contact:
havenlicht@chello.nl

The main aspect of the work for over 35 years now has been visiting seamen, especially foreign seamen, aboard their ships. These used to be mainly freight carriers, but nowadays we visit the seamen at cruise ships as well.

The Netherlands have 28 seaports, ranging from enormous to quite small. In the port area of Rotterdam, for example, about 30.000 ships a year load and unload. In Zaandam (north of Amsterdam), on the other hand, probably less than 100 ships a year visit the port. More then ten of our port missionaries, sometimes assisted by friends or relatives, work in about eleven of these ports. The port missionairies are mostly volunteers, doing this work beside their daily work. One worker is fulltime active in the ports, supported by SCFS England and a circle of friends. The port missionairies visit the ports at all times of the day, at their conveniance. In this way they are able to establish contacts with hundreds of seamen, from literally all corners of the world.

A brief survey of the actual activities: most contacts are short and quick: a leaflet, a St. Johns gospel a CD or DVD is handed out and accepted by the seaman. Often this leads to a conversation, either with a group of people or a personal encounter. The nature of these talks differ from evangelizing to counseling. Many seamen hear the gospel for the first time in their life. Time and again, it is heartwarming to see people opening their heart to the saving message of the gospel.

Very important as well is the encouragement that can be given to Christian brothers amongst the seafarers, by means of sharing, encouraging, practical aid and counseling, and most of all by praying and thanking together, and opening the Bible.

Depending on the nature of the conversation materials are being handed over, usually in the seafarers native language. We prefer handing out complete Bibles, if possible, so the word of God may speak for itself, and thus can be studied by the sailors. Otherwise we hand out parts of the Bible, CD’s, DVD’s (the life of Jesus), Bible courses, study books and correspondence courses. The materials are available in most of the languages we encounter on the ships, which means in dozens of languages. Beside that we hand out broadcasting schedules of Trans World Radio, to help seamen listen to gospel transmissions in their own language when they are out on the open ocean.

Especially in wintertime, but on other occasions as well, we hand out warm clothing, wollen hats, shoes, coats etc. Beside those we always carry international telefone cards to be sold to the seamen at cost, so they can call their relatives at home. Sometimes seamen are being invited at our workers home addresses, this way we can give them a short time of fellowship. We provide them with transportation so they may attend the Sunday services at the local churches. Often a close contact by mail or phone starts in this way. If these seamen pass through, they call with one of our workers. Mostly a visit follows either on his ship or elsewhere. We get them in touch with co-workers around the world so they can be visited everywhere around the world. This works in two both directions.
Prayermeetings or a Bible study are set up on board of ships. Sometimes a small group of musicians accompany us. Even sometimes services for an entire crew are being arranged.
Seaman staying in hospitals are visited and assisted when they are in need. Letters and packages with material are sent all over the world.

Around December we give away our Christmas presents, this means packing tens or even hundreds of boxes with practical things, like soap, shampoo, shaving cream, tooth paste, calendars, pens & paper. In every box we put a part of the Bible (or even a complete one if available) and a leaflet explaining the meaning of Christmas in their native language. Women all over the country are busy the whole year through with creating woolen hats, these are highly appreciated by the seamen.

We don't keep statistics, but one thing's for sure, the number of contacts we have are in the thousands. We were able to give away hundreds of bibles and lots of other materials. All together between five and ten thousand a year.

Once or twice a year we arrange a meeting for all of our co-workers as well as those who are working in the background. We share our experiences, our plans, receive co-workers from other countries. These meetings are also used to learn from each other for example how to approach other cultures.