flying angel news: winter 2015

Flying Angel News

IN THISISSUE

News from The Mission to Seafarers | Winter 2015 | Issue 13

Flying Angel News

Reflections on endurance

Welcoming strangers to Kobe

We reflect on endurance, and update you on the exciting Mission Row Around Singapore Island (RASI) project

Our port chaplain in Kobe, Japan, explains why the Mission is as important as ever, and why the small things matter

Plus: · Event and fundraising news · Woolly Hat Day 2014 round-up · UK Christmas Appeal performs well · Meet our Regional Director for Africa · The latest from ports around the world

Visit www.missiontoseafarers.org/support-us/events and get involved!

Support the Mission to Seafarers by joining our challenge events in 2015.

For more information, contact:Ravina Patel t: 020 7246 2915 e: [email protected]

Challenge Events 2015

Adidas Half Marathon

15 March

London to Paris Bike Ride

11–14 June

Nor-Shipping Fun Run

1 June

Nightrider London

6–7 June

Bupa London 10,000

25 May

Your lasting gift: shelter from the storm

The Mission to Seafarers offers emergency assistance, practical support, and a friendly welcome to crews visiting 260 ports around the world. Legacy gifts are a vital part of our funding, and your generous contribution will make a real difference to those facing peril at sea or distress in our ports.

To find out more about our work, or about leaving a gift to The Mission to Seafarers in your will, contact Dominic Hasan by phone on 020 7246 2937, by email at [email protected], or by post to St Michael Paternoster Royal, College Hill, London EC4R 2RL, quoting ref: FAN15.

Contents

In this issue...Reflections on Endurance

Nicky Wynne reflects on endurance and gives an update on team Row Around Singapore Island (RASI).

Strangers on the shore

Port Chaplain, Paul Tolhurst, talks about his work at the Kobe Mariners’ Centre, Japan.

Port stories

Read the latest stories from some of the Mission’s ports around the world, including case studies from our chaplains in Auckland, Busan and more....

Regulars

Mission newsFundraising news

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4

10

Revd Cedric Rautenbach

We interview the Regional Director for Africa, Revd Cedric Rautenbach, about his motivations, responsibilities and challenges.

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Andrew Wright

Secretary General

From the

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www.missiontoseafarers.org 0300 555 1505

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Winter edition of Flying Angel News.

Shipping has been very much in the news in these past weeks. The Christmas and New Year period is often a very busy one for The Mission to Seafarers team, as they offer additional support and hospitality to crews at a time when distance from home and family can seem particularly acute.

However, over this ‘holiday’ period a number of our teams have been especially busy across the world. The grounding of the Hoegh Osaka in the Solent, south of Southampton, and the subsequent rescue of the crew, led to a busy night and a busy week for Chaplain John Attenborough. He was able to offer immediate and ongoing support to the crew, who were brought into Southampton Seafarers Centre. In Hartlepool, Chaplain Chris Collison was very busy, along with colleagues, in supporting a group of fishermen who had effectively been ‘abandoned’ and needed a range of immediate practical and welfare support. We have also been involved in following up the tragic sinking of the Cemfjord off Scotland. It is unusual to have a spate of such serious incidents in the United Kingdom. During the same period the loss of the Bulk Jupiter off Vietnam led to the loss of 18 crew. We also learnt of the fire aboard a ferry off Italy, a fire which proved fatal for some on board and also for two of the crew of a towing tug.

We are reminded very clearly, despite so many improvements in safety, of the very real dangers which continue to confront seafarers, and of the potential consequences for them and their families. Our Mission to Seafarers teams are available, and trained, to respond in the event of such emergencies 365 days a year, in addition to all the day-to-day support offered on ships and in centres, in hospitals, prisons and homes – wherever care for seafarers and their families takes us.

In this first FAN of 2015 I would like to offer profound thanks to all our Chaplains, to wider Mission staff and very importantly to the many volunteers who are increasingly vital in carrying out our work.

Andrew Wright Secretary General

Regulars

Mission news 2 Fundraising news 6

Mission news

Father of three, Ian Forbes (40) from Ayr is Mission to Seafarers Scotland’s first ever entry in the Edinburgh Marathon. When

hearing about the dangers, isolation and poor conditions suffered by some seafarers, Ian immediately volunteered to help raise funds, to enable The Mission to Seafarers Scotland to continue to care for seafarers visiting Scottish Ports.

Ian has a gruelling five months ahead to reach the level of fitness required to run the 26 mile challenge. He has just started back at Bootcamp, which he does three times a week along with further training at the weekend, in order to get to the mileage required for the marathon. He is a keen golf, football and rugby enthusiast, with his children following in his footsteps, his eldest son playing rugby for Ayr S1, and his middle son, Oliver playing in the football team, which Iain coaches in his spare time.

As if taking on the challenge of Edinburgh Marathon was not enough, Ian is 3 months into starting his own business – Accurate Fire and Security Systems Limited. For the last 20 years he worked in the electronic fire and security industry as an engineer, then in a sales role.

Ian said, “I am honoured and delighted to be able to help in some small way. I had never really given any thought as to how all the things that we own get to Scotland. I was surprised to hear that over 90% of everything we have is brought to us by seafarers and that often they are at sea for over six months at a time, away from their family and friends, with little or no communication. The thought of being separated from my family for this length of time in dangerous seas is unthinkable.”

To donate to Ian’s justgiving page, visit: www.justgiving.com/Ian-Forbes2

Ian Forbes runs Edinburgh Marathon for the Mission

Stranded Solent cargo ship’s crew get emergency help from maritime charities

he Mission to Seafarers (MtS), The Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) and The

Southampton Centre for Seafarers (SCS) have spoken about their emergency work to support the crew of the Hoegh Osaka, in the aftermath of the rescue from a cargo ship that ran aground in the Solent. Chaplain John Attenborough (MtS), said: “I received a call at around 11pm on Saturday night from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to tell me that a vessel had run aground in the Solent, and that a maritime chaplaincy team was needed urgently to assist...We offered to take the men to the Southampton Seafarers’ Centre to make them more comfortable.

When we arrived there was hot soup, coffee, and sandwiches ready for them all, and Stephen’s wife had bought in blankets, jumpers and socks. I made sure that all the crew could use my mobile phone. By 4am the shipping agents and the lawyers had arrived and arranged to transfer the men to a local hotel. We were all there to make sure that there was continuity of care for the men – from rescue to hotel. We stayed with them every day to offer support and provided them with basics such as toothpaste, shaving kits, etc… and simple friendship. The emergency situation was handled with great care, professionalism and energy by everyone involved.”

The Hoegh Osaka after it ran aground in the Solent Photo: Roger Marks/Flickr

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02 Flying Angel News The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers Winter 2015 Issue 13

News

Cemfjord sinking in the Pentland Firth

The Mission to Seafarers worked with Brise Hamburg shipping to offer assistance to the families affected by

the catastrophic loss of the Cemfjord cargo ship in Pentland Firth, Scotland, which sank with all eight crew onboard.

The Revd Tim Tunley, MtS Chaplain for the Scottish Ports, has been in touch with the local community in Wick, which is 15 miles ashore from the last known sighting of the ship.

The Mission to Seafarers and Wick Scottish Episcopal Church held a Service for the seafarers’ families affected on Sunday 18 January, at the St John the Evangelist Scottish Episcopal Church, Moray Street, Wick.

M/V Cemfjord heading past Hoek Van Holland towards The North Sea Photo: Paul Smith/Flickr

2015 is The Mission’s ‘Year of the Volunteer’ and we will be on the lookout for stories from around the world that reflect the amazing

work our volunteers do.

Whether valiantly knitting for seafarers throughout the year, helping out at IHQ, or wrapping Christmas gifts for seafarers, our volunteers are vital to the Mission, which is something we are keen to recognise more formally.

Speaking at a recent Wrapathon in Felixstowe, Diane Barrett (pictured bottom left), a volunteer of ten years said: “They are small gifts with little value, but they love them.” Port Chaplain, Revd Simon Davies, added: “It means a lot to be remembered…it helps seafarers to feel cared for.”

If you have any stories to share with us, or would like to nominate a volunteer for recognition by the Mission then please contact us at:

[email protected]

03@FlyingAngelNews themissiontoseafarers themissiontoseafarerswww.missiontoseafarers.org

2015: year of the volunteer

Since becoming the Director of Development for the Mission to Seafarers (MtS) 3 years ago, I have, and continue to be, honoured to work for such a great cause. I have also been deeply humbled through my own direct experience of working with those we serve, the globe’s 1.5 million seafarers – a largely ignored and uncomplaining workforce that endures hardships we can only imagine, as they ensure 90% of all the things that make our lives comfortable, and that we take for granted, reach us.

Many of this workforce will be far from their loved ones, facing issues of isolation and other testing experiences on the huge expanse of sea, as they ensure the world economy continues to tick over 24/7. Christian values underpin the drive of the work of our charity, as our goal is to be where seafarers and their families need us most.

I want to take a moment and share a key word I believe reinforces our work, as we move into the New Year. The word at the forefront of my mind is ‘endurance’.

In the Bible, Peter reminds us in 2 Peter:1 to “…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love”. If we do this we “will never stumble” (2 Peter. l:10). Perseverance and endurance are key qualities that help us succeed. Endurance comes from a compound Greek word: hupo (under) + meno (to remain). Literally, it means endurance under pressure, through testing, under trial. Endurance literally means to last. Every time we are put to the test and endure, we are strengthened and are able to endure stronger trials in our lives.

Seafaring has endured as the main driver for world trade for thousands of years and we continue to work with seafarers today. 2015 will be a year of great challenges for the Mission to Seafarers. For all the seafarers we serve, it will continue to bring trials that many of us can only imagine. Endurance is my theme, and as everyone involved in fundraising and marketing for MtS knows, we must be strong in our belief and convincing in our drive for success.

Our charity is very much a niche organisation and appeals to

specific audiences – Christian and non-Christian, to the shipping world and outside of trade, in our local supporter Churches in the UK and worldwide. The Mission’s discrete and compassionate approach touches lives directly, everyday; and makes crucial interventions to support people in crisis, and with day-to-day problems. We have to, as a truly international organisation, think globally when approaching our brand development and future funding sources.

As endurance is my theme, I also want to update you on our exciting project that has taken shape over 2014; Mission Row Around Singapore Island (RASI). This challenge event is to benefit the Mission to Seafarers and it has captured the imagination of many people in London and Singapore. 40 volunteer rowers will attempt to circumnavigate Singapore Island in ocean-going rowing boats during Singapore Maritime Week in April 2015. I ask you to please celebrate and support Mission RASI in 2015 – it exemplifies the great qualities of endurance and perseverance, and it is being undertaken to support our vital work with seafarers and their families around the world.

Mission Row Around Singapore Island (RASI) – The two challenges

The first challenge – gruelling training for six months and then rowing around Singapore Island!

Mission RASI is the first-of-its-kind endurance relay-row around Singapore. On 22 and 23 April 2015, to coincide with both Singapore Maritime week and Singapore’s 50th anniversary year, over 40 representatives of Singapore’s diverse and international maritime community will row around Singapore Island. The row is beset with challenges, hurdles and restrictions as it is undertaken within one of the busiest ports in the world.

These brave people, many of whom have never rowed before, plan to circumnavigate Singapore’s 140km coastline within 24

Reflections on Endurance

“A journey, I reflected, is of no merit, unless it has tested you.” – Tahir Shah, British Writer

“These brave people, many of whom have never rowed before, plan to circumnavigate Singapore’s 140km coastline within 24 hours”

Mission to Seafarers Director of Development, Nicky Wynne, reflects on the nature of endurance, and updates us on 2015’s Mission RASI.


Feature

hours in two classic rowing boats: Cornish Pilot Gigs. The project is being led by the following: Master Mariner, Captain Fred Francis; Master Mariner, Paul Davidson; Executive Director of the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration, Lee Wai Pong; Marine Survey Specialist, Mark McGurran; Shipping Disputes Expert for Norton Rose Fulbright, Ian Teare; Maritime Lawyer for Reynolds Porter

Chamberlain, Iain Anderson; Executive Director of Willis Singapore, Lewis Hart and CEO and Owner of Centaurs Group, Tim Lambert.

The first challenge is for all the rowers to continue their long and gruelling training regime, work as a team, be fit and motivated to make the project a great success and complete the row within 24 hours.

The second challenge – to raise £375,000 for TheMission to Seafarers

Thanks to the determination and belief of the RASI stakeholders, the rowing team and others, there is a drive to raise as much as

possible for the work of MtS throughout the world. I have the task of leading all fundraising event activities from Singapore and beyond. I can only achieve success by working as part of a team. Outside of the amazing support given to me by RASI stakeholders in Singapore that include Lee Wai Pong, Ian Teare, Iain Anderson, Lewis Hart and Tim Lambert, I would like to use this opportunity to thank our UK support team, Head of Marketing and Communications, Laura Hayes and our Regional Fundraising Managers, Josh Kubale and Laura Brown. With everyone’s input and expertise this ambitious target is achievable.

Our funding mix includes giving through private donations, JustGiving, corporate support, fundraising from events and from a very special project, Row for RASI. People can show their support for Mission RASI rowers anywhere in the world and raise much needed funds for our work, by challenging themselves, friends and colleagues to take on a local rowing event. A ‘Row for RASI’ fundraiser can be whatever suits the person and location – an endurance row in a gym, a team competition or a speed challenge on open water. More details about Row for RASI will be available soon. Find out more at: www.missiontoseafarers.org/rasi

2015 and beyond

As any endurance expert knows, to gain and grow and achieve results we cannot work in isolation. Success for MtS and the further development of our welfare work for all seafarers and their families depends on working as a team, locally, regionally and internationally. I am deeply indebted to, and would like to give special thanks to, our Secretary General, Andrew Wright, and fellow Directors, Martin Sandford and Ken Peters; and our dedicated board of Trustees. Without their wisdom, guidance and support we cannot achieve our ambitious fundraising and marketing goals for 2015.

Finally and most importantly I would like to thank you, our friends, supporters and donors. You are the bedrock of our work.


Fundraising newsAs the chosen charity for Nor-Shipping 2015, attracting c25,000

delegates and exhibitors to Norway every other year, MtS has been working hard to ensure smooth sailing in June. 2015 will see their 50th birthday celebrations and the Mission will be involved with joint activities to mark that historic moment and share in their success for the benefit of seafarers.

To celebrate this strategic partnership and milestone in Nor-Shipping’s history, The Mission to Seafarers is organising the Nor-Shipping Fun Run with our media partners, Lloyd’s List. This new charity 5km run around Oslo city centre, on Monday 1 June 2015, will see 500 runners taking on the scenic course along the Oslofjord to raise an estimated £100,000 to help support seafarers and their families in times of crisis.

DNV GL, the Norwegian classification society, has pledged to be platinum sponsor of the run, and the Norwegian Shipowner’s Association have also pledged their support. The Mission to Seafarer’s will be reaching out to the wider Oslo maritime community in the coming months to boost support for this exciting new event and our global work with seafarers.

If you would like further information about the Nor-Shipping Fun Run please contact Rebecca Watson on 020 7246 2939 or [email protected]

Nor Shipping Fun Run

Making the right connections

The generosity of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and the determination of Geoff Moore, our Chaplain in the North West UK ports, has led to the introduction of WiFi for the use of seafarers

in three of the North West coast’s smaller ports. The service, run in partnership with the University Of Lancaster, is up and running in Glasson Dock and further funds have been allocated for Workington. It is hoped that Silloth will follow early in 2015.

DVD’s sold in aid of the Mission to SeafarersRetired Captain, Joe Welch, has made a number of DVD’s using video clips and

photographs from his time at sea. Having retired in 1997, he decided to use some of the many photos, cine 8 footage and video he has taken to make a DVD for sale, with all of the profits going to the Mission to Seafarers. The project was so successful he has continued to delve deep into his archives and produce more. Although Joe is a self confessed amateur film producer, the DVD’s are a fascinating insight into 40 years at sea.

All of the profits from the sales of the DVD’s will be going to the Mission to Seafarers. If you are interested in learning more or buying one for yourself, please visit:

https://sites.google.com/site/ponlheritage2/shop

Captain Joe Welch during his time at sea

Port Chaplain, Geoff Moore


Fundraise for us!We need your help! Could you organise a coffee morning or quiz night, or would you like to literally go that extra mile and take on a run or challenge event in aid of The Mission to Seafarers? These events can be a great way to get people together, have fun, and raise funds for seafarers at the same time. We can offer tips, advice and resources to help ensure that your event is a huge success. To find out more, visit www.missiontoseafarers.org/support-us

Mission to Seafarers Christmas Appeal

The UK Mission’s Christmas appeal, Gifts of Hope, performed significantly well this winter, and had already raised £41,000 at the end of January. We couldn’t

have achieved such success without the brilliant efforts from the team and volunteers at the South Shields Centre, and we would like to say a special thanks to Dianne Erskine, who supplied us with great ‘wrapathon’ stories that were used as case studies in the appeal. The success of this appeal highlights the invaluable difference great stories make to our supporters. If you have any stories that you would like to share with us, please contact: [email protected]

The Mission also launched a Christmas Radio Appeal, which was heard on radio stations around the country in December. Revd Val White, Honorary Chaplain for Felixstowe Port, based at St Martin’s Church Trimley Suffolk, appeared on BBC Radio Suffolk to talk about the Christmas Appeal and our Secretary General, Revd Andrew Wright, was interviewed on BBC Radio Cornwall.

Fundraising

Seafarers UK give £150,000 grant to Mission to Seafarers

In November, an application for funding to Seafarer’s UK was

successful, and an award of £150,000 was made. The award will help the Mission to Seafarers carry out its work in seven UK ports: Felixstowe (and Haven ports), Port Talbot, North West ports, North Tees, South Tees, Humber and South Shields. Last year our chaplains and volunteers in these ports visited 3,013 ships, reaching an estimated 24,104 – 36,156 seafarers. Over 24,000 seafarers attended the seafarers’ centres and 18,502 were transported by our chaplains. They also undertook 43 justice and welfare cases.

The Seafarers UK’s funding will enable our port based welfare services to combat seafarer’s feelings of isolation and increase their well-

being. By visiting ships in port, our chaplains offer seafarers the opportunity to speak confidentially about any worries or concerns, help them when they are in difficulty, and offer spiritual support. They also offer free transportation to local amenities, or to our seafarers’ centres, from where seafarers can call home and speak to loved ones, email friends and family, spend time socialising with crew from other ships, or just relax in peace and quiet. With the support of Seafarers UK we anticipate being able to provide these essential port-based welfare services to even more seafarers in 2015.

Port Chaplain, Revd Simon Davies, visits a ship in the port of Felixstowe, UK


Gifts of Christmas

Strangers on the shore

Where can I buy trainers? Where can I change money? Where is McDonalds?

These are just some of the questions seafarers ask me daily, revealing how these men and women have the same needs as those of us who have regular lives ashore. But because of the nature of their work they often don’t know, or can’t access, what we take for granted. One might ask, though, why this should concern us.

For people living inland, away from ports and a busy seaboard, it may be difficult to comprehend how vital ships are to our everyday lives. But the world requires these vessels trading between states to transport over 90% of our daily goods and, in the case of Japan as an island nation with almost zero natural resources, the country is greatly in need of seaborne imported fuels and minerals to power its industries and keep the economy moving.

Each of these many ships is operated by a fleet of well-trained men and women, who spend months at a time away from their homes and families in order to bring us our everyday necessities and keep our homes and offices heated and lit.

The opening of the port of Kobe to foreign vessels in 1868 heralded the start of Japan’s international trade, and The Mission to Seafarers arrived soon afterwards. Much has changed since then, especially after the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995, which killed over 6,000 people and decimated the port and the region. Yet on average there are still 30 ships calling into port each day, which means there are many seafarers in Kobe!

So how does The Mission to Seafarers fit into all this in a modern world, and what are we doing in Kobe? Imagine being a seafarer coming to Japan; assuming you don’t speak Japanese, know your way around, have Japanese currency, or know anybody local. It might be a bit of a lonely or frightening place.

But what if there was an organisation, a place where you could relax and not worry about all these things, where you could find people to help you and talk with. That is the Mission to Seafarers. And through our network of chaplains and staff worldwide we offer respite, relaxation and recharging for seafarers. In Kobe and many other places, we work together with the Roman Catholic Church’s Apostleship of the Sea, and operate seafarers Centres offering a range of facilities and a place to unwind, away from hectic working lives at sea. But why do we do this?

When we need a break from the daily grind or a change of atmosphere we are free to escape to the cinema, shopping mall, park or Starbucks – to meet up with friends and family. Seafarers are mostly in their workplace, which is also their home. They are together with the same people all day everyday, for months on end. While we inhabit a normal world, their lives are confined, restricted, regulated; it’s almost like living inside a pressure cooker, and we all know what happens when the pressure builds up!

Seafarers have a need to access some of the normality they miss when they are out at sea. Meeting with new people, or having a few hours ashore (more if they’re lucky), can make all the difference to their mental and physical well-being and their ability to get on with their jobs.

– welcoming strangers to KobePaul Tolhurst, the Mission’s Chaplain in Kobe, Japan, reflects on life at sea and the work of the Kobe Mariners’ Centre.


Feature

So our work starts with following Jesus’ example of welcoming the stranger. On board, when the chaplain and volunteers from our Centre visit the crew on their ships, they offer a friendly face, give out newspapers and magazines in the seafarers’ languages, maps, local information and details of our Centre. Often this chance to talk to a visitor who is not concerned with the ship or its cargo, but rather the crew, is most appreciated. And for those who need to talk to somebody on the outside, call home, or want to buy a second-hand bicycle but have no idea of where to go, or where is safe, the Mission’s ship-visitors can be a lifeline.

Many ships will only be in port for a few hours, but for those with a longer stay there is the chance for a run ashore, and we also offer minibus transportation into the Mission and city centre. This enables crews to get away from the humming, vibrating soundtrack of a stressful life on board, relax at the Kobe Mariners’ Centre or wander about shopping or sight-seeing; getting a change of environment and a much-needed dose of normality.

Our Centre volunteers will help the seafarers exchange their foreign currency, get connected to their families back home via telephone or Skype, and even send the occasional letters and postcards.

We provide a calming oasis in the midst of a busy world, where seafarers can pray or meditate in the chapel, have fun playing pool and table-tennis, browse through our room of second-hand books, clothing and other goods donated by local residents, or just sit down in a soft chair for a cool beer and a warm chat. Often these are simple things that we might do every day without thinking, yet they cannot be easily done at sea – just imagine trying to play pool on a rolling ship!

And all these small things can add up to help seafarers become healthier, happier, better and safer workers, which in turn means we all benefit. Seafarers have to work and cross the seas in all weathers and conditions, and when we can be safely tucked up at home they still have to work. It is at these times that seemingly insignificant things can become important – woolly hats are one way the Mission can ensure that seafarers are not ignored, especially at a time when loved ones tend to gather together: Christmas!

Around the world, Mission centres give out Christmas presents of various shapes and sizes, often including hand-knitted woolly hats made by local supporters or church members. These (especially those of bright and garish colours) are treasured by seafarers, not only for the warmth of the material protecting their ears during long freezing hours on watch in the middle of the ocean, but also for the warmth of the kindness of those who gave time to make them.

These small things can have a big effect on improving morale, health and working relationships on board, lowering the pressure in that cooker.

Recently a Chinese-crewed bulk carrier arrived in port. They had sailed across from California carrying thousands of tonnes of semolina, facing rough weather on the way, and had been out of contact with their families all that time. They arrived in Kobe to be told the good news that they would stay for a minimum of two weeks – a real luxury these days – and when we visited them on their first day in port they were all eager to get off the ship and Skype home, but also to get away from their usual working routines and see some of the outside world, including sampling the tasty delights of Chinatown! A handful of the crew came in every day during their stay and by the time they sailed on their next voyage to the Persian Gulf, they were all refreshed and ready to face the separation of a life at sea once again.

On another occasion, after we’d returned some Ukrainian crew to their vessel at the end of a few days in port, the Chief Officer shook my hand to say “goodbye,” then he gave me a giant bear hug and said: “Really thank you for what you do, it means so much to us and makes us not feel forgotten.” I’ll never forget those words, and they constantly remind me of why we do what we do, to care for those who are often overlooked and to ensure they are not out of sight and out of mind.

The city of Kobe and its port have changed greatly since 1868 and the Mission to Seafarers has gone through various guises. However, it still serves the same purpose of welcoming seafarers – the strangers on the shore. Their communication needs have changed from writing letters and making international phone calls to updating their Facebook status and tweeting on tablets and smartphones – and the mission of The Mission to Seafarers therefore, is to continually adapt the way in which we help provide an appropriate ‘home-away-from-home’ for seafarers in Kobe.Yet as we move forward, many of the needs of visiting seafarers still remain the same as 146 years ago; getting refreshed away from their ships, exchanging currency, finding a comfortable place to relax or the chance to talk to somebody new, and maybe even buy a pair of trainers or grab a Big Mac along the way. Enabling that is how the Mission to Seafarers can help, and it’s something everybody can be involved in.

For more information about the Kobe Mariner’s Centre visit www.flyingangelkobe.org or visit www.missiontoseafarers.org/support-us for information on supporting the Mission around the world.

“...thank you for what you do, it means so much to us and makes us not feel forgotten”


Seafarer in Kobe

Ports around the worldTuticorin, India

The Great Yarmouth Seafarers Centre website

Great Yarmouth, UK:The Great Yarmouth Seafarers Centre has launched a new

website for 2015. The website provides the latest news about the centre, the services it will provide, and the team behind it. It also contains information about Great Yarmouth and some useful links. Port Chaplain, Revd Peter Paine, said: “I am delighted with the new website...We will be able to offer to the seafarers a much better service, from spiritual, mental and physical aspects. A place of comfort and safety, away from their normal working environments. We are very pleased that we were able to have the designer, Keith Morris, help us to help others find all about the new centre.”

Visit the website at www.gysc.co.uk

The Tuticorin Seafarers Centre welcomed Daniston on 11 November – a local Indian seafarer who was recently released by Somali pirates after four years of captivity. A programme at the chapel started with an opening prayer by Revd S. G. Lourdhuraj, the Vice

Chairman of Tamil Nadu Diocese, then the Revd P Johnson Daniel Chaplain MtS welcomed all those present. Daniston expressed gratitude for all the support given by the Mission to him and his family. He also spoke of the support from the MtS IHQ and the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme. The Mission to Seafarers team spoke to him and he shared the story of his ordeal. He said that he and his six colleagues were detained in a remote refugee tent in Somalia under the control of armed pirates, where food was served only for survival. Whenever the pirates were in a bad mood, their captives were ill-treated and he was only allowed to make a two minute phone call to his family every few months. The visit ended with a prayer and benediction by the Moderator’s Commissary.

Daniston (pictured right) telling his story at a welcome home ceremony in the chapel at the Tuticorin Mission to Seafarers Centre, India


Find out more about our work around the world

Port chaplain, Revd Khaw Cheng Cheen, has started to build a community in the Port of Auckland. During his

time with the Mission, he has had the opportunity to get to know some of the seafarers, whose ships dock at the Port of Auckland on a regular basis. This has in turn created a sense of community in the seafaring centre and aboard the ships Revd Cheen visits. He said it has been a “delight” to foster those friendships and trust during his months at the port, where he has come to know many of the seafarers he is serving. This leads to open communication between the chaplain and the seafarers. It can be difficult for most chaplains to build a community in their port due to the fast turnaround of ships, but when the opportunity to form those relationships arises it can greatly benefit the seafarers and the chaplain.

Auckland, New Zealand:

To read more about the work of our welfare teams around the world, and to support The Mission to Seafarers, please visit our website at www.missiontoseafarers.org or contact us at [email protected].

Port news

Auckland International Seafarers Centre, New Zealand

The search for missing Oryong 501 crew members. Photo: Coast Guard News/Flickr

Revd Stephen Miller and his wife, Catherine

Hong Kong, China: The Revd Stephen Miller, Regional Director for East Asia, was

invited to give an introductory course on the MLC 2006 to the Vietnamese Flag State Control (FSC) and Port State Control (PSC) inspectors. The course, which ran between 17 and 22 November in Da Nang, Vietnam proved very successful and Revd Miller has been invited back again in 2015. He hopes to build on recently formed relationships and move forward with providing welfare provision in Vietnam in the near future.

Busan, South Korea: The fishing trawler Oryong 501 sank off Russia’s far eastern Chukotka peninsula

after it encountered rough seas on 1 December. 60 men were on board the vessel, comprising of 35 Indonesians, 13 Filipinos, 11 South Koreans and one Russian. The search for survivors was been hampered by difficult weather and water conditions, and so far at least 35 bodies have been recovered since an initial seven people were rescued. Mission Chaplain, The Revd Simon Ro contacted his chaplaincy team to discuss the matter and they visited Sajo Industries’ office in Busan to offer crew’s families counselling, comfort and spiritual support.


Felixstowe, UKThe biggest container ship ever built arrived in the Port of Felixstowe in January.

China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL)’s giant box ship, the CSCL Globe has an overall length of 400m, a beam of 58.6m and a depth of 30.5m. The vessel began its maiden voyage at Tianjin Port and called at Qingdao and Dalian. After Felixstowe, It headed to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Hamburg in Germany for the 70-day voyage. Felixstowe Port Chaplain, Simon Davies, said: “...there has been a media frenzy here about the CSCL Globe, with VIPs, champagne receptions, guided tours and even drones with cameras flying around. Unfortunately it was not possible for any of the local chaplains to visit the ship. The security was really tight, and no-one was getting on board unless they had their names on the list. But the crew members visited the seafarers’ centre in the evening, so their needs were met.”

CSCL Globe arriving in Felixstowe Photo: capnkeith/Flickr

Thank you for making Woolly Hat Day 2014 the biggest yet!On 24 October, schools, companies and individuals in the UK, and elsewhere, put on their woolly hats to raise money and to say thank you to seafarers across the globe. Employees at over twenty companies including P&O, Spinnaker Recruitment and Marine Trader, wore their woolly hats to the office and donated to the Mission. They were joined by schools and other supporters, including a few famous faces – Neil Oliver, Dawn French and Richard Branson to name a few.

If you’ve still got Woolly Hat day money to pay in, you can make a donation by credit or debit card by calling us on 020 7246 2982 or by post to Woolly Hat Day, The Mission to Seafarers, FREEPOST KE5265, London, EC4B 4EP. If you missed Woolly Hat Day this year but would still like to donate, you can make a donation online on our JustGiving page. Alternatively, to give £2 / £5 / £10 please text WOOL11 followed by the amount you would like to donate to 70070, e.g. WOOL11 £5. All donations are processed through Virgin Just text Giving and 100% will come to The Mission to Seafarers. You will receive a response as confirmation of your donation.

Woolly Hat Day 2015 will take place on 16 October. We’re planning some new things this year, so stay tuned for more details!


The Revd Cedric Rautenbach Regional Director, AfricaCedric has been with the Mission for 11 months. Prior to that he was a minister/rector in a Presbyterian Church in Richards Bay, on the north coast of Durban, South Africa.

Sea Sunday 2015Interview with

What aspect of working for the Mission gives you the most satisfaction?

I enjoy interacting with the chaplains and visiting the different centres and ports. It is there that I am able to experience the heart of the Mission, and experience what this ministry is about.

What are your responsibilities as the Regional director for Africa?

I am part of a Central Resources Committee in the Region that provides support and guidance to those involved in the work, along mainly the Southern African Seaboard. The CRC is made of volunteers and I am the only full time person so will often be the ‘go to’ person if centres or chaplains need help or assistance. I am the link between the stations, chaplains and the executive and work with those in the port to ensure ministry takes place. I am also involved in co-ordinating development and growth of the ministry in the region.

Is the Mission well known in Africa?

Not that well known. Africa has many areas that are in need of ministry and support, e.g. extreme poverty, HIV/Aids, education and a high number of child headed families. Most of industry therefore focus their social concerns programs into these areas of need.

What are some of the unique challenges that the Mission faces in Africa?

Africa does not have a rich seafarer history like that of Europe and the UK. For many Africans the world of shipping and seafarers is a foreign concept. One of the challenges therefore is to get the message of what The Mission to Seafarers does out into our communities. Also, with so many social issues facing our region the idea of helping Seafarers if often very low on people’s list of priorities.

Do other regions help support your work and vice-versa?

Regionalisation is a relatively new concept, but we hope that as regions are established we will begin to find opportunities to support each other. As a region we are planning to get involved in Project RASI, so hopefully this will be the start of many joint projects around the world.

How important are the Mission volunteers in Africa and what is the best way for people to get involved?

Volunteers are extremely important in the life of any mission organisation. At present most of our centres have full time staff but we are always looking for people to help us in specific projects and to serve on our management committees. For Example, we have Christmas wrapping projects, and Christmas parties for seafarers in almost all of our centres. People can help by giving their time to wrap gifts or donate something to these particular projects. They are welcome to get hold of me ([email protected]) if they wish to assist the Mission in the region in any way.


On Sea Sunday, churches all over the world come together to remember seafarers and pray for them, their families and those who support them. As well as raising money to help those who work at sea, the day is celebrated with services, parades and ship blessings.

Sea Sunday will be held on 12 July 2015, but it can be held on any convenient date in the church calendar.

The Mission to Seafarers needs your prayers and support for all merchant crews and their families on Sea Sunday 2015, to continue our vital work for those in need. For more information and to register for your Sea Sunday pack, visit:

www.seasunday.org

How you can support us

Make a donation If you would like to make a donation, please fill out the form below, and complete your contact details at the bottom of the page.

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There are many ways in which you can support our work with seafarers around the world.

Please detach this form and send it to:Flying Angel NewsThe Mission To SeafarersSt Michael Paternoster RoyalCollege Hill, London EC4R 2RL

Find out more about getting involvedPlease tick the box below and fill out the contact details panel at the bottom of the page to find out more about:

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FA2015

MtS Events 2015

WorldwideDownloads will be available from February 2015. To receive an e-mail notification when the Sea Sunday materials are ready, please email [email protected] with your full name, email address, Church name and Diocese.

Sea Sunday 2015

SingaporeThe Mission’s endurance rowing challenge is taking place alongside 2015’s Singapore Maritime Week and the island’s 50th Golden Anniversary. You can support their efforts by sponsoring them at www.justgiving.com/themissiontoseafarers, and you can find out more about the event at: www.missiontoseafarers.org/rasi

Mission RASI, 22 April 2015

Sea Sunday, 12 July 2015

Woolly Hat Day, October 2015

WorldwideEach Sea Sunday, we say thank you to the brave men and women who work tirelessly, often battling harsh and difficult weather conditions, so that we can have the goods we use every day. Sea Sunday materials will be available to order in February 2015.

WorldwideThe woolly hat is an essential item for any seafarer and on Woolly Hat Day we ask our supporters to put on woolly hats to show their support for seafarers around the world, and to fundraise for our vital work. To register for a Woolly Hat Day pack, please email Josh Kubale on: [email protected]

flying angel news: winter 2015

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