Christmas At Sea By Melissa Henderson

The holidays are quickly approaching. 2020 has been a very different year for everyone. Supplies continue to be needed at home and at sea. Our church, Sunrise Presbyterian Church, which is located on Sullivans Island, South Carolina, participates with numerous mission projects. Some of the projects are local and others are global.

Living in coastal South Carolina, we have various ways to help people who are working and living on ships at sea during the holidays. The Charleston Port and Seafarers’ Society is one of the special mission opportunities. These seafarers are away from family and friends. We want these folks to know they are being prayed for and that they are loved. Living on a ship out in the ocean can be lonely, especially when family and friends are far away. Through this mission project and others, God’s love can extend from land to sea.

The project works efficiently because of coordination with local churches and businesses. A box is provided to volunteers, and a list of items to place in the box is given. When items are purchased and the box is filled, Christmas wrapping paper brightens the gift. The box is brought back to church and volunteers gather the boxes and deliver to a designated location.

The website www.charlestonseafarers.org shares that during 2019, over 3400 gift boxes were delivered to visiting seafarers.

Can you imagine receiving a beautifully wrapped box filled with needed supplies? The simple act of giving blesses the giver and, also blesses the person who receives the “Christmas at Sea” box.

Merry Christmas, Melissa Henderson