Stories from The Front Seat
Each day volunteers shuttle ship crew back and forth to their ships. As they get off their ship after long hours of work, they are tired and ready to have a few hours to relax and be encouraged by talking to family back home and friends at the ministry center. As a shuttle driver, I enjoy learning a little bit about the one crew member who sits in the front seat next to me. Here are a few stories from recent days.
Josef*, is a young man who works in the entertainment group on the ship. He told me he is very grateful for the time spent at the port ministry. I asked him what his home country was and he replied, “Ukraine.” I then inquired about his family, and he shared that they are in a safer part of the country away from the fighting. But he added, “My stepfather has been missing in action for almost two years. We do not know what his status is – what has happened to him. It is very hard. My job is to work on the ship and support my family and others in Ukraine.”
Tabasca, from Jamaica, was another front seat story. He is a drummer in one of the ship bands. He looked over at me while driving and said, “What you all do for us is so important. It is so needed. Thank you.” He told me that he was a Christian, so we talked during the 10-minute ride back to the ship about continuing to let God work in his life. I shared Philippians 1:6 with him, that He who began a good work in him is faithful to complete it, and encouraged him to stand strong in the faith even when it is difficult. He was very appreciative.
On another trip, no one sat in the front seat, but Gabriel was seated behind me. I asked him how he found out about Canaveral Port Ministry, and he said, “Well, really the port ministry found me.” I curiously asked what he meant and he replied, “So many crew tell me about the ministry I had to see it myself. What you do is such a good thing for the crew. You give us a place to rest and enjoy a meal off the ship. This is one of the best port ministries I have been to.”
(*) not his real name
