The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) is preparing major outreach efforts to support sailors spending Christmas far from home. Founded in 1856, the Christian welfare charity provides practical, emotional, and spiritual care to maritime workers. More than 1.89 million seafarers transport 90 percent of the world’s trade, often enduring long months away from family.
Giving gifts to those at sea during the holidays is a cherished part of the MtS ministry. In Baltimore, Maryland, for instance, MtS joins local churches, port partners, and industry groups to deliver gifts to about 1,500 seafarers. Each package includes a handmade knitted hat, hand-warmers, snacks, and a local souvenir.
“Every gift shows seafarers that we see and appreciate them,” an MtS spokesperson said.
In the Humber Ports of the U.K., ministry teams also make special visits to ships at Christmas, distributing gifts and offering fellowship.
The same spirit of care extends to MtS’s work in Richards Bay, South Africa.
“We provide them with various resources, transport, and personal care. On many occasions, we assist in dire, emergency situations,” said Chaplain Mark Classen. “We carry a rich heritage, serving seafarers in this port for the last 47 years. Seafarers around the world love us.”
Classen explained that Christmas is a difficult time for many crew members separated from loved ones. “Sadly, many seafarers are away over Christmas and miss the joy of family, fun, and gifts. For this reason, we endeavor to step in where they miss out, providing them with a little joy through a Christmas gift and the ministry of presence,” he said.
With an average of 20 crew members per vessel and more than 30 ships in port on a given day, the MtS team distributes around 600 parcels. “This is where MtS seeks the community’s participation. We rely heavily on their generous hearts,” Classen added.
In Busan, South Korea, MtS staff also prepare Christmas gifts and invite seafarers and locals to a carol service and Christmas party. “In this way, we try to comfort seafarers at Christmas by showing them that we stand always by their side,” an MtS spokesperson said.
In Tuticorin, India, Christmas parcels include a woolen hat, toiletries, perfume, and sweets. “This was a soft touch that reminds us that people care for us,” one sailor told MtS.
And in Costa Rica, the ministry hosts a festive program with a children’s choir singing carols and distributing gifts that include sweets and handwritten greeting cards from local students to encourage seafarers.
