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REPORTS  SPRING 2010

FROM THE DESK

This time, to our regret, we must say goodbye to Ruud Kuijer. After many years in the Port Mission he now moves to another mission field. We do thank Ruud from the bottom of our heart for his friendship and zeal. He has come to mean quite a lot to us these past years and we wish him all the best in his new area of service.

ROTTERDAM

Hearty greetings from the Docks of Rotterdam. I do write this report with mixed feelings for it will be my final newsletter to you. After more than nine years an end has come to my task in the Ports of Rotterdam. My wife and I are convinced that God is leading us in a new direction. We know it is the right one, but at the same time it hurts to leave behind all the dear people that I’ve come to know these last years; I shall miss them.

Last week I was on a ship which I’ve been visiting for years and where I’ve made many friends. So, being there for the last time, I didn’t really want to leave the ship and start beginning the ‘ceremony’ of shaking hands, hugging persons and then head for the gangway. But it had to be. Eddy, a Philippino friend of long standing embraced me, saying: thank you for what you did for us all those years’. My answer was: ‘Thank you too for the things I learned from you people. Your hospitality when coming aboard and the shared meals. I think that I’m going to loose weight now for since I started the Port Mission work I have gained 12 kilos!’

Looking back I must say that we have had such great opportunities to hand out so much literature, boxes full of it! Books that people have taken back home. Recently I was on a ship from a ‘closed’ country where I met a person that I had spoken to many years back. He is still with the same company but now on another ship. ’Hi there, Father’, he said, ‘How good to see you again. Your books are on our bookshelf at home and we read them all!’ Wow, I said to myself. How good our Lord is that He shows me this, after such a long lapse of time, revealing what has happened to my books. They had just finished up there, far away in this difficult country. I felt privileged to have been a small link in these events.

On another occasion I had handed some folders to people. It was about creation and evolution. A sailor, a Christian, had sent these home and his son had shown them to his schoolteacher. She in turn had taken the contents as a lesson in class. Great, wonderfull, amazing…..how God works! For a long time you hear nothing and then after a long period of time I chance to meet a sailor and he tells me this. You feel humble then and thankfulness fills your heart at such a moment , knowing: God had his hand in this.

I also know of times when we could encourage people in talking about their marriages, passing on DVD’s and books on this subject. They could hear now how dear marriage is and what family life can mean. Some of the stories they tell you nearly break your heart and then you can be a help to them on the road to true Life. Not pointing or directing them to a Port Mission nor to yourself but to Christ as the source of true Life.

Another thing is, that people in general have a fixed opinion about sailors. A sailor man is such and such a type. But I have had the privilege to meet them and to learn by experience that these opinions our unfounded and foolish, being off the mark. It is wrong to propagate such talk about men who are making great sacrifices to help further their families to a better life, wanting good education for their children, good housing for their families and medical care for their sick parents. For that reason only they are absent from their families, sometimes up to ten months of the year. We have learnt to love and respect these forgotten people.

We are grateful that we have been able to hand over the work to a young and motivated couple from Germany. They are happy to take over our task here in Rotterdam. They would appreciate it to be remembered in prayer. In the next Havenlicht Bulletin you are sure to find their letter telling you all about their new start.. I would say: send them a welcome card or a mail. They will certainly appreciate this. Their adresse: Felix and Kerstin Henrichs. Voorstraat 13.Stellendam 3251 BB The Netherlands.

So, finally – Goodbye dear friends. Be blessed just where God has placed you!

Ruud and Henny Kuijer
 

AMSTERDAM and also … MALTA!

First of all about our youngest son Timo and myself. We went to visit a giant bulk carrier with a Taiwanese captain. The crew members were all from China. What a welcome this captain gave us! In his cabin he kept pouring out cups of tea for us. When asked how the tea tasted and having said: ’Yes, good!’, we were presented with a gift parcel, containing six tins of delicious tea.

During that time we also had our Christmas gift parcels with us and the crew was so astonished when they saw what was in them. We had especially included Chinese literature, so there was a Bible for every one present. They were really captivated by their Bibles. and started reading in them. You could have heard a pin drop were it not for the noise of the auxiliary engines and the ventilators. Was this the first time they had received a Bible? Let’s not forget about the souvenir bottle ships we hand out at times. Especially made by br. Huisman to tell the individual sailors about God’s care and love. We left two behind as a reminder.

Now the other news item is, that Yvonne and myself have spent some days at Malta. One evening Port missionaries George and Freddy (members of the Maritime Ministries of Malta) invited us to visit some ships in the Port. The first ship was in the process of unmooring so there was hardly time for any contact. But on leaving the ship a sailor shouted: ’why is there no literature for us?’ So in parting we quickly handed over some good things to read.

On another ship further along we spoke to some Philippine seamen. With three crewmen sitting in the messroom we had the chance to explain the Gospel in simple language. The response was rewarding. In the conversation that followed it was all about the Lord Jesus, Him being in the centre of our talk. We sensed that these men were open to Gods Word and had a desire to know more about it. Also, on both ships we had the opportunity to conclude our meeting with prayer, together as men.

These Port workers here in Malta were an example to us, proving to be a well committed team. It was really great to be partners with them that evening visiting ships.

Theo en Yvonne van Zuilekom
 

EEMSHAVEN / DELFZIJL

There was only one ship for me in the Eemshaven that I could visit. Once onboard I could only talk to the captain for five minutes. When I asked about the crew I was told that, in all, there were some Philippinos, three Poles, one Hungarian, four British and twelve Norwegians. In the kitchen I met two of the Philippinos working there. They told me they were also Christians and we had a nice conversation together. I passed on some bibles and clothing that I had brought with me. I was glad to see the men starting to read in their Bibles. I was also invited to join the captain to have dinner. It was real good!. At the table I also had a conversation with a Philippino, fellow Christian. With the captain I also had a talk about the gospel but I must say, he was not very interested.

In the port of Delfzijl only one large ship was to be seen. When onboard I approached a sailor, telling him about some good literature to be had and I was told he was not interested. It didn’t stop me however to get some more from my car to go to the other crewmembers. Arriving back on the ship the other person had left but two Philippinos had arrived, waving to me to follow them. They were happy to receive my Bibles and other goods. I was asked if I wished a cup of coffee. There in the messroom I met still another person and he told me he was having a hard time. We had a good talk together and I told him about the Lord Jesus. So it shows again how God leads all our steps in a special way.

Luuk Hamminga
 

CRUISE SHIPS AMSTERDAM

During celebrating times like Christmas and Easter, sailors are especially sensitive to personal attention. Being far away from home, they realise they have to let happy times pass them by, for they are either at sea or in a foreign port. Port Chaplains with Bibles and gospel literature are therefore much appreciated. Also woollen hats and scarves and warm clothing are readily accepted by often shivering crewmen mostly coming from tropical countries.

In the month of December alone we were able to visit 17 ships. In my report here some impressions:

In the special port of Corus Steelworks a large bulk carrier lay moored to one of the quaysides. The ship was 300 metres long and 50 meters wide. The crewmembers were Philippinos and the officers were from India. We gave them some 12 New testaments plus many ‘al letter for you’ booklets. Also some ‘Daily Strengh’ brochures, all in the Tagalog language. Among the men from India I spotted one person without a turban and he proved to be a Christian man. He received a nice Bible and some other literature and was so grateful. My wife Anneke had started to give out clothing in the messroom in the meantime while I was busy on deck. There I met a European looking man of around 40 dressed in a plain jumper and worn trousers. On these type of ships as a whole there is no difference in rank to be seen on the outside but some people have that certain look on their eyes and I thought he might be perhaps an Officer. He introduced himself to me as the Ships Master however. He tells me he is from Israel and I must say I do not often meet such nationalities on ships. I offer him a souvenir bottle ship and point to the text on the bottom part where it says: -may God bless you and keep you-. But his reaction was: ‘That is not my God’. I start to explain that the God meant here is my personal God whom I serve and who also is the God of Israel. The captain stated: ‘I am not a religious person’. He could not accept that a God even exists and even when this should be the case and would prove to be the God of Israel, why would He permit that 6 million of his chosen people were to be murdered. What could I answer this man other than: ’I can imagine this from your viewpoint, Sir’. What if all that had happened to my family and relatives? Still, my wife and I were able to tell him about God our Father and His Son Jesus, the Jeshua Messiah.

In the ports of Beverwijk and Velsen often reefer ships are found, mostly with Russian crews. On most ships we are welcomed in a friendly manner. Many of these Russians believe in God. Around Sylvester I received the good news that I had finally been given full permission by the local Harbour Authorities to visit these ships at any time. That’s very good news and quite something, for it makes it much easier for us to do our work. Thank you Lord!!

Also in the port of Beverwijk we visited a so called fish carrier. The captain was from Vladiwostok. He proved to be a believer. Putting his hand to his chest he says: ‘Jesus is here!’ Wow, that’s great. I pray for him and also for his wife on the other side of the globe. When I look up after praying I can see tears rolling down his cheeks and he is a bit embarrassed about this, for Shipsmasters don’t cry. We also present him with a souvenir bottle ship with the words below: May God bless you and keep you.

Onboard another reefer registered at Willemstad, Curacao I ask the watchman about the nationality of the crew. ‘All Russians Sir, except the First Mate, he is from Denmark’. I address the man in English but I detect a Dutch accent in his speech and true enough, he is Dutch. He stares at my jacket and sees the words Port chaplain on it, stares at me again and says that he can only spare me five minutes. When I, in the course of the conversation mention that I too served once at sea, knowing him to be a busy man under a load of work as an Officer, he changes his attitude. He answered: ’You have got a point there, we understand each other, come to my cabin’. During the next 30 minutes we share experiences and drank cups of coffee. He only had five minutes for me? He agreed that it is not easy for a Dutch Officer among a complete Russian crew. We handed him some literature and some Russian St. John’s gospels, some ‘Letters for you’. We also left a box of warm clothing behind for the men. I told this Dutch Officer that I first of all want to bring Jesus to the crew. Jesus the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. He nods in agreement saying: ’my father was a preacher and I know all about it; only I’ve tucked it all far away in the corner of my heart’. I made him a gift of a fine Dutch calendar for his cabin wall with words in small print saying that God still works miracles.

On a Malaysian bulk carrier we were given a hearty welcome. Hé, a Chinese crew! Anneke hands out freshly washed and ironed clothing to the men. The Third Mate tells me his mother is a Christian. She lives near Peking and is the only believer in her family. He spots a Chinese Bible in my bag. A special copy with gold lettering and shiny pages. He asks if he could have it so that he can pass it on to his mother. I had my doubts about that, telling him that these Bibles are only to be given to seafarers and not to relatives or mothers. He said he understood and doesn’t ask any further. When, back in the car, about to drive to another site, I tell my wife Anneke about the Chinese Bible. ‘Are you out of your mind! Come on, let’s go back to the ship and give the Officer that Bible for his mother’.

Back on the ship I chanced to meet this officer again in one of the corridors. He is surprised to find me still onboard. I told him about my wife’s reaction and gave him the precious Bible asking him to also read in it for himself. He promised to do this and Anneke and myself now pray for him regularly that he might find Jesus in that Bible , just as his mother , before he will finally give it to her.

Visiting the Velsen Noord dock on another day, a rather shabby Russian fish carrier was moored there. I decided to go aboard while Anneke would stay in the car. On deck some seamen were watching me closely. On approaching them with my bag of literature and wearing my hard hat, most sailors quickly disappeared behind a watertight door, turning the handle behind them. To the remaining sailor I explain what my mission and purpose is. He looks at me in a bored way, indicating that I’m not welcome onboard his ship. Well….I can’t make them accept me , so…I retrace my steps and climb down the gangway. A pity.

Via an e-mail a Philippine Third Mate had let me know how grateful he was for the encouragement he had received after having met me on his ship two months ago. He wrote that his ship is now loading iron-ore at a site in North Canada. It is to be delivered to the Corus Steelworks in England.

About the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam: I recently received the Cruise ship docking outline for the season 2010. We can again start to make plans to visit these liners. I hope to board some ships and if not allowed to do so we shall try to contact the crewmembers when they pass us on the jetty leading to the city. Our prayer is, again this year, that we shall be able to reach many crewmembers and bring them in contact with Jesus Christ.

Jan and Anneke Best
 

DORDRECHT / MOERDIJK

After the frost-and-ice season and after being down with the Flue, I went to the Ports. I first drove to the inland port of Moerdijk. Via the computer I had found out that a ship with a Russian crew had tied up there. The Port Security had already been notified so I could quickly drive past this to go to my ship. Once aboard a young sailor brought me to the captain. I was very well received and could offer woollen hats, knitted scarves and Russian calendars. During that time I had also fetched my Bible from my bag and let the captain read some verses. It was from Job 28:28 about fearing the Lord. I mentioned that there are so many churches but that the Lord Jesus is the most important Person. This becomes all the more clear when you read John 14:6, so we did this together. I quickly went on to Romans 10:9 and the captain read it all aloud. So he heard himself read: ’That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved’ The First Mate was also present and before I left he wrote in my notebook the following words (in Russian of course): Your work is very needful for us sailors seeing that life at sea is very difficult.

In the messroom I was given mineral water. To a person standing nearby I said: ’Here is a booklet with the title Living Water. It is a St. Johns gospel and I have used it to read some of the verses just now. I received his home address and I promised to write him and explain some more, especially about sailors in the Bible.

After this encouraging contact I boarded a ship with a crew of six Russians with a Polish captain. Here also I received a hearty welcome and had a short conversation with the captain. I used the opportunity to give some Russian calendars for the crew and some Polish literature for himself. In return he gave me his private address and I promised, in my letter, to copy some verses from the Bible in Polish for him that is talking about sailors!

Then I walked with my bag of literature to a ship moored further along the pier. I was amazed to again meet a crew of Russians and Ukrainians. The cook invited me to join in for a cup of coffee. He filled it to the brim, nice and strong with lots of milk. Some moments later he brought me a Russian coffee roll. It was still warm. He served it to me with pride for he had just taken it out of the oven. The Russian calendars were well received. I was glad to see that the cook had taken up some literature and was now reading a St John’s gospel. I passed on some ‘A letter for you’ booklets to a few other men. I learned from the cook that he lives near St. Petersburg and I promised to write to him.

From the port of Moerdijk I then drove back to Dordrecht, my home town. A friend of mine had informed me that a large ship had just come in at the Mallegat pier with Dutch and Philippino crewmen. After climbing the long gangway I soon came in contact with some Philippinos. I walked to the messroom where I found a lady with two children sitting there. I could help some men to a few telephone cards and as I was looking in my bag for some more calendars, the captain entered. His wife had been waiting for him. There were not only Dutchmen onboard but there was also a Hungarian technician and the Philippinos. The captain told me he was a believer, belonging to the Reformed Church. To stay in contact with him I received not only his home address but also his e-mail address. Because dinner time was announced, I left this skipper family wishing them ‘Smakelijk eten’ (a good appetite). It was close to six o’clock and I quickly left for home.

In the beginning of February, with sunny but cold weather, I was on my way again. At the Graanweg pier I discovered two ships that could be visited. The first one was unloading a cargo of salt. Trucks were continually coming to the ship’s side and so the large steel gate was left open. Everybody was busy unloading the ship and the captain waved to me to go aft, to the messroom and sent a young person to bring me there. There was no-one there so I left 8 Russian calendars for the crew and some St John’s gospels.

The second ship was the Arklow Rose, loading scrap metal. There were two Russians and a Philippino onboard but to get to the ship I had to climb over a Dutch ship first before I could get to the rope ladder of the Arklow Rose... The Russian and English calendars were kindly accepted and I could also help one of the men to a Tagalog Bible. I could write down one Philippino’s address in my notebook for further contact. Now in leaving the ship, with a man holding my bag ready to hand it to me and about to step over, I slipped and fell on the wet deck. I thought I had crushed my glasses in the process but it had only damaged my nose a bit. With the help of two men I was helped on my feet again and there were only small bruises on my legs and arm. Quite a scare for everyone.

I was fit enough to carry on and back on the terrain I gave a customs officer a tract called -God bestaat-, meaning God exists. He accepted it, looked me over and said: that is a fact and you are still with us’. Later on it was discovered that I had some bruised ribs. But I continued on my way, finally driving home thanking God for his help and care during those critical moments.

On another day a telephone call was there for me telling that at the Dordse Zeehaven some ships had called in port. I found the mv Twingo there with a mixed crew of Russians and Philippinos. I had woollen hats with me and Havenlicht pens plus literature. After offering me a cup of coffee they also invited me to stay for dinner but I had to recline, saying that I would be home soon and my wife would wait for me there with a dinner of our own. I carefully went down the gangway with its 30 odd steps and off to visit another nearby ship. It was the Cataline with a crew of mainly Philippinos but also some Russians and Seamen from Rumania. As is my custom, I put down sufficient literature in the various languages for the men in the messroom to read. There were Russian calendars, gospels in Tagalog and a few DVD’s. I had a chance there to talk to some men about the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ and in leaving I wished them all  Happy sailing and Gods Blessing.

Meeting some truckers on the site later I again had the chance to pass on literature. They were from France, Russia and of course Holland. It was already dark when I left the port and back on the road it was heavy with traffic. I finally made it safely home just after six o’clock.

To conclude my report I want to share a Scripture verse with you. It is from Isaiah chapter 40:29…..’He gives power to the faint and to them that have no might He increases strength.’

Wim and Wijnie van de Leer