Harbor of Hope: The Story of Canaveral Port Ministry
Nestled among the cruise ships and cargo freighters at Port Canaveral is a quiet beacon of compassion: the Canaveral Port Ministry—a sanctuary for the thousands of seafarers who pass through one of the world’s busiest ports.
For most of us, Port Canaveral is a gateway to vacation dreams or global trade. But for international mariners, it’s often a brief pause in months-long voyages—far from home, disconnected from family, and working under tough, sometimes lonely conditions. That’s where the Canaveral Port Ministry steps in.
Remembering John
John and his wife Brenda served with us over the last few years and had recently moved to Port Orange, FL. He served by giving the crew a stamp so they could get on the bus to go shopping. When he asked someone if they were going shopping and they said, "no", he would reply in his deep Southern accent, "Save ya money." The crew and the volunteers got a big kick out of this. His calming, easy-going personality helped to promote the ministry as a place of peace. We miss serving with them and our prayers are with Brenda and the family.
Remembering Ivan
Ivan was an amazing man of God. He loved seafarers and began at CPM a long time ago when it was Space Coast Seafarers Ministry. Ivan had to take time away from serving at the port ministry to care for his wife, Carol, but he would often turn up at Walk for Bibles to be a crossing guard. He was a great encourager to staff and volunteers and he enjoyed promoting seafarer ministry to the point of wanting to raise money by sky diving at 95 years old. Thankfully, his family didn’t allow it. We thank God for his life of service.
Remembering Cecilia
Cecilia started volunteering at the ministry last September. She was struggling with cancer but always served joyfully. Her infectious smile was a witness to us and to the crew. She will be missed. We thank God for this season we had to serve with her.
Crew Visit to the Princess
Sandi Michon, a CPM Volunteer, joined Mike & Barb Hoffmann on a recent ship visit on the Caribbean Princess. Hear her story, in her own words, of how CPM is changing lives.