Iain Sanders, our new SCFS Port Chaplain in Aberdeen, was recently interviewed by Daria Oskolkova for the Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles.

Daria introduces SCFS Aberdeen with the following:

'Imagine yourself on a ship in the North Sea, somewhere between Aberdeen and Bergen. You’re caught up in a fierce storm: the wind is howling, and the waves tower above. The crew is on edge....'

In the article she traces some of the paths which led to Iain coming to work with SCFS in Scotland. From being born to missionaries in Bolivia and growing up in England. Iain moved to Belfast after marrying Rosie, where he volunteered with Belfast City Mission and also participated in a placement with SCFS Belfast while at Bible College. It continues:

'A Seafarer's Friend

A chaplain may encounter extraordinary situations, such as an abandoned or arrested ship. Bereavement issues, hospital or even prison visits are occasional occurrences too.

More often, Iain’s work involves simple yet meaningful acts of connection. He goes onboard to share a short sermon or a reading. Many conversations happen over a cup of coffee, where listening is just as important as speaking. Sometimes, seafarers ask him to accompany them on a shopping trip or simply to spend time ashore — anything to feel solid ground beneath their feet. Recently, a group of crew members requested that he take them to a Sunday service.'

Daria sensitively delves into the needs of the seafarer and the vital role of SCFS chaplains and ship visitors as they "Serve Seafarers with Compassion".

You can discover more on Iain's calling and his current journey with SCFS in "Meet Iain Sanders".

We are excited by the developing work of SCFS in Scotland and are keen to expand our Scottish support network. Iain and Mike would love to share about SCFS with your churches and schools.

To hear fresh updates and about the ways in which you can support SCFS Scotland, contact:

• Iain Sanders, SCFS Aberdeen       iain.sanders@scfs.org
• Mike Burleigh, SCFS Montrose     mike.burleigh@scfs.org