The past years have brought many challenges to the ministry, with setbacks caused by various circumstances. Yet through it all, we prayed, persevered, and sought to continue sharing the Gospel and serving seafarers and their families. The Lord answered our prayers and graciously led us in a new and better direction. He has provided people who share the burden of the ministry and who are now helping us carry out the plans before us.
In recent months, our Board Members and staff have devoted much time to planning and restructuring the organization. We can only praise God for the help we have received and thank Him for all He is doing to ensure a smooth transition. Looking back, we clearly see His hand at work. He has been faithful, He is working now, and He will continue to work out His perfect plan.
Last July, SCFS Philippines staff, together with Capt. Felino Kierulf and Mr. Joel Go, met with Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) representatives Hakeem Monte and Bryan Lejano, who oversee discipleship programs for Overseas Filipino Workers.
The meeting aimed to establish a partnership with CCF to connect seafarers with spiritual communities. Through this partnership, seafarers can be endorsed to CCF satellite churches near their homes, where they may join Discipleship Groups by completing a simple online form.
In addition to CCF, SCFS Philippines has also partnered with other local churches to ensure that seafarers have a spiritual family where they can belong, be discipled and grow in their faith.
We are also pleased to announce that SCFS has been successfully registered under its new name: Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society Philippines Inc. Our official Board Members are:
· Engr. Eddie Andaya
· Bishop Larry San Pedro
· Bishop Elma Jimenez
· Mr. Joel Go
· Capt. Felino Kierulf
We are pleased to formally announce the appointment of Captain Felino Kierulf as Head of SCFS Philippines.
Captain Kierulf brings 46 years of extensive seafaring experience, having served faithfully onboard various vessels, and later as a Marine Superintendent and Owners’ Representative until his retirement in 2022. With his deep background in the maritime industry, he now desires to dedicate this new chapter of his life to serving the Lord by ministering to fellow seafarers.
Beginning October, he will assume responsibility for strategic planning, coordination with manning agencies, and the oversight of all administrative functions of SCFS. We give thanks to God for raising up Capt. Kierulf and look forward to the leadership and guidance he will provide.
Despite repeated attempts, government restrictions have prevented us from regaining access to the ports. As a result, we are now focusing our attention on partnerships with manning agencies and dormitory owners to continue conducting Bible studies for seafarers and facilitating Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) for agencies.
To move this initiative forward, we are preparing to send formal letters to agencies and dormitory owners, praying that these plans will come to fruition. In line with our mission, we will also work to connect seafarers with partner churches such as CCF, Manila Baptist Church, and others.
Moreover, we plan to visit more churches across the Philippines to introduce SCFS Philippines and explore possible partnerships. Through these collaborations, we aim to provide seafarers, especially those without a home church, with a spiritual community where they can continue to grow in faith.
Luneta Park Ministry
Regular outreach through the distribution of gospel tracts and Christian literature, and prayer.
Helping Seafarers Through Aid Programs
In partnership with ISWAN, SCFS has assisted twenty-five seafarers in applying for financial support through ISWAN’s SEF progr. These grants have provided much-needed help to those facing illness, whether for themselves, their spouse, or their children.
We know that many seafarers come home with limited resources, and so we are truly grateful for the opportunity to extend assistance through these programs and ease some of their burdens.
Bible Study and Book Distribution
SCFS continues to minister to future seafarers by conducting Bible studies at West Bay College, a maritime school. Alongside this, we are supplying Martin Otto’s books to equip the students with biblical resources that can guide them in both their faith and their future careers at sea.
Support at the SCFS Centre
At the SCFS Centre, we continue to welcome visiting seafarers by offering prayer, encouragement, and Christian materials to strengthen and uplift them during their time ashore.
SCFS Philippines Facebook Page
A platform for seafarers and friends of the ministry to receive updates, daily devotions, and to submit prayer requests. https://web.facebook.com/scfs.ph
Monthly Reports
Documenting activities such as book and tract distribution, and the provision of ministerial services to seafarers and their families.
As we continue to serve seafarers and their families, we humbly ask you to join us in prayer for the following:
· Office Facilities Upgrade Provision for laptops, desktops, and recreational games for seafarers visiting the SCFS Center.
· Partnership with Manning Agencies Open doors and strong relationships with manning agencies to share the gospel and distribute Christian materials.
· Church Partnerships Wisdom, guidance, and provision as we visit churches around the country to establish partnerships for discipleship and spiritual support.
We believe that through the faithful prayers of God’s people, He will continue to provide, guide, and open new doors for SCFS Philippines to impact more lives for His glory.
Jessica Segundo
Follow-up Coordinator
