Here are some random things that I learnt about seafaring, seafarers, the ministry among seafarers, the maritime industry, the work of MCM in Liverpool and so many other interesting things that may help you pray better for seafarers and the work of MCM among them. I present them here in no significant order.
Did you know? The longest serving seafarer on a single continuous contract that I have met in these last few months is a Chief Engineer who completes 22 months on board in February with no shore leave since international travel restrictions began.
Did you know? 9 out of 10 things around you were brought to you by merchant navy ships.
Did you know? The majority of seafarers are from the Phillipines while significant numbers are from Russia, Ukraine, Poland, India and China.
Did you know? The most number of steps I had to climp up on a gangway until now is 52. The climbing up is less tiring than the climbing down (don’t know why!)
Did you know? The best place to meet seafarers is the messroom in the ship’s accommodation.
Did you know? The ship’s kitchen is called the “Galley” and the Chief cook, in my experience, can give you an idea of the best time to visit the ship again.
Did you know? Without MCM, there would be little to no evangelical presence on the docks of Liverpool to share the Gospel and serve the Christian at sea who longs for Fellowship and a time of prayer with a fellow Christian.
Did you know? I came to know about this role at MCM through a sack of muddy potatoes. A Brother at Church in Salford once gave me sack of potatoes wrapped up in the newspaper “Evangelicals Now.” As I knelt down to empty the sack of potatoes at home, the advert about the role of Port Chaplain with MCM stared at me. And I stared back at it for 15 minutes before picking up the paper to look at it again. True story!
Did you know? I have been called “Father” on 5 ships till date. All had an all Filipino crew on board.
Did you know? Most seafarers have asked me for souvenirs with “London” written on it. Only one Indian seafarer has ever asked me for souvenirs of Liverpool and Everton Football clubs. Nobody on the ships, in my experience, have heard of the Beattles.
Did you know? Every time I start to pray on the ships, all the seafarers in the room stand up on their feet. I was startled the first time I experienced this.
Did you know? Most of the time, I find calling cards of Port Chaplains from many parts of the world posted in the mess. I have spotted Brother Dave Robertson’s name thrice on different ships.
Did you know? In my experience, when the Captain is a Christian, and you offer to share a brief message or pray before you leave the ship, he would always radio-in everyone who is free to join us.
Did you know? Merchant navy ships do not have a Chaplain on board. They also do not have a doctor, which means that a trip to the hospital has to wait until they are moored on the next Port.
Did you know? The Port of Liverpool is the fourth largest Port in the UK in terms of tonnage. The Chancellor has announced a new Freeport in Liverpool to begin operations in late 2021.
Did you know? While many well-funded missions organisations cannot operate in their respective global missions field during the pandemic, I have been able to visit ships, serve seafarers and share the gospel freely.
Did you know? In my experience, most evangelicals do not know of the work of MCM in the Ports of Liverpool, Garston and Eastham. The best way to increase exposure of MCM is to pray about it in your homes, Churches, prayer groups and by interacting with us on fb.com/mcmliverpool
