He Brought the Nations to Me

In Mark 16:15, Jesus says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” 

For many years, I thought that meant I would have to go — across oceans, into different countries, far from home. But because of my health challenges, going on an international mission trip was not something I could physically do. So, I quietly wondered, "Lord, how could I ever reach the nations"? 

And then, the Lord impressed something unexpected on my heart: 

“I will bring the nations to you.” 

My husband, Rick, and I began cruising because it was one way I could travel with my health limitations. What I didn’t understand at the time was that God was positioning me — not for vacation — but for missions. 

On most cruise ships, there are crew members from more than 60 nations. Each ship carries from 1,000 to over 2,000 crew members. Port Canaveral is the world's busiest cruise port. On most days at Port Canaveral, they can accommodate up to 6 cruise ships. 

Think about that. 

In one place, in one day, thousands of men and women from all over the world are gathered together from so many nations… right here. 

As I began spending more time with crew members onboard, my heart broke for them. Many are away from their families for up to 8 months at a time. 

They miss birthdays, anniversaries, and other special moments that you and I take for granted. 

But they are so open, so grateful to be seen, and to be heard, and to be encouraged. 

I began sharing the love of Christ in simple conversations — listening first, praying with them when invited, reminding them that God sees them even in the long hours that they serve onboard the cruise ship. 

While still living in Denver, after one of our Florida cruises, we drove over to a friend's house in Cocoa Beach for dinner. I shared with them how much we enjoyed going on cruises and connecting with crew members to encourage them how much they are truly loved by God. 

Then, something during that dinner changed everything for me. 

Our friends said, “You have such a heart for the crew — have you ever heard of the Canaveral Port Ministry?” 

I did not but wanted to find out more about it. 

But when I learned what happens at CPM, I was truly overwhelmed. 

Crew members are picked up from and dropped off directly to their ships. They are welcomed with open arms. They receive a warm meal. There’s Wi-Fi available to talk with their families and friends, they can ship their Amazon packages there until they return to port, and transportation for shopping at stores. 

And most importantly — They have the opportunity to hear the Gospel shared, maybe for the 1st time, and there are even Bibles and Christian materials in their own language. 

All free of charge. All given in love. 

Not because they can give something back.
But because Jesus first loved them. 

It was then I realized something else. 

God was moving my husband and I from Denver to Florida last year. And we now live just 15 minutes from this ministry. 

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… 

I didn’t know the plans.
But He did. 

Let me share one moment I will never forget. 

On the morning of debarkation of a recent cruise, I was speaking with a crew member about their upcoming repositioning from Miami to Port Canaveral. That conversation opened the door for me to invite him to visit the Canaveral Port Ministry when he came into port. 

He grew very quiet. 

He had heard about the ministry — but he wasn’t sure it was real. 

In a soft, almost trembling voice, he asked me: 

“Could I get a Bible in my own language?” 

I can still hear it. 

That question brought tears to my eyes. 

I told him, “Yes. Absolutely. And when you come into port, we will pick you up from the ship. We’ll be waiting for you.” 

In that moment, I knew — this is what the Lord meant. 

He didn’t send me across the world. 

He brought the world to a ship.
He brought the ship to a port. 

And He brought the people to us. 

When you support the Canaveral Port Ministry, you are not just supporting a building. 

You are reaching over 60 nations.
You are strengthening weary hearts.
You are placing the Word of God into hands that are desperate for hope.
You are reminding crew members that they are not forgotten. 

The Great Commission is being fulfilled — right here at Port Canaveral. 

And I am living proof that when God gives a promise, He fulfills it — sometimes in ways we never expect. 

Thank you for being part of bringing the nations to Jesus through the Canaveral Port Ministry.