NEW ORLEANS – A large, insulated mug, 2007 pocket calendar, phone card
and a Bible or New Testament are to be given to seafarers who connect
with Global Maritime Ministries here during the month of December.
“Seafarers often have very little to claim as their own,” explains
Philip Vandercook, executive director of the center established by his
father, John Vandercook, about 50 years ago.
“A simple thing like a mug is something they can keep in their cabins
for their personal use,” Vandercook said. “The calendar is small enough
for them to carry in their pockets; each calendar also includes a
complete plan of salvation and a list of other evangelical port
ministry centers around the world.”
The phone cards will enable the seafarers to call their families, and a
Bible or New Testament will be given to them in their heart language,
the better for them to understand what God has to say to them,
Vandercook said.
“We hope to distribute 1,000 gifts this year,” he continued. “We need people to provide the gifts and Bibles.”
A signed Christmas card and $8 will provide one gift for one seafarer, not includiing the Bible they also will receive.
“We’re really looking forward to holding Christmas parties in the new
building this year,” Vandercook continued in the latest issue of The
Anchor newsletter.
“We will be able to spend more time with individuals explaining the
true meaning of Christmas,” the executive director wrote. “We also plan
to have several opportunities for local port workers to drop by the
building during the Christmas season.
“Please pray now about your involvement in helping us to share Christmas with the world,” Vandercook concluded.
Statistics for January through September:
136 ships visited
1,228 seafarers contacted
924 port workers contacted
45 countries represented
413 seafarers to center
13 professions of faith.
To contact Global Maritime: PO Box 750787, New Orleans LA 70175.