Lutheran Maritime Ministries

2011-10-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

2011-10-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

Chaplain Chim recently had to go into hospital for an angiogram and electrophysiology study due to experiencing fatigue and shortness of breath. The results of all the tests was basically "negative" without a diagnosis being made other than Cardiac Artery Disease. The doctors inserted a "loop- recorder" into his chest wall to monitor for future events, and unfortunately, he is not allowed to drive until he proves he's been healed (6 months without an episode) or having another one and catching it on the loop-recorder so it can be fixed! (They are fearful that he might black-out while driving.) That means a lot more doctors' appointments!

So, once again, as we get back to life in a new "normal" way, we would appreciate your prayers and are thankful for your love towards us. A few people have stepped up to help Chim in assisting the seafarers so he is still able to go on board ships and maintain relationships he has cultivated so carefully. President of the Board of Directors, Ron Nelson, has been extremely helpful. He has devoted his time unselfishly to helping Chim carry on the ministry and words can not express our gratitude.

In September, the International Seafarers' Center held their annual fundraiser. For the third year LMM purchased 2 tables and were happy to have many guests from various Lutheran churches that enjoyed the evening. There were tug boat races, a parade of various ships and fireships displays, followed by Chim opening the dinner presentation with prayer. A good time was had by all our guests and we trust significant funds were raised for the good of the seafarers.

Open House at ISC & service on ship

2011-08-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 21, found the LMM board members and several guests at the International Seafarers' Center for our annual Open House. ISC manager Pat Petite was interviewed and those guests that were interested went on a van tour of the port. Thank you for your faithful support.

Attached is a photo of a service on board the Bangkok Bridge which Chaplain Chim did with the Korean Pastor Lee. These two men of God enjoy joining together to conduct services and find strength to encourage one another in prayer and fellowship.

Service on ship

2011-07-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

Capt. Clifford, crew & Ron Nelson

2011-07-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Captain Ramesh and family

2011-07-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

Better late than never?

2011-07-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the long delay in updating our blog! We were in New Mexico again for family business from November until early March. Ron Nelson, president of LMM, graciously filled in for Chaplain Chim during our absence. Once we return to Long Beach, Chim jumped back full time into serving seafarers.

There are lists of ships that Chim has visited since our return and we have taken lots of photos of different mariners that have enjoyed the hospitality of our home. On average, Chim brings guys two or three times a week...usually for a meal following their visit to Disneyland or some other attraction. Of course, there are snacks and refreshment when they come to use our computer. Actually, this doesn't happen as frequently as it use to because most seafarers have their own computers on board ship now. However, Chim does provide a device that enables them to use it more readily when in port.

Last week Chim and Ron Nelson attended the NAMMA conference for chaplains in Oakland. This year their attendance was sponsored by NAMMA who provided funds for the trip and hotel room. They both had a good time and enjoyed networking with others that serve seafarers and their families. The theme was "Caring for the caregivers" and was a very welcome one for all the chaplains as they all tend to work too hard and neglect themselves in the process! I believe they benefited from the whole experience and came home refreshed but tired.

Once again LMM will be having an Open House at the International Seafarers' (ISC) on Sunday, August 21st, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. All are welcome and there will be light refreshments provided following a short presentation and interview. Please come and join us and bring your friends. It is so encouraging to us to meet people who support this ministry. We often feel alone and forgotten in serving so many with so few resources! Your encouragement helps so much.

The eleventh annual "Great Tug Boat Race" this year honoring the port of Long Beach on its 100th anniversary, and benefitting the ISC, takes place on September 8th. Chim will be purchasing tables that hold 10 guests so if you'd like to join us we'd like to invite you to come for a fun evening that supports a very good cause. Please send us an email or call our phone number listed on this blog.

November 2010

2010-11-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Christmas is just around the corner! Chaplain Chim has already collected many Christmas shoe boxes for the seafarers from faithful supporters' like Mrs. Nita Blocker from the Lutheran Church of the Master in La Mirada. She and her church ladies put together nearly 200 boxes this year. Most of these ladies are doing this work year by year and they are amazing to behold! Many of them are in their 80s! Thank you, Ladies, for demostrating faithfulness in this task for the Lord. The seafarers' so look forward to receiving your gifts. And for all that make the watch caps...a special thank you to you especially on those cold, wind nights when our mariners are at sea.

2010 Summer Flew By!

2010-09-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Fall is officially here and where did the summer go? Following a successful Open House at the International Seafarers' Center, Chaplain Chim has been busy with mariners nearly everyday he's been in Long Beach. He has a rather regular set of ships he visits but he's open to others as the need arises. His availability to seafarers' has spread by word of mouth and more and more ships crews are emailing to let us know in advance when they are arriving and to invite Chim on board along with other visitors. Ron Nelson, President of the LMM, has been able to accompany him and serve on vessels over the summer too. Imagine climbing those gangway stairs several times a day! On July 25th, Chim and his wife, Fay, once again spoke at both services in the lovely renewed and refreshed Lutheran Church of Our Savior in San Bernardino. It was a pleasure to see our friends at this faithful church again. This year they surprised LMM with a wonderfully generous donation. As is their tradition they also gave more than 70 wrapped gift boxes to be used later during the Christmas season.

On August 29th, Chim and Fay had the opportunity to speak after service at Christ Lutheran on Sterns in Long Beach and present a PowerPoint presentation of the work of LMM and responsibilities that Chaplain Chim has taken on. Members of the congregation gave supplies for making shoe box gifts including handmade "watch caps" which are always deeply appreciated by the seafarers in the winter months. A sweet surprise was a brief visit to Southern California by former Chaplian Virginia Sharma. We had a great time visiting and remembering old times together. She came to renew friendships and attend the fundraiser on the Queen Mary for the International Seafarers' Center held on September 16th. We had 2 tables available for our guests at this event and if you are interested in attending next year, please let us know. We had supporters from Gloria Dia, Christ Lutheran, Downey Lutheran Church and First Lutheran in Torrance this year. Other guests at our tables included Father Henry from the Catholic Church and a couple, Brian and Maura, from Fountain of Life Church in Long Beach. While on board the Queen Mary we enjoyed a fireboat water display, a race between the Habor patrol and the Police department and a tug boat race.

We continue to seek people interested in volunteering for service at LMM either on the Board of Directors or in any other capacity that the Lord lays on your heart. Nancy Kahakauwila from Gloria Dia has shown an interest in LMM and has attended a borad meeting with pleasure.

There have been many deep and meaningful conversations between Chim and some of the seafarers. Please see photos attached and remember us in prayers as we continue to seek to serve Him.

Sunday, June 27, 2010 BBQ

2010-06-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

This coming Sunday (June 27th) LMM is hosting a BBQ/Open House at the International Seafarers' Center at 120 Pico Avenue, Long Beach. Food will be served from noon until about 1:30pm and then a short program is planned with Pastor Jared Carson from First Trinity Lutheran Church as the chief speaker scheduled. Following that there will be guided tours of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Hope you can plan to attend. Call if any help is needed. Our phone is 562-424-8798. Looking forward to seeing you!

Visit with Sister Virginia Sharma

2010-05-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

In June 2009, Chim and Fay were able to visit with Sister Virginia Sharma in her Texas home after attending the NAMMAC conference in Houston. This year the conference is in Vancouver, Washington on August 9-12, 2010. It is undecided whether Chim will go this year. The conference theme is 2010 - The Year of the Seafarer. In the meantime, Fay has spent a beautiful week with Virginia attending a Tres Dias weekend and enjoying Virginia's family.
Chim has once again had to attend to family business issues in New Mexico but Fay has tried to meet the seafarers' needs as they became known. In April Fay had the pleasure of visiting the MOL Proficiency and our long time friend, Captain Nishant. He visited our home and Fay and our son, Denish, had a lovely time with him sharing the Gospel when appropriate in the conversation. We continue to answer e-mails and phone calls even though we are not at the port at this time. In fact, the APL Tennessee is coming in on Wednesday just as Fay arrives and will be there for them. On the May 15th the APL Colorado comes into port with Captain Ramesh Rai and his family and Chim plans to be there for them. Because the children are on school holiday they will be able to see Disneyland, Universal Studios and other "touristy" things. I am sure the Captain and some of the crew will visit our home for dinner during they stay as well!

Once again this year, the Internation Seafarers' Center is holding a fundraiser on the Queen Mary in September. Anyone interested in attending please let us know at cmandalia@msn.com

February happenings

2010-03-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

This has been a very busy month for Chim and the ministry. From the APL England, we reconnected with the chief cook, Ramchandra (a Hindu convert) and the mess man, Melvin. They came to our home for dinner, fellowship and prayer. We shared the Goospel with mel. He shed many tears of repentance and he prayed the sinner's prayer. (The same day he met with Jac-who also works with seafarers-and he prayed with him as well.) Mel committe his life to the Lord at that time. He's from Goa and has a Catholic background. Both men will be back soon on their return voyage. Ramchandra has requested prayer for his family. They have been experiencing a lot of difficulty from the rest of the family because of their conversion. In fact, his brother actually tried to set Ram's house on fire while he and his family were sleeping inside!
Captain De Mallow and his wife from MOL Paradise returned and we spend 3 days taking them shopping and around the area at their request. They were comfortagle enought with us that they shared some of their family problems and we prayed for them. They also mentioned a crew member who had been suffering chest pains while at sea and upon their arrival in port he was admitted to Long Beach Memorial hospital.
Jugdesh Rawat was on the verge of having a heart attach but a stent was successfully implanted the same day President Clint had his 2 stents done! Chim phoned Jugdesh's wife in India letting her know of his condition and gave her reassurance that he was recovering well. The ship left Jugdesh behind so Chim continued to visit him daily until his release. We invited him to come to our house during his recovery but the ship's agent required him to stay at a local hotel. Chim picked him up each morning and we had him at our home for lunch and dinner daily until he flew home to India. He later called Chim to let him know he arrived safely.

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

Well, it's good to be back and blogging again about our seafarers! Chim is back from 3 months in New Mexico. We drove back together after my one month stay. We were engaged in family business and will need to return again, if possible, in February for a short time. However, we kept in touch by receiving calls and emails from seafarers. We were unable to recruit anyone to relieve us during our time away from home. We returned on January 8th in the evening and the next day we received a missionary couple from Guyana four days. At the same time, Chim was entertaining the staff and crew from the Long Beach Bridge and MOL Proficiency. We also had Rajvi Patik (our old partner now in San Francisco with his Russian wife Anna and their 2 little girls). He brought a new friend, Sanjay, who's also in volunteering with LMM.

This last Friday, Chim took the responsibility for conducting a memorial service for Eric Hands, a 66 years old seaman, at the International Seafarers Center. Eric stayed with us for 2 weeks a few years ago when he had his orginal surgery for his cancer. He put up a brave fight but lost the battle on Monday last. His son and brother traveled cross country to attend the service. Ron Nelson assisted Chim during the service and was a blessing to us and Alex Carpenter from our church played guitar and lead the singing. Father Henry, the Catholic priest also took part.

October Activies

2009-10-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

It proably doesn't surprise you to learn that Chim considers evangelism of seafarers a personal thing. It is how he tries to simply and understandably communicate the Gospel to each person he comes in contact with. He tries to rely on the Holy Spirit to use his words and actions to witness to others. He listens and expresses his love and concern by showing genuine interest in the seafarers while trusting the Holy Spirit to lead him into truth while guiding his footsteps, actions and words to minister to the needs of others. As chaplain he tries to demonstrate the Cross by loving others as Christ loves us and gave Himself for us. As I John 3:16 says "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." Seafarers are often lonely people and respond to the love Chim shows in tangible ways. He provides transportation, companionship, time and energy that seems in endless supply. He has been available to help seafarers in any way he can. When strict security keeps many on board without shore passes, Chim visits them and tries to care for their needs. He prays for them, has services for them, gives them the cell phones to use and provides phone cards to call their families at home. He hands out Gospel literature, Bibles, DVDs and CDs. On October 20th Chim left for an extended time in New Mexico and the job of taking care of family business. He has postponed this trip many times because of seafarers needs. His fervent prayer involves asking the Lord to sent someone to help him care for the needs of this ministry. Please join us in this prayer and also that the work in New Mexico would be accomplished quickly so he can come back to the ministry he loves.
The Lutheran Church of the Cross in Arcadia provided an opportunity for LMM to receive 29 copies of Chinese New Testaments and Psalms from the Chinese Book Inc. This was an answer to prayer as the opportunity to speak to Chinese seafarers continues to increase. Thank you for the blessing this represents and Pastor Charlie Wang for being the connect the Lord used. On October 25th Chim was invited to speak at Lutheran Redeemer Church Leisure World in Seal Beach but since he was in New Mexico on business I took his place. I shared the mission and short vision of LMM in the Mission Moment portion of the service. It was a beautiful day and we had a wonderful time at their delicious Bratwurst Octoberfest Luncheon following the service. Another speaking opportunity is scheduled for November 8th at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Granada Hills during their Education Hour at 10:30 am. More about that next month.

2009-09-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, August 30th, we were invited on board the APL Illinois. (APL stands for American President Lines. ) Chim was ask to preach. He's done this before on this vessel. Strangely, this time, in the middle of his talk someone started asking questions about why we were trying to convince them that "God was angry and sin was bad"! He wanted to know "What is sin, anyway?" Chim gave a good calm explanation and the meeting came to an end. Turns out the man who ask the questions is into witchcraft! There were 19 men at the meeting and I was proud of how Chim demonstrated Christ's love to this man. He spent the day running around taking the crew to different locations, BestBuy, Cosco, etc. I helped out by taking the crew from another ship to do their errands.

Chim has been busy daily with seafarers. He drove one to a doctor's appointment to see a specialist in Tustin. That was a great opportunity to talk to him about spiritual things on the drive.

We've had 4-5 men from the crew of another ship here the last two nights for dinner and games. One of the seafarers gave Chim a tee shirt and me some Christmas decorations. How thoughtful! We gave them the Mexican Train Dominoes game set we'd been playing for the past 2 evenings!

Christmas in July 2009

2009-08-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday (July 26) Chaplain Chim, Fay and Usha visited the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in San Bernardino for their annual Christmas in July shoebox gift drive for the seafarers. This church has been very faithful in caring for the mariners in this fashion for many years. Praise God they have a heart for this ministry. This year between early and late services, we were treated to a lovely sausage and hotcake breakfast as the church also raised funds for the youth's Christmas program.

On Monday Chaplain Chim and Fay went on board the MOL Presence to hold a service for the men there. About a dozen seamen came including the Muslim captain. He was very gracious to us and he heard the Gospel message along with the others present. We have an invitation to return next time their are in port. We are praying for help in this ministry. We'd love to be able to visit many more ships but manpower is down. However, the Lord's power is always up! Join us in asking Father for more workers for the harvest.

An APL ship came to port on Tuesday and the chief officer invited us on board. The morale has been very low according to the crew and they ask Chim to pray. This brand new ship was involved in an accident on it's maiden voyage. The captain was held responsible and was replaced (even though this ship was at anchor at the time of the accident). After having a conversation with the Chief Officer and Chief Engineer, Chim felt spiritually uncomfortable on this ship. The crew and officers were very concerned and ask for prayer. Chim prayed against the power of darkness and blessed the ship and ask for peace and guidance for the staff and crew. Please join us in praying for them and a very sick family member of one of the crew who's suffering from a very low white blood count.

June Opportunities

2009-06-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

For the first time Chaplain Chim was able to attend the annual Southern California Synod meeting. This year it was held June 5-7th in Thousand Oaks on the Cal Lutheran campus. He was able to share a ride with LMM Board of Director's Ron Nelson. They enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time together. Early Saturday morning Fay and Usha drove up to the campus in order to help Chim, Ron, and LMM Board member, Mary Stewart, represent LMM in a 3 minute skit presented to the assemley's members. Ron introduced the skit and we all acted as seafarers (donning watch caps and jackets as costumes) waiting to be picked up by Chim with the blue LMM van. We each gave a very brief message of what LMM's services meant to us. Like Fay said, "I really appreciate going to Chaplain Chim's home and having the opportunity to use the computer and a home cooked meal". Usha said something like how much using the phones and having the phone cards available enabled her to call home to India. In her bit, Mary told how she liked to hear Chaplain Chim's testimony and learn more about God. The skit gave a very brief overview to the assemly's body of what LMM means to the seafarers. Over the weekend, we had a table representing LMM with Christmas shoe boxes, knitted watch caps with instructions and posters with photos of seafarers at different times. We were able to talk with visitors to our table and speak more indepth about this ministry.

The NAMMA (North American Maritime Ministry Association) conference was in Houston, Texas, from June 9-11th. Thanks to the courtesy of LMM's Board of Directors, Chim was able to attend. Fay accompanied him for free (as a spouse) and was also able to spend time with Sister Virginia Sharma who also went to the conference. Virginia seemed to know everyone there and it was a great seg-way for her to be able to introduce Chim as the new Chaplain. While in Houston we were hosted at the Norwegian Seafarers' church for dinner the first evening. There were lots of meetings with good and interesting speakers but the keynote one for Chim was Dr. Robert Creech's address called "Transformed by Chirst and His Community. He also brought the following day's chief address. That evening there was a chartered dinner cruise around the Port of Houston. We were very pleased to be able to see the Port of Houston and compare it to the Ports of LB/LA.! We were very thankful to finally meet Janet Swanson who we have been hearing about for years. She works at the Port Huyenme Seafarers' center and has done some amazing things for the mariners. We missed the banquet on the final evening as we had to drive to Dallas for our flights back to LA. Chim made new friends and contacts and has already heard from the Executive Secretary, Lloyd Burghart of NAMMA. Rev. Andy Krey ask Chim to lead worship service the last morning which he was honored to do. He spoke about Jonah's discouragement after being used by the Lord God in Nineveh to turn the people to repentance. The NAMMA conference was a time of refreshing and connecting with the Lord and other seafarer ministries. A time of sharing discouragement and reconnecting with our vision from the Lord for seafarers.

It was great to see Sister Virginia again. She has lost some weight, had a heart stent placed and seems to have much more energy following her surgery. She is doing very well in her new home along with her daughter, Lauren, and son-in-law, Mike. They have two new adopted dogs since our last visit together in August '08...one with only three legs called May Lean and as Virginia likes to say "May Lean" or "May not"! May is a Boston terrier. The vet said she had been hit by a car and had her leg broken in 2 places. It had happened perhaps a week before Virginia found her and rescued the poor animal! May is thriving under the fellowship of the other dogs and Virginia love for her! Vishal, Virginia and Vinay's son, is also living in Dallas with his wife Ritu and loves the opportunities Texas offers. They just bought a new 4 bedroom house only 10 minutes from his work and 10 minutes from the shopping area. They are very close to Virginia and the whole family gets together frequently for birthdays, holidays and visits. It was great to see them all again.

Since Chim received his TWIK card he has been able to board the ships again. He's making it a priority to try and visit at least a ship a day along with all the running around he does for the seafarers. We had 3 guys here on Wednesday evening for ice cream sundaes and some fun together. Chim gave his testimony and DVDs with the Gospel message to the fellows.

2009-05-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

Three men from Hyundai

2009-05-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

In years past, we have had lots of very pleasant dealings with men from Hyundai ships but had somehow lost contact with many as crews and officers change. Last night Chim was able to bring 3 seafarers from a new Hyundai ship for dinner at about 9pm. He had told me that one guy was coming but, thank goodness, our friend Usha is here and she made an extra dish. (She made a succulent chicken curry while I made more rice so it turned out that we had enough food for everyone.) Old friends, Rommel Vather, and his son, Stephen, dropped by for some Christian fellowship at the same. When everyone was leaving, Chim ask Rommel to pray for the men from the ship. They appreciated the prayer. The men will be back in 35 days, God willing, and Rommel promised to stop by and visit with them again. This pleased the men very much. They get very lonely on board the vessel and this gives them something to look forward to. One of the seafarers, Logesh, had been at our house earlier in the week and our granddaughter, Nina (6 months), surprisingly went straight to him and put her head on his shoulder for some time! We were all quite amazed. This young cadet brought her a little sun suit as a gift last night! We are so astonished when seafarers so often bring us gifts of appreciation. It makes us very humble in our service to them.

Visitor during LMM Board meeting

2009-05-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

At the LMM Board on Friday, May 15th, Chaplain Chim told how busy he has been at the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach recently. He reported visiting a total of 14 ships since the last LMM Board meeting. There was a visitor from First Lutheran in Torrance that accompanied Mary Stewart to this month's board meeting. We had the pleasure of meeting Terry Wall at this session and hope that she decides to join us again soon. She expressed an interested in possibly driving the van once a month to provide transportation for the seafarers but has made no commitment at this time. We would love to have her join our board and we are still actively seeking others to assist us in this once a month activity. Think about it?

Chim was recently told by some of the seafarers that 3 of the ships he normally visits are being sent to anchor for 3 months because there is no cargo for them to transport. This contributes to low morale amongst the seafarers at this time of limited job availability. As their contracts come to an end so does their ability to earn a living. Add to that that ships are crewing even more minimally than ever and this leads to further fatigue for the crews! It is more important than ever to be available to the seafarers. Please pray that the Lord would continue to open doors and hearts to the Chaplain. Let's remember Romans 12:5 that affirms that "we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others ".

Captain Parekh of the MOL Presence (middle)

2009-05-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Glad to inform you that Chaplain Chim is back in full swing with the seafarers now. He visits ships and serves seafarers nearly on a daily basis. Yesterday morning he and Rajiv Pathik visited the MOL Presence and held a service for the mariners. It was a wonderful time for the men on board and Chim came back much encouraged. It was wonderful to have Rajiv and Anna Pathik here for the weekend from the Bay area with their 21 month old daughter, Eva. Good news is that they are expecting their second child come the end of July. Chim really appreciated Rajiv's assistance over the weekend and enjoyed fellowshiping together.

WOW! It's been so long since we blogged that we had quite a hassle trying to remember our password and address! We have been busy getting a hard copy newsletter out to all who are signed up to receive them. It's been 2 years since we published our last hard copy and started using the blog but seems some people prefer the old one. If you do not receive one and would like to get a hard copy, just email us your mailing address and we will add you to the list.

There was a seafarer who was left behind when his ship sailed because he had an emergency surgery and was unable to travel. His name is Mr. Chaudhruy. The ship's agent called Chim and ask for assistance in helping him find vegetarian food. We were pleased that he was here for lunch and dinner yesterday. Captain Parekh also joined us from the Presence us for an Indian vegetarian dinner. Chim was able to share the Good News with them both.

On a daily basis we are receiving emails from traveling seafarers. We correspond with them and encourage them to seek peace from our Lord. They express their thanks for our prayers for them and look forward to returning to the Port of Long Beach/Los Angeles.

On May 2nd, Sadie Mursu, our LMM Board secretary, introduced us nicely at the Women's Cluster meeting at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bellflower. We enjoyed meeting Pastor Mary Todd-Pendergast, who gave a devotional about "new life" from II Cor.5:17. The other women of the Cluster listened attentively as we spoke about Lutheran Maritime Ministry. We are available with PowerPoint and Open Office presentations as needed if you'd like someone to share about the ministry.

2009-02-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

The return to normal LA time has taken a while! Jetlag hung onto us for nearly 2 weeks. Happy to report Chim is finally back to normal. We enjoyed our LMM board meeting here on 13th as it gave us opportunity to update all the members at once. Hearnen continues to supply the telephones to the seafarers and Chim is beginning to get back into the routine of visiting ships. Chim had the chance to share the Gospel with Raymond, a Phillipino seafarer from a Maersk vessel, while driving him back to his ship prior to departure. Pray the seed of the Word was planted in receptive soil of the heart.

We'd like to report that the port of Long Beach is going "green" by supplying power to ships that are equiped with special fittings so that they can turn off their diesel engines while docked thus saving the port pollution. Using shoreside power is about 90 percent cleaner than burning diesel fuel. So far only 5 "K" Line vessels have been equipped with the necessary fittings to plug into the new wharf. More will come as Long Beach continues to go green.

The care of seafarers during November thru January

2009-02-14T06:42:00.000-08:00

Hearen Christian and the Board of Lutheran Maritime Ministries have done a superior job of maintaining support for the seafarers at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles during our absence. Not only did they distribute the wonderful Christmas boxes provided by faithful Lutheran churches but Hearen continued the daily availability for transportation and spiritual services the folks at the ports have come to expect from LMM. Thank you does not say how very grateful we are to the Lord and His servants!

Our visit to India ends tomorrow!

2009-01-22T04:36:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is our last day in India. The time has slipped by very quickly in terms of seeing different places and enhancing friendships. We have visited many of the seafarers that ask us to but by no means all.

At present we are with Captain Sanjay Bhatia and his family in Delhi. We have known him for several years. Four years ago Fay was able to take them to Sea World in San Diego. The kids have grown up so much since then. Neha is in her 3rd year of law school and Manish is in 7th grade. Sanjay’s wife, Geeta, is a wonderful cook so we’ve enjoyed her talent very much.

The Lord has used this time in India to impress upon me the importance of hospitality and how we express our love through it’s use. Chim says he's learnt the importance of love in action and is looking forward to returning home to put into practice what he's learnt. The next 10 days we will be in Thailand with Handclasp ministry and then home.

Visiting South India

2009-01-04T18:28:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we arrived in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, India. We are visiting the chief Electrician, Ranjan, that we met from the Spar Lupus in Long Beach. We actually changed our travel plans because of this man's insistence that we visit him! He is most gracious and a wonderful host. We tried saying we wanted to stay at a hotel but he refused and I'm glad he did because he lives in a very peaceful, tree surrounded area that is beautiful. Plus this gives us time to meet his family, wife and 2 daughters. Last night he drove us around the city and we met his friend, Father Peter at St. Joesph's 100+ year old Catholic church and visited a 2,000 year old temple in the middle of town!

Since our last entry on this blog we visited Jaipur, the pink city in Gujarat. What a treat! It was so well planned out 300 years ago that cars can drive in even the oldest part of town. The bazaars are lively and colorful, unfortunately, our bags are full and the weight we can carry by plane has been lowered so Chim informed me there would be no shopping for me!

We traveled back to Punjab for Christmas. The day turned out to be just like all others as no one celebrates like we do unless they are in big cities! We had 2 speaking engagements without a Christmas tree in sight! Needless to say there were no gifts and their "Christmas carols" are regular worship songs. Nevertheless we remembered the birth and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We did cut our trip short in Punjab to increase our opportunities to visit our other friends around India. New Year's found us in the far north at Dehradun a city very near the Himalayas. We visited the Torchbearers' school with Satish John and his lovely wife. (Chim and I first met at the Torchbearers' school at Capernwray, Carnforth, England in 1966! Satish was a student there too.) We were invited to stayed with Captain Jayant Kumboli and family and were treated like royalty. His wife and daughter were so sweet to us we were sad to leave. They insisted we visit Missouri, a famous hill station during our stay. Amazing to see how they build a city on the edge of a mountain ridge!

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

2008-11-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

Here we visited with friends that we met in Long Beach because of the Lutheran Maritime Ministry. Santanu is the first engineer on a MOL vessel. He’s a big quiet man with a shiny shaved head and a heart of gold. We enjoyed meeting he and his wife, Purba, during their last visit to Long Beach where we showed them around and served them dinner at our home. They insisted that we meet them here in India whenever we visited. They just got back from their European voyage 4 days ago and are thrilled that we kept our promise to visit them. Purba’s parents live with them and what a lovely and peaceful home they all share! They live in a private gated community. Purba’s sister is an architect. She & her designer husband created this very modern home with beautiful features. The floors are marble but it looks like wood. There are many unusual built-in features unique to this 3 story house. I think it is definitely one of a kind.

Visiting Pune

2008-11-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

Since leaving Mumbai (Bombay) on Saturday we've been to a city, Pune, about 1 1/2 hours drive from Harjeet's place. Captain Jimmy Shroff and his wife, Zendin, picked us up from Harjeet's and took us to their beautiful place in a development called Clover Highlands. We stayed with them over the weekend and then they went back to work in Bombay leaving us the keys and full use of their home! WOW! What an unexpected blessing that was. Very relaxing and calming.

The second day in Pune we went to visit the famous India Union Biblical Seminary (UBS) where many of our friends studied and received their higher education. The students were busy in classes and the Principle was occupied with other duties but he took time to greet us and sent us with a student, Marine, from Mizoran. She gave us a tour and ask us to pray for God's leading in her life as she is a fourth year student due to graduate soon. It was an honor to see the school.

The following day we took a rickshaw to see another seafarer's wife and children and deliver the goods from him to his family. The rickshaw driver told us it was about a 45 minute drive but 3 hours later we finally pulled up to their home! Turned out we went the long way around! Josephine and her sister, Jerry, insisted we have lunch (second one for us) and bless their home with prayer. Then we headed back because Captain Jimmy was coming back to Pune to take us to the rail station the next day. We had the opportunity to discuss spiritual things with Jimmy that evening. Long story short, we took an over-night train to Goa after Jimmy dropped us. C

First Day in Mumbai (Bombay) India

2008-11-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it! Even though the flights were long and tiresome, it actually wasn't too difficult to make the journey. It took us from Sunday evening 11:10 pm (LA time) until Tuesday (India time) about 8pm. As we waited in LA for the first leg of our trip, I told Chim that it looked like there were a lot of seafarers with us as fellow travelers. We flew on China Air so most of the passengers were Asian but there were a lot of men from the Phillipines there too. A man named Raymond was seating next to Chim on the flight to Taipei. He is a supervisor from a cruise liner in Florida. Of course Chim told him about our ministry and shared the Gospel message with him. Raymond opened his heart to the Lord and prayed to accept Him as Savior. Praise the Lord! Always on duty, even on vacation!

Our good friend Harjeet met us at the airport with flowers and drove over an hour out of his way to help us deliver a suitcase to the brother of a missionary friend. (The brother will deliver it to his sister later. ) Harjeet's family had a lovely dinner waiting for us and it was a pleasure to meet them. They are a Sikh family and very religious. (Most Sikhs are Punjabi.) This family is vegetarian as well! In fact, because Harjeet doesn't eat meat, he found our home in Long Beach a place where there was always a meal that he could enjoy. Thus our long friendship was born!

Final Days Before Departure for India on Nov. 9th

2008-11-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

The Lord has blessed our family greatly this month. We have a new grandchild born Friday the 24! Her name is Nina Savita and she weighted in at 7lbs 14 oz and 19 inches. Our family is blessed with her arrival and her mother's save delivery. Matteos is a proud big 3 1/2 years old brother. Dad and grandpa can hardly get those smiles off their faces!

Total of 10 ships for month of October were visited by both Chim and Hearen. We had a service and communion on the APL Spain at the Captain's request. There were about 16 crew members there. We had the opportunity to share Jesus with these men and Chim spoke about how Jesus meets the needs of people and impacts them. He used the example of the Samaritan woman at the well and shared how He gives living water from the inside out.

We continue to have men visit our home. However, it seems that we are concentrating more on visiting ships for service because of lack of drivers to bring the guys to our home. This month 7 guys came one afternoon and helps us with a family problem...they moved the new baby's furniture upstairs. We served them dessert and gave our thanks to each one.

Hearen and Chim spend some time with different crews taking them to Best Buys, Staples, Cosco and sightseeing. Usually about all they see in Long Beach is Walmart! Building relationship is still very important. Hearen is continuing to learn his way around the port. He has a heart for giving the Gospel to the mariners and never misses an opportunity to be used of the Lord.

For more than a year, checks that arrived for LMM have been taken to Sadie Marsu, a member of our board. She has stepped up to the plate and has been delivering things to and from the bank. Last week she fell and broke a couple of ribs and fingers on her right hand. Please pray for her quick recovery. Despite her injuries she continues to run around helping others! Thank you, Sadie, we don't know how you do all that you do for LMM and others!

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Ms. Mary Steward, Mission Board chair at First Lutheran Church in Torrance. She has volunteered to join our board and brings many years of rich experience to the task. We are looking forward to working with her for many years.

Ron Nelson, president of LMM, has agreed to help Hearen any way he can while we are away. Already busy with his position of Stewardship Specialist with the Synod, Ron has many responsibilities that take his time and energy. Please pray for continued strength and health for him. We could still use more volunteers for this ministry. Oh, and just to keep you informed, the Long Beach International Seafarers' Center is facing deep financial difficulties. They have had to lay off people and reduce their hours of operation. As of December, they will no longer be open on Saturdays for the seafarers. However, they are still open for Christmas shoe boxes and plan to distrube to the seafarers during the holidays.

Chaplain's report

2008-10-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Chim has been busy making the introductions with Hearen to the following ships: Hyundi Discovery, Long Beach Bridge, YM March, MOL Profiency, MOL Prosperity, Rotterdam Bridge, ALP Spain. They had a communion service on board the Spain at the Captain's request. Hearen learnt the necessary steps to clear security at each gate at the different berths and also how to log on to each ship at the gangway. He has also been driving to the different terminals learning his way around, studying roadway maps and learning how to check on when the ships arrive at each terminal.

The Bishop's dinner was a success. We enjoyed very much having the opportunity to meet supports and interested people. Hearen brought his family too and Ron Nelson had the chance to introduce them at the gathering. LMM gave away copies of the newsletter (from on line) and we meet someone interested in joining the board of directors, Mary Steward, from Torrance Lutheran. Welcome, Mary!

Christmas boxes being made ready

2008-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today two different Lutheran Churches called to ask about the Christmas shoe box gifts. Someone ask about a time limit for donating gifts. Because we will be in India in December this year the gifts will be given out with the help of the International Seafarers' Center. The distribution usually starts about the second week of December and goes until even after Christmas-if we have gift to give to ships that were at sea during the holiday. The International Center is located at 120 Pico Avenue, Long Beach, 90812. Telephone number is 562-432-7560. They are open Monday through Saturday from 3:00pm until 10:00. A list of items that may be included might be:
knitted sea watch caps
package of razors, can of shaving cream
other shaving items-colone, aftershave, etc.
deodorant
combs, brushes
Note pads, pens, envelopes
hard candy, gum
white socks
microwave popcorn bags
toothpaste, brushes
pack of gaming cards
fingernail clippers, nail files
or anything else small enough to fit into shoe box!
We are requesting that bars of soap not be include because even if they are wrapped, the soap gives off an odor that everything else absorbs.

Today Chim and Hearen brought home 2 seafarers and an officer's wife. They were all Indians from different states in India. I gave them creamy toasted eggplant curry, white northern bean spicy soup, chicken curry (keema) along with cabbage and carrot sambar ( cooked salad), rice, yogurt and nan. Oh, I also had made some potato & peas somosa (like Mexican espanos). I think they enjoyed the meal...I know Hearen and Chim did because they had seconds! Well, as I write this entry, Chim and Hearen are out working with the seafarers. Oh, Chim just walked in with a ship's captain. I have to make tea for them and lay out some cookies. More later.

Sunday we will be at the Bishop's dinner in Torrance and hope to see some of you there too! Please stop and say "Hi" if you spot us!

New Opportunities in October

2008-10-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, thanks to retirement and the Lord's leading, we are traveling to India soon. Because of this we have been praying for someone to come along side and work with us. We feel the Lord has answered our prayers. Hearen Christian is a lovely, dedicated man that loves the Lord. We have known him about 5 years. He has just had time to open up to be able to work with us. He lives in Whittier but has shown determination in joining Chim several times a week to learn the ropes about seafarers. Please pray with us that Hearen is the answer to our prayers. He has a driver's test on the 16th that he needs to pass in able to use a car instead of taking the bus from Whittier to Long Beach. (He's been driving for years but not in the USA. He is from Bombay, India).

Sunday, Oct. 5th, the Long Beach Bridge was in port with Burgess, and his wife Nazneem. As you may remember from last month's newsletter, he's the chief mate and there was a new Captain we had not met before on this vessel. They invited us on board for dinner and it was a pleasure to be with them. After dinner the Captain allowed Burgess time off and he and his wife came to our home. We gave Burgess time on the computer and then we played Mexican Train Dominoes with them. The next day I arranged for Nazneem to see a local doctor in Long Beach about a personal problem she didn't want the company doctor to know about. She was relieved to find her disorder was a simple one to resolve. Chim joined them on board ship the following day for lunch. The next I spend shopping with Nazneem to her heart's content until Burgess called after lunch and we drove down to the port and he joined us for the afternoon's shopping session!

At the same time that I spent with the LB Bridge, Chim was working on a separate ship. He picked up Raj (Chief Engineer) and they had a good discussion about the Lord. They also had time to play a game of golf together! This officer was from the Yang Ming March. He liked Chim and invited us to spend time with he and his family when we travel to India next month. He also accepted some Christian testimonies on DVDs from Chim that he promised to watch and discuss next visit.

Late September News-Planning for India

2008-09-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ministry continues on the MOL Partner and the Yang Ming (YM) Great. Chim continues with the help of the Lord to serve the men's needs and provides as the opportunities come. Eight crew members attended a service Chim had on board the YM Great. The 3rd officers assisted in the service. The men feel very comfortable with him. Enough so that they particated with Chim in the Believer Confession of Faith and again heard the Gospel message.
The LMM board met this month and discussed the need for additional board members and some help for Chim. Chim and I are planning an extensive journey to India where we will be visiting various crew members that have sign up in our address book. Many of these guys have become like members of our family. Please pray with us that the Lord will provide help and a co-worker that could continue with the minstry while we are away.

With September comes Fall

2008-09-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 19, 2008

With September comes Fall
The Long Beach Bridge was in port with one of our favorite 1st officers, Burgess. We last saw Burgess on the Yang Ming March about 18 months ago so it was a great surprise when he phoned and said he found our business card in the crew's mess hall. He was shy to call us because he hadn't been in touch for so long but we welcomed him back with open arms. He had another wonderful surprise for us...he had gotten married and his wife, Nazneem, was with him. Of course we picked them up and showed them the town and had a fabulous time together. Chim has been driving down at the Seafares' Center 2 to 3 times a week and making new connections with crew members. He's been talking one-on-one with seafarers, praying for them and driving them around as needed. A Chief Engineer on a MOL ship was so impressed with the work Chim does that he donated $100 to the ministry! Chim plans to give him some Christian DVDs on his return. The 2nd officer on the same ship also gave $20 for the ministry. Chim gave a Muslim crew member a DVD about a Imam cleric becoming a believer. Pray for an opening to discuss at a later date. Yesterday we went to the Queen Mary for the Annual Fund Raiser for the International Seafarers' Center. It is always a lovely event and the major fund raiser for the Center. It gave us a door to witness to others there. The original Lutheran founder (Father Bartlett) of the Seafarers' Center gave grace for the meal. He has been here since the beginning of the Center.

Two are better than one

2008-08-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 4:9 gives this piece of advice. Two people working together are better than one self-reliant individual

August is in full swing from the beginning!

2008-08-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Chim has been busy since last Thursday. He has visited the Hyundi Discovery, MOL Proficieny, ITS Rotterdam Bridge as well as volunteering at the Seafarers' Center in the evenings. He has taken seafarers shopping in the Lutheran Maritime van, shared the Gospel with the crews, prayed for individuals.

Yesterday he prayed for an ordinary seaman (that's what his position is called) prior to his departure for India. Mr. Singh had fallen while working on the lashings of the cantainers while the ship was at sea and had to wait 10 days to reach the port for treatment. He was in a lot of pain during that time. Chim prayed for him with another believer before he left for recovery in India. ITF (the seafarers union) was on board with Chim, so thankfully, Mr. Singh will receive compensation properly for this injury.

Chim had lunch with the crews of the Proficieny and the Rotterdam Bridge on different days. He was able to get better accquainted with the men and then he dropped them for shopping and later picked them up again. He also drove the captain and the first engineer to Cosco for shopping. This helps open doors for later ministry.

Yesterday Chim ask me to do some touring with the captain and first engineer from the MOL Proficiency. I first took them to the Japanese Garden at Cal State LB where they were surprised at the peace and beauty. They fed the lovely koi fish and then I showed them some of Naples and the canals there. After that we drove down to San Juan Capistrano and we toured the Mission there. Later I dropped them at Cosco for shopping. Chim picked them up later and he said they were in awe of all that they got to do that day! Needless to say they had a day that they wouldn't soon forget.

As I was writing this entry, we just received a phone call from Romania! George and his wife Romana called after receiving our latest email to them. They had just returned from another trip to the mountains where they had taken Chim and I in June. On this visit, they had seen wild bear that actually came up to their car begging for food. We enjoyed a nice long phone visit together. It's great to be able to visualize them talking on the phone with us while seated in their kitchen where we played the card game Uno late into the night together just a few weeks ago! It's nearly midnight and they didn't want to disturb Ginger, their 4 year old daughter. I am sending them copies of some of the photos we took together. Well, let me close for now. Chim just left to go join another ship which I'll tell you about later! Bye for now!

Christmas in July in San Bernardino

2008-07-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 29th, Chim and Fay visited the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, ELCA, on Sierra Way in San Bernardino. We spoke with the congration at two services. We were able to present a PowerPoint presentation featuring the responsibilities of a chaplain for the seafarers. These responsibilities include providing for the seafarers spiritual needs, transportation needs, communication needs (providing cell phones and computer access), visiting the sick and hospitalized when needed, visiting the ships and praying for the vessels and crews. Providing Bible study and the Gospel is also done as the Lord opens the doors. We also feel that inviting the crews to our home for fellowship and a home cooked meal or snack is part of our responsiblities as these activities have a huge impact on the mariners.

The folks at Our Savior were very welcoming and encouraging to us. Once again they provided many, many Christmas gift boxes (wrapped shoe boxes with personal toiletteries). Last Christmas at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, we gave out about 3,000 gifts mostly provided by Lutheran churches! Many of the boxes contain homemade "watch caps" which the men use at sea to keep their heads covered and warm while on duty.

Many people at Our Savior gave us gifts of money to be used for the seafarers. We were very grateful for their thoughtfulness. After our visist we felt refreshed and strengthen by the warm fellowship and support provided by Our Savior. In fact, as soon as we arrived home, Chim was out the door again to visit the Yang Ming March that had docked the previous night. We have a long relationship with this ship and her crew as we have been able to visit her since her maiden voyage some years ago. She has a complete new crew and as well as a new Captain. The Captain ask Chim to pray, give communion and to bless the ship before it sailed. This is particularily unusual as the Captain is an Indian of the Hindu faith! He simply said he wanted his ship blessed and we were the only ones willing to do it!

Intervarsity Missionaries from Guyana Visit Us

2008-07-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Parrot & Devi Sahayam are visiting us in route to India. Their Thai Airlines flight was cancelled and we have several more days than anticipated together. Mr. Devi Sahayam chose to use this time to visit a ship with Chaplain Chim and this was his comment following the visit:

MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE MINISTRY TO THE SAILORS

Yesterday was my first experience of accompanying Chaplain Chim Mandalia on a ship visit. My wife and I were his house guests on transit from Guyana to India. We reached the port quite early and were waiting for the bus to take us to the ship. Bro Chim was carrying a box full of Gospels, New Testaments and Bibles. I realized that it is a hard job, carrying these boxes and climbing steep steps of the ship, day after day.

The bus dropped us near the ship. When we climbed the steps, there was no one on the reception place and we had to wait patiently for the man to come and let us in. Again we had to wait in the Ship Office for sometime before the officer took us to the dining hall where we had the service.

The Captain walked in and welcomed us warmly. He appeared to be extremely happy to have us visit and bless his ship and the crew. The were sailing the same evening. The service was very good. Bro Chim explained the gospel clearly from john chapter 3. The crew listened well. During the Holy Communion service I could further explain the gospel and allow them to pray, before the prayer of confession.

After the service, the captain spent some time with us. He is a middle aged gentleman from a Hindu family in India. He appeared to be greatly blessed by the ministry this morning. When he took us to the bridge, we prayed with him and blessed the ship, the captain, the crew and their families. His eyes swelled with tears and he was very grateful to God for His blessings.

As we were coming out, a sailer came and shared about a death in the family, another wanted a Bible to read, and the others thanked us for coming. We were very touched by their response. One of the crew wanted to check his emails as he had left his wife just after their first baby was born. Bro Chim took him home and allowed him to use the computer. Sis Fay and my wife dropped him in the port when he was through.

I am very grateful for the ministry to the sailors. It is like Philip meeting the Ethiopean Officer on the road and ministring to him. History says, the gospel went to his country through him and blessed the land. The Day of the Lord will reveal how many families and nations were blessed through this effective ministry. As a family we would like to continue to be prayer partners with this ministry to sailers.

Thank you.

MESSIAHDAS DEVASAHAYAM
intervarsity missionary staff in Guyana
email: luvguyana@yahoo.com

DEVA & PARROT SAHAYAM, IS/IVCF,
P 0 B0X 10586
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA

2nd week of July starts with a bang!

2008-07-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 6th, Chim was able visit 3 ships and 4 crews. Cosco Yokohama came back from the European route after 6 months. Most of the crew was European and some Pilipinos. Chim was able to provide their needs for phone cards and telephones. Chim was able to visit MOL Prosperity and the crew was excited to see him again. Good to see some old friends on board but new Captain and Chief Engineer. Took them to "Little India" in Artesia for a good dinner and then touring in Hollywood. This is always a treat for the seafarers. After dropping them off, Chim found 3 cadets and the 3rd Engineer from a Maersk ship and brought them home with 4 guys from another ship. We gave them snacks and freedom to use the computer and telephones and just make themselves at home. We stocked up the new Indian lads with some store bought Indian food we had on hand. (European ships don't usually cater to the Indian palate!) The new cadets were particular amazed at this hospitality. After leaving our home Chim took the 8 guys all to Walmart until closing. He then dropped them back to the ships they came from.

Monday, July 7th, Chim picked up the 2nd Engineer, his wife, 3 year old daughter, 4nd Engineer, and the wife of the Chief Engineer from the Prosperity. He took them to Best Buys, sightseeing in Signal Hill, Cosco for shopping and then brought them home for fellowship and a bit of home time for them. In the evening Chim took them back to the ship and proceeded to pick-up a crew (6 people) from Maersk. One of the seafarers had a stomach problem and ask to hear Chim's testimony. Chim later prayed for him.

Tuesday, July 8th, Chim picked up some crew from Yang Ming March for drop-off and then he proceded to pick up our telephones from ships leaving the harbor.

The first week of July

2008-07-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

This week found Chim very busy as he visited at least one or more ships each day before the holiday (4th of July). He found one Chinese ship where only one officer had a shore pass - so Chim took both phones down for the crew to use to call home. He spent a whole day with the Chief Engineer from that ship helping him get all his shopping needs taken care of.

On Tuesday the Lord brought a man that we had visited on a ship 2 years ago back into our lives. Lobo, from India, reminded us that we met on the Yang Ming March when Captain Bhati was in command. We clearly remembered him. He had lost our card and therefore contact with us. Anyway, he ask if he could come to the house for prayer! Chim invited him home and we had a lovely, unhurried time of Bible study and pray together. Later we had a barbecue lunch on the front patio that included tandoori chicken, grilled shrimp, rice and salad. Lobo was thrilled that he had so much one-on-one time with Chim and very encouraged in his Christian walk. We also shared the joy of fellowshipping together with him and felt encouraged that he wanted to pray with us.

On my birthday, Chim took me and our family out to dinner at the local Greek restaurant, George's. As we walked to the restaurant after parking the car on Pine Street, Chim was greeted by 3 seafarers' that recognized him from previous visits! He was so busy chatting to them as we walked to the restaurant that he didn't even notice when we arrived! (He made arrangements to met with them again later and we had a great dinner!)

Thursday evening we had a chance to attend a Bible study on the book of Psalms reading chapter 92. The particular passage that struck me was 92:12-14

"The righteous flourish like the palm tree

and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

They still bear fruit in old age;

they are ever full of sap and green"

What a wonderful promise He has given us! Vitality and a meaningful
time seeking Him and spending time in His word!

Sunday, June 29th

2008-06-29T23:32:00.000-07:00

Chim has been out all day with seafarers touring Hollywood and other areas. He had to borrow a larger van from the Seafarers' Center to accomate all the guys that wanted to come on the tour. This gave the men great pleasure and began a friendship with the Chief Engineer (CE) of one the ships Chim visited. He was able to witness to this man about the Lord with four or five other men in the ship's office later. Chim was able to give the CE a DVD relating to the Lord. The CE promised to watch it and give Chim his opinion later opening the door for another visit later.
Chim visited the MOL Proficiency where all the deck offciers were Indian. He also had time to see the Hyundai Discovery where he met with six Indians, 3 Philipinos and an Irishman! He gave them rides to the Lakewood Mall and basicially made connections with the crews for the next visit.
We received a call from Romania from George for Fay's birthday yesterday. It was a treat to talk with him. We had such a great visit with he and his family in June.

June 2008 Chaplain's Report

2008-06-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2008- We returned from our European adventure on June 16th. After about one week Chim was able to return to the Seafarers’ Center for service to the people there. He has worked a couple of afternoons and each evening this week with the Seafarers. The staff at the Center are very happy he is back in his supportive position again. Over our break we continued to have email and phone contact with seafarers, however, services to the people in Long Beach came to a standstill during our absence. This is a concern because Chim is planning a trip to India in the fall and is worried about who will carry on the services he provides to the seafarers.

Besides spending time with George and his wife in Romania, we were able to met with another seafarer and his family. Sorin, Solmonia and their son, Andr, met us for dinner at the Motor Café on the Beach in Constanta. We had a great time together and enjoyed this experience. We left messages for other sailors we were unable to get together with and expressed our regret that we missed them-Stephan and Rodu.

Chim had an opportunity to witness on Monday to two Americans, Joe and Chris, about Christ and Chim’s experience with his faith. He gave them both copies of the Gospel of John. He also met the chief officer from the ITS London Bridge taking him to Best Buy and Circuit City and spend the afternoon talking about the Lord with this man. Three other crewmembers joined them.

April 2008 Chaplain's report

2008-06-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2008- Last night the Lord gave us an unexpected blessing when Chim brought four men home from the Seafarers’ Center. Chim had spent the evening with the Captain from the Yang Ming March. He drove him to all the places the Captain wanted to go. We had already given this man a lot of attention over the weekend. We took him to breakfast and then to church with us where he heard the Gospel message. After church we spend the rest of the day with him; we toured the La Brea Tar Pits, Natural Science Museum, Hollywood, saw the Crucification at Forest Lawn in Glendale and then on to Bakersfield to meet some friends and hear a special Evangelist speak.

It is sometimes hard to spend time with the men when the Captain is so needy. However, after taking him shopping and for dinner, Chim took him back to the ship and when looking for some of his crewmembers. At the Center Chim invited these four seamen to our house. One of the crew, the 3rd engineer from the Philippines named Deo gave us his testimony as we sat around enjoying tea and cookies. He was so encouraged to have Christian fellowship. The other men, one Hindu and two Catholics, heard his testimony. Deo said that this time was God appointed. He was so excited and relieved to have time to talk with other believers. He feels God is calling him into ministry. Please pray for Deo.

Chim encouraged Deo by talking about Jonah and his resistance to doing God’s will. Vinod Kumar from India gave his testimony and again the men heard the Gospel message.