Churches Warm Seamen's Heart this Christmas Season
Methodist churches are celebrating the giving spirit of Christmas in creative ways. A confederation of River Friendly Churches help the crewmembers, working this Christmas, receive some tender loving care while they're away from home. More than 100 churches in 11 states participate in the Seamen’s Church Institute, a year-round ministry. Crewmen usually work one month, and then take 15 days off.
The ministry packed boxes of hand-knitted scarves, Christmas goodies, cards from children, warm clothing, and food. Last year, River Friendly Churches distributed nearly 900 boxes to almost 7,000 seamen during the holiday season. "Not only do we wrap them in warmth, we really wrap them in God’s love, and it makes a huge difference to them," says Ann Mills, coordinator of special projects for "Ministry on the River."
