M/V Spring Bright - ' Church on the Ocean '

One thing that keeps fascinating me in the work I do is the many people I meet, all from different nationalities and cultures each with their own unique character. Such was the case when I visited the M/V Spring Bright. As I entered the crew recreation room I noticed it was packed with seafarers who were watching as ship chandlers tried to sell them clothing, perfumes and even laptops. Sitting among the Philippino crew members was their Korean captain; an unusual practice as officers don't often mingle with the crew in the recreation room. When I invited the crew to come to the Mission and explained that Easter was all about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I noticed that the captain had a big smile on his face.

Friday evening the captain and the chief engineer came to the Mission ( The captain is on the right in the top photo ). When I asked if Ken vander Velde and myself could come for lunch the next day we were graciously invited for a special Korean meal.  At that time I asked the captain if he was a Christian and  with a big smile he said, ' Yes! '. Then he asked me if I would open with a word of prayer. That's the first time a captain has asked me to begin a meal by asking God to bless it! He told me that he is a member of a Presbyterian church back home and that  every Sunday afternoon at one o'clock, he leads a bible study/worship service on board which is attended by 15 crew members. Having said that, he stood up and asked me to follow him to the officers mess room where he showed me a stack of Gideon bibles and hymn books. What a wonderful thing to see - another Church on the Ocean!  I noticed again how, in  a Christlike way, he interacted with the other crew members - Christianity in word and deed!

One final comment, something that doesn't happen in the chaplain's life every day. The ship's friendly cook talked about the fact that it is so difficult to keep his provision purchases below budget. ( He had thanked me for a car load of bread that I had brought him the previous day ) I suggested he come with me to the barn in Ladner where I have 18 chickens who lay very few eggs. If he could come with me and kill them they would be his - for free! ( The chaplain is a real ' chicken ' when it comes to killing chickens ) Within 5 minutes the cook and his assistant were ready with a knife and a large container.              

You can see the rest of the story from the pictures.  It was hard to say good-bye to the crew this afternoon. They are leaving tonight for Taiwan.