God is at work in every nook and cranny of this world, even in the smallest bunk in the deep recesses of the fanciest cruise ship. Yes, I did say cruise ship. Don't you know that a single cruise ship is a global mission field? Now, even though hundreds of cruise ships port in Alaska each year, SEND North is NOT working on these ships, at least not directly. However, we do participate vicariously through the Seaman's Mission. The Seaman's Mission is one of many organizations we partner with by providing them with missionaries 'on loan'. Please allow me to introduce you to our team-mates who connected us with this amazing outreach.
For 20 years, George and Cheryl Reichman have ministered at the Seward Seaman’s Mission and the Whittier Seaman’s Mission in Seward and Whittier, Alaska. The Reichmans began their ministry with SEND 40 years ago at radio station, KCAM. They fully gave themselves to ministering in Glennallen, Alaska through every aspect of radio and local outreach to the Athabascan Indian community. Then, one summer, through God's good providence, George and Cheryl volunteered for a few weeks at the Seaman’s Mission and they were hooked. A few weeks turned into summers that turned into full time, on loan. Here is why they do this work, in their words.
Cheryl and I enjoy working at the Seaman’s Missions because we have the opportunity to impact crew members from all over the world. Many of the crew are looking for the answers to life—and we can point them to Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Seafarers who get saved at the Missions go back to their ship and witness to their cabin-mates and co-workers, and some of them get saved. We point Christians and new-born Christians to be involved in Bible-believing churches in their home areas. We also start or encourage existing "crew churches” on board all the ships. Most crew members work 12 to 14 hours a day, seven days a week, for 8 to 10 months in a row. These crew “churches” meet from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on whatever day works best for most of them. That’s commitment, because that’s their sleep time! Crew members also witness to their families back home and we have heard of whole families coming to know the Lord as the result of someone getting saved at the Seaman’s Missions. Some crew who have gotten saved have even gone into full-time Christian ministry. Is it any wonder that we’re excited about this ministry?
George and Cheryl will retire on August 30, 2016. Don't worry, though, God has brought in a new director and new volunteers who love the Lord and love to tell others about salvation through faith in Christ. George and Cheryl will spend a little less time at the docks and a little more time with friends, reading, building model trains—and involved in some different ministry that God undoubtedly has for them. Hmmm…I wonder where that will lead.
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