Many Thanks from SCFS Cork

"A massive shout out and thank you to DealzDealz, Midleton and their wonderful customers for their generous donations to support seafarers who are far from their home and family. Although often forgotten about until there is a news headline like the terrible collision today (https://news.sky.com/.../coastguard-helicopter-scrambled...), seafarers transport over 90% of the world's goods. The majority of them are on board for 9 months every year. Thank you for caring for them! Thank you Feed West Cork and Carrigaline Union of Parishes and all our wonderful knitters!"

Colin, Cork Port Chaplain

Happy Birthday in Belfast!
Seafarers birthdays often occur when they at sea and far from their loved ones. It can be a lonely time. Rey, on a the container ship in Belfast, will be celebrating his birthday on Saturday. Sam was able to present him with a birthday cake and card and they shared a joint celebration as Sam's birthday was a couple of days later!

Sam shared other encouragements from his visit onboard:

"another crew member asked if I would do a Bible study next week while they have their lunch. It was a pleasure for three crew and myself to have a short prayer for the seafarers and their families on board the two ships involved in yesterday’s accident outside Grimsby."

The following week seafarers were keen to continue with the Bible study despite it being held a day later as the ship had been delayed. Sam enjoyed fellowship with the six crew members who attended it. When Sam thanked the Captain replied:

 "it is important teaching for the crew."

Zoo Therapy, Cork
A lovely sunny day for crew at Fota Wildlife Park. It's not often that seafarers manage to enjoy some time ashore, putting aside the stresses of life at sea.

Ties of Friendship

Jae shares about renewing friendships in Dublin...

"Sometimes the ships which came to Dublin port almost every week in the past stop visiting the ports for a few years due to changes in their schedules.This week one of these ships came to the port out of blue and I was delighted to renew contact with a container ship where he had held a regular Bible study. The crew enjoyed praise & worship and spending time studying God's Word. They want to have more time to learn about God on the next visit and to continue meeting as they come to Dublin port every week. Please pray for this new Bible study.

On a bulk ship, Amit who I had met back in 2019 was so happy to see me again. Actually he asked an agent to find me and ask me to visit him! Amit thanked me for praying for him and his wife. They have now a 4 year old son. He told me he wants to send his son to a Christian school.

It was also encouraging in another weekly Bible study when, Nhel, the new member started to lead the praise and worship."

Behind the Scenes in Aberdeen

Iain has experienced a varied range of situations over the past month in Aberdeen. A ship was detained port after an incident with grain smoldering in the hold. Iain provided  SIM cards and portable wifi enabling the crew to contact their families seafarers and also gave lifts and assistance at the shops.

A programme has recently been filmed about life in the port. As part of this Iain was followed by the filming crew as he carried out ship visitations. This was a great opportunity to share about the work of SCFS and the crew were able to listen on as Iain shared the Good News with the seafarers. There is the possibility that SCFS will feature when the programme is aired.

Iain also participated in a service at the installation of a Memorial stone to the Trawlermen of Aberdeen.

Welcome Aboard!

It's great to welcome Arles, a Filipino, to the team in Limerick where Gordon has been teaching him the ropes. On one of the ships they visited a Ukrainian cook hugged the Bible he received to his chest, unable to speak to them. It clearly meant so much to him. He was deeply moved and lost for words.

Maltese Visitors

It was lovely to meet Brent, Renea and family in person. They were in NI for a few days holiday and their first sight seeing trip was to SCFS HQ! 😀