know very much about religion; I’ll have to check it out. What about these other writings, the Gospel of Thomas, or the Gospel of Philip?" We had a productive spiritual conversation and when I pointed out that there was a stone in the British Museum with the name Pontius Pilate inscribed on it, he replied has it been verified. When I asserted it had he was astounded.
Aboard another vessel, I visited the bridge. I was made coffee and instructed to sit while they called the captain. When he arrived, he greeted me and after a brief conversation he said to me, "it is all about salvation isn’t it." We struck up a friendship and often he would WhatsApp me photos from out at sea of oil rigs, or beautiful sunsets, or even a seagull that landed on the bridge deck. One evening he messaged me and asked me to meet the vessel as it tied up. I climbed the gangplank and was told the captain is waiting for you. I climbed the steps and met him. He took me to the mess and plied me with Bortsch, rye bread with salted pork fat and garlic. (When I arrived home Rosie’s words were what have you been eating?!) I was able to share God’s word with the captain and leave him a tract in Russian, not his native language, but he spoke Russian.
While visiting another ship, the captain took me down to his cabin and engaged me in a discussion about the Bible. I looked down and there on the table was a Bible in Ukrainian. He called me 'brother' and asked me to pray with him.
On another vessel, I met a Ukrainian 2nd officer who recognised me from a previous visit. He asked me to sit while he called the captain. I was rummaging around in my rucksack and found a Bible. Not sure whether it was Russian or Ukrainian I went over to him and asked him to identify the language. He said “it’s neither, it is Bulgarian. Can I have it? I am living in Bulgaria and trying to learn the language, and this would help.” Where better to start than the Word of God?
Shortly after, I arrived I was interviewed by the press officer from the church of Scotland. Through that interview I have been the recipient of many knitted hats and toys. I have received donations of jackets, jumpers and other items of clothing. One lady I spoke to on the phone this week, has booked me to speak at her ladies’ guild - because of this interview, asked me "Do you take knitted hats? I have been knitting furiously since Christmas, and I have seventy to give you."
My name was even put forward to take part in a documentary. This documentary was called Mega Ports. It was following people who make the port tick and as chaplain I was asked to participate. I was followed for approximately 90 minutes and told “just do what you do”. I do not know when the documentary will be televised but a port official who has seen a rough draft saw me one day and said you come across really well.
Preparations are already underway for our Christmas ministry to the seafarers. There is the possibility of a couple of church groups to do some carol singing on the docks for the seafarers. I hope to distribute many more gift packs this year. It would be great if you or your church would join in our “Share the Joy!” project. Some churches gather together and make a special event of it....
The warm, friendly reception from the seafarers and the opportunities to chat about the Lord are such an encouragement! I have also been heartened by the increasing invitations to share about the work of SCFS, even on the G4G local radio show with Rob Rowe.
Psalm 89:5-6, 8
