WAVES #2 - 2023

WAVES

No. 2 • 2023 • Vol. 10

Published by: The Danish Mission to Seafares

Havnegade 41A, 7100 Vejle

Tlf. +45 3393 2543 www.somandsmissionen.dk

Executive Editor:

General secretary, Nicolaj Wibe

Editor:

Hanne Baltzer, tlf. +45 - 2288 4496

Mail: hab@somandsmissionen.dk

Print run: 4500

Waves is printed on eco-friendly paper.

Yearly subscription: 200 Dkr.

Layout and print:

Jørn Thomsen Elbo A/S

Cover:

First mate and mother of two - Christina Heintze loves sailing

WAVES

Nr. 2 • 2023 • 10. årgang

Udgives af:

Indenlandsk Sømandsmission

Havnegade 41A, 7100 Vejle, Denmark. Tlf. +45 3393 2543 www.somandsmissionen.dk

Ansvh. redaktør:

Generalsekretær, Nicolaj Wibe

Redaktør og journalist:

Hanne Baltzer, tlf. +45 - 2288 4496

Mail: hab@somandsmissionen.dk

Oplag: 4500

Waves er trykt på miljøvenligt papir.

Årsabonnement: 200 Dkr.

Layout og tryk:

Jørn Thomsen Elbo A/S

Forside:

Styrmand og mor til to. Christina Heintze elsker jobbet som styrmand.

By Jason Zuidema, general secretary of the ICMA (International Christian Maritime Association

Life at sea has always been a challenge

Seafarers are far from their families and social contacts on land and they work in a environment that can be very dangerous. Life on board swings from boredom and social isolation to stress and fatigue. So much of the seafarers’ health and happiness is controlled by having a good contract, normal work/life balance, shore leave and getting home on time.

Seafarers’ welfare workers and mission chaplains can help connect seafarers with their families, advocate for shore leave, and

FACTS

ICMA keeps up a list of seafarers’ welfare partners worldwide on its website: https://icma.as/member-locations/

be a source of welcome for a seafarer when they are far from home.

Health

(International Christian Maritime Association)

Af Jason Zuidema, generalsekretær

Livet til søs har altid været udfordrende

Søfolk er i lange perioder væk fra deres familie og sociale netværk på land, og de arbejder i et miljø, der til og med kan være meget farligt. Livet ombord spænder mellem kedsomhed og social isolation på den ene side og pres og udmattelse på den anden. Derfor er den søfarendes trivsel og sundhed i høj grad afgjort af gode sociale kontakter, en sund balance mellem fritid og arbejde og forudsigelige og stabile arbejdstider. Sømandsmissionærer og velfærdsmedarbejdere kan hjælpe med at skabe forbindelse til familien derhjemme, tale for ophævelsen af et landgangsforbud, og i det hele taget byde søfarende velkommen, når de er langt hjemmefra.

Sundhed

Den højeste officer i det amerikanske militærs lægestab, Dr. Vivek Murthy, sætter i sin

United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has focused on the healing power of human connection. His research has focused on the the underreported health challenges due to loneliness. He writes that “Loneliness [runs] like a dark thread through many of the more obvious issues that people brought to my attention, like addiction, violence, anxiety, and depression.” The social isolation that prompts loneliness is something in broader society, but also among seafarers. Social isolation might lead to loneliness, but it also has all these other health impacts. Seafarers’ missions have at their core mission to create human connections with seafarers who might otherwise be forskning fokus på menneskelige relationers sundhedsmæssige betydning. Blandt andet har hans forskning fokuseret på de oversete sundhedsproblemer, der følger med ensomhed. Han skriver, at ”ensomhed løb som en mørk tråd gennem mange af de mere konkrete problemer, som folk gjorde mig opmærksom på, såsom afhængighed, vold, angst og depression.” Den sociale isolation, der fører til ensomhed, ser vi i samfundet generelt men også i det maritime miljø. Social isolation kan føre til ensomhed, men det har også mange andre sundhedsmæssige konsekvenser. Maritime missionsorganisationer har det som deres centrale mission at skabe menneskelige relationer blandt søfolk, som står i risiko for ensomhed og isolation. For nogle er social interaktion om bord en naturlig ting, men for de fleste kræver det en bevidst indsats. Organisationen

disconnected. Social interaction on board might happen naturally for some, but for most it is something that needs effort and work. As the ISWAN Social Interaction Matters project has pointed out, it is good practice to designate one person on board as the social ambassador to make sure there are continual activities to keep the seafarers connected with each other. •

FELLOWSHIP

By Hanne Baltzer

We are part of a fellowship from the day we are born until the day we die – through our families, education, work, church, and friends. We all need to be part of a community. The first fellowship we encounter is our family. Here, the child often finds a foundation of love and safety, which often remains fundamental throughout life. Later on, we find our way into other fellowships as well.

Denmark is known for its many associations and social organizations. All over the country there is a long tradition for being active in associations related to faith, sports, music, education and politics. This gives people a way to find fellowship and avoid loneliness. In other countries there are other traditions, but we all share the need to feel like we are part of a community.

As seafares we are also part of different social groups. Social life at sea can be very different compared to working a regular nine-to-five job. Often, the community and social life on board is crucial to a sailor’s well-being, as you can’t just go home when your shift ends. •

FÆLLESSKAB

ISWAN, Social Interaction Matters, mener, er det er fordelagtigt at udpege en person om bord til social ambassadør. Han eller hun skal sørge for kontinuerligt at sætte gang i sociale aktiviteter. •

FAKTA

På ICMA’s hjemmeside kan du finde en liste over alle de kristne organisationer, der arbejder med maritim sundhed: https://icma.as/member-locations/

Fra vi fødes, bliver vi en del af et fællesskab, og sådan vil vi opleve det livet i gennem – i familien, i skolen, på jobbet, i kirken, hos vennerne og derhjemme. Mennesket har brug for at være en del af et fællesskab.

Det første fællesskab et menneske møder, er familien. I dette fællesskab finder barnet oftest en kærlighed og tryghed, som får betydning for resten af dets liv. Senere finder man selv ind i nye fællesskaber.

Danmark er kendt for at have en forening næsten pr. indbygger. Der er en lang tradition for at være aktiv i foreninger indenfor fx kirke, sport, musik, folkeoplysning og politik. Derved er mange med i forskellige fællesskaber. Andre steder på kloden er der forskellige traditioner, men ens for os er nødvendigheden af at føle os som en del af et fællesskab, så vi ikke bliver ensomme. Som sømand indgår man også i mange forskellige sammenhænge. Frekvensen kan være forskellig fra, mennesker der arbejder i land, fordi man arbejder ombord/ er hjemme. Konkret betyder det, at arbejdsfællesskabet ombord får en afgørende betydning for, om man trives, da man ikke bare kan smutte efter arbejdstid, men bor på stedet. •

Photo/foto: Ole B Larsen

First mate and

mother of two

- Christina Heintze loves sailing

So you’re going on maternity leave? Then we won’t be seeing you again! This was the reaction when, five years ago, Christina told her co-workers that she was pregnant. “They were all very skeptical, but the shipping company wasn’t. All I had to do was inform them of my expected return. They even emphasized that I should feel absolutely ready before returning to work, and that I shouldn’t set a date until after the birth.”

Despite her sceptic co-workers, Christina returned to work as planned. Prior to her return, she had consulted a health advisor to

ensure the right timing and process. Her son was nine months old at the time.

During her first week back, she had extra assistance, but from then on she worked her normal schedule.

“Coming back from my “bubble”, I had to find my old self again, but this happened rather fast. After just one night’s sleep on board, the first consecutive sleep I had had for nine months, I felt fully refreshed. I noticed how much I had missed working, how I had missed my old routines. No, I don’t know other female seafarers who have

toddlers at home, but that doesn’t make it impossible. Working for two weeks followed by two weeks at home works well for me.”

Christina always takes over from the same co-worker, and together they need to equally distribute holidays, sick days etc. This rhythm is the same for everyone on board, which also means that she always works with the same crew. It is important to Christina that her obligations at home never become a burden to her partner on board. This also means that she takes her share of

Christinas kids / Cristinas børn

holiday shifts, and together they are able to make it all add up.

First mate

Christina sails as first mate on board Freesia Seaways which sails between Göteborg in Sweden and Immingham in England. The ship belongs to the class of RO-RO ships, ships designed to carry all kinds of wheeled cargo from large trucks to cars such as Jaguar and Volvo. Instead of piling its goods like a conventional cargo ship, Freesia Seaways loads its cargo in rows, and if a full load was placed in one line, you would have to walk 4.6 km. to reach the end. Christina enjoys loading and unloading the ship. She is also responsible for all the equipment on the bridge which must be inspected regularly. She is also in charge of purchases in her area, and she works between ten and twelve hours a day.

“I like this type of ship and my responsibilities on board. I still find it fun, and I like making everything come together. Also, it helps my family life that I am only out for two weeks at a time.”

A team effort

A couple of years later, when Christina returned from her second maternity leave, her male co-works hadn’t grown less skeptic. She heard people say things like: “But you can’t be sailing when you have small kids at home. Where are the kids when you’re away?”

When she points out that there are also fathers in the crew, and that her husband is perfectly capable of taking care the kids, their only response is that “that’s not the same”.

“I could never do it the other way around and have the full responsibility for the kids for two weeks straight. So, I’m very thankful that

Simon also finds this family structure tenable. I’m not able to take a day off if the kids are sick. My husband has to deal with these things alone, and it was our luck that I was home when all the kids had chickenpox.”

In 2014, before Christina and Simon got married, they agreed that Christina could continue sailing if they ever had children together – if they could find a way to make it work in practice. Today, they’ve found a setup that works for everyone, and now Simon only works for two days a week. This frees up time for the children, housework etc.

“There is no recipe for how to be a good parent. I know that I can’t make up for the two weeks I’ve been out, but when I’m home, the kids have short days in daycare and kindergarten, and now and then we can even take a day off during the week. When I’m home, there is extra time for long bedti-

Praying for others is one of the best things you can do, Christina says.

At bede for andre, er noget af det bedste, du kan gøre, mener Christina

“Coming back from my “bubble” I had to find my old self again, but this happened rather fast. After just one night’s sleep on board, the first consecutive sleep I had had for nine months, I felt fully refreshed.”

me stories, but other than that I just try to blend in with their normal lives to not break up their daily rhythm.”

Longing and reuniting

When Christina returns home, it takes a little while for the kids to reconnect with her. Especially their youngest daughter needs time to size up her mom before she is ready for a hug. She is also extra aware whenever her mother leaves the house – is the

Styrmand og

coming back right away or will she be gone for a while? Christina waits until the day before her departure to tell her 4-year-old that she is leaving. Then they usually talk about what they are going to do together when she returns. Christina always leaves early in the morning while everyone is still asleep.

“I miss my children when I’m out, but it isn’t unbearable, and I know how to deal with it. We don’t talk on Facetime because it only increases the longing. Also, the Internet

connection is often unstable. But being at home half the time is a luxury that we all enjoy. Here, I can give Simon a well-deserved break and a chance to rest and do things on his own, and I can still find time to play soccer and rest.”

Bringing the Bible

Christina always brings her Bible on board. The need to read it is not always the same, but she never skips her evening prayer, as it

mor til to

- Christina Heintze elsker at sejle

Skal du på barsel? Så ser vi ikke dig igen! Den bemærkning fik Christina Heintze, da hun fortalte kollegerne, at hun ventede sit første barn for fem år siden. ”De var godt nok skeptiske, men det var rederiet ikke. Jeg skulle blot bekræfte, hvornår jeg regnede med at være tilbage. Rederiet lagde vægt på, at jeg skulle føle mig klar til at arbejde igen, så jeg måske skulle vente med at give en endelig datomelding, til babyen var født.”

Christina vendte tilbage på arbejde til den aftalte tid. Inden havde hun talt med en sundhedsplejerske om, hvornår det bedste tidspunkt var i forhold til hendes lille søn, der da var ni måneder.

Den første uge på arbejde var der sat en ekstra mand på, men derefter arbejdede hun i vanlig turnus.

”Fra min ”mor-boble” skulle jeg finde mig selv, men det gik hurtigt. Efter en nats søvn ombord - den første sammenhængende søvn i mange måneder- følte jeg mig fuldstændig udhvilet. Jeg savnede også at komme på ar-

bejde. At det blev hverdag igen. Nej, jeg kender ingen andre kvindelige sømænd, som også er mødre, men det betyder jo ikke, at det ikke er muligt. For mig virker det udmærket at arbejde på denne måde med en tørn på 14 dage ude efterfulgt at 14 dage hjemme.”

Christina har en fast makker, hun bytter med. De skal få det til at gå op med ferie, sygdom osv. Sådan er det for alle ombord, hvilket gør, at det også er ”kendte” kolleger, hun arbejder sammen med næste gang, hun møder ind. For hende er det vigtigt, at det ikke ”går ud over” makkeren, at hun er mor. Derfor arbejder hun naturligvis også i højtiderne. De to er gode til at få arbejde og ferie til at gå op.

1. styrmand

Hun sejler som 1. styrmand på Freesia Seaways, der sejler mellem Göteborg i Sverige og Immingham i England. Skibet hører til RO-RO - fællesbetegnelsen for skibe, der transporterer rullende materiel lige fra lastbiltrailere til

biler, fx Jaguar og Volvo. Forskellen fra containerskibene er, at de her på Freesia Seaways ikke stabler, men sætter på række. Og sætter man alt materiel her i én lang række, skal man gå 4,6 km. for at nå fra den ene til den anden ende. Christina elsker at laste og lodse skibet. Hun har også ansvar for alt broudstyret, det skal kontrolleres ofte. Desuden er hun ansvarlig for alle indkøb til sin egen afdeling på skibet, hvor hun arbejder 10-12 timer dagligt.

”Jeg kan godt lide skibstypen og mit arbejde. Det er stadig sjovt, og jeg kan lide spillet med at få det hele til at virke. Desuden passer det godt med børnene, at jeg kun er væk 14 dage ad gangen.”

Enig om måden

Da Christina et par år senere kom tilbage efter sin anden barselsorlov, var hendes mandlige kolleger ikke mindre skeptiske. Hun har hørt bemærkninger som: Du kan da ikke sejle, når du har små børn. Hvor er børnene, mens du sejler?”

Af Hanne Baltzer

gives her room to process the day and think about her loved ones back home – all the people who loom large in her heart.

“If you ask me, praying for others is one of the best things you can do. My grandmother prayed for her entire family all her life. She is a great inspiration to me. Someone once asked me if I wanted to be on a prayer-list. I politely said “no” because I don’t think prayer should be an obligation – it should never be a burden, Christina Heintze says. •

Når hun så har sagt til dem, der er fædre, at de jo også sejler, og at hendes mand udmærket kan passe børnene, er svaret: ”Det er noget andet.”

”Jeg kunne ikke gøre det omvendt. At det var mig, der skulle stå med det hele selv og være alene med børnene 14 dage ad gangen. Derfor sætter jeg stor pris på, at det er den her familiestruktur, som Simon også synes kan fungere. Jeg kan ikke tage barns 1. sygedag, den hænger på Simon, men da børnene havde skoldkopper, var jeg heldigvis hjemme.”

Da Christina og hendes mand Simon var kærester i 2014, talte de sig frem til, at Christina kunne blive ved med at sejle, hvis de fik børn. Hvis det ellers kunne lade sig gøre, og de kunne finde ud af det. De har fundet en ordning, der fungerer, så Simon kan nøjes med at arbejde som IT-supporter to dage om ugen. Det giver tid til børn og alt det andet derhjemme.

”Der er ikke én opskrift på at være mor. Jeg ved godt, at jeg ikke kan indhente de tabte 14 dage, men når jeg er hjemme, har børnene korte dage i dagpleje og børnehave samt en fridag en gang imellem. Godnathistorierne er nok også længere. Desuden er det vigtigt, at jeg ikke laver en masse om. Børnene skal fortsat kunne fungere i deres hverdag. De er vant til rytmen.”

Savn og gensyn

Børnene skal lige se mor an, når hun kommer hjem. Datteren er obs på, når mor går udad døren, om hun skal være væk kort eller lang tid. Dagen før, Christina skal afsted på arbejde, fortæller hun sønnen på 4 ½ år det. Ofte taler de om, hvad de skal lave, når mor kommer hjem igen. Hun tager altid afsted tidligt om morgenen, mens resten af huset sover.

”Jeg savner børnene, når jeg er på arbejde, men ikke på den der utålelige måde, som giver ondt i maven. Jeg facetimer ikke med dem, det vil avle mere savn hos os. Desuden er der skiftende netdækning. Luksus er det derfor også at have fri i 14 dage om måneden, hvor jeg aflaster Simon, så han kan få hvilet ud og har tid til andre ting.

Derfor kan jeg jo godt nå at træne fodbold og få sovet.”

Bibel med

Bibelen er altid med i kufferten. Christina oplever forskelligt behov for at læse i den. For hende er det vigtigst at bede aftenbøn, fordi hun i den samtidig får reflekteret over dagen og tænkt på dem derhjemme. Hun får tænkt på hendes allernærmeste.

”At bede for andre er en af de bedste ting, man kan gøre for hinanden, synes jeg. Min mormor bad for hele sin familie. Hun har været en inspiration for mig. Nogen har spurgt, om jeg vil stå på en forbønsliste. Det er jeg ikke så vild med, fordi jeg synes ikke, at forbøn skal være en pligt. Noget man skal gøre,” siger 1. styrmand Christina Heintze. •

Christina Heintze

By Hanne Baltzer

What men never talk about - Finding solutions together

Most women are able to talk about how they feel, and due to their social skills, they often have more than one person to confide in. But to most men, talking about the difficult things in life doesn’t come easy. Instead, they’ve learned to push their emotions aside, which often leads to dissatisfaction, mental issues and isolation. “Having someone to confide in is crucial. Our data clearly shows, that a lot of men don’t thrive mentally. They tend to avert sensitive conversations because they struggle to put their feelings into words. This reduces the chance to build close relations, and it often leaves men in a vulnerable position”, Svend Aage Madsen says. Svend Aage Mad-

sen is research director and psychologist at the Copenhagen University Hospital and chairman of Men’s Health Society, an organization that promotes and improves men’s physical and mental health.

Reduced life expectancy

New Danish research from Men’s Health Society shows that one in five men rarely or never has a confidential conversation with another person. One of the consequences is reduced life expectancy because we all need someone who loves us and cares about our well-being. Although the survey was conducted among Danish men, it is also

FINDINGS FROM THE DANISH 2023-SURVEY

• One of five Danish males rarely or never take part in a personal and confidential conversation. This adds up to 140,000 Danish men. Among the 35 to 39-yearolds, the number is 27 percent.

• Half of those who rarely or never have someone to talk to are singles.

• 25 percent of the men who have no close relationships also have a short education.

• The survey is based on responses from 1,032 Danish men aged 25 to 39.

Source: Men’s Health Society

De fleste kvinder formår at tale om, hvordan de har det. Og de har ofte flere at betro sig til, fordi de har tilegnet sig mange sociale kompetencer. Mænd har sværere ved at sætte ord på det svære. De har lært at skubbe følelser til side, men det kan give mistrivsel, psykiske problemer og isolation.

”Det er afgørende, at man har nogen at betro sig til. Vi har data nok på, at nogle mænd slet ikke trives psykisk. De glider typisk af med en afvæbnende bemærkning, hvis man spørger til dem eller de lukker ned, fordi de ikke kan sætte ord på svaret, og så er den spinkle fortrolighed slut. De er meget sårbare,” siger Svend Aage Madsen.

Han er forskningsleder og psykolog på Rigshospitalet i København og formand for Forum for Mænds Sundhed. Organisationen arbejder for at sætte fokus på og forbedre mænds fysiske og psykiske sundhed.

Kortere levetid

En ny dansk undersøgelse fra Forum for Mænds Sundhed, som Svend Aage Madsen er leder på, viser, at hver femte mand sjældent eller aldrig har nogen at tale fortroligt med. Konsekvensen er kortere levetid, fordi alle har brug for nogen, der elsker en og går op i, hvordan man har det.

Selv om undersøgelsen er lavet blandt

How long has it been since you’ve confided in another person? Svend Aage Madsen often asks other men this question. And the answer is often the same.

Hvor længe er det siden, du har snakket fortroligt med et andet menneske? Det spørgsmål stiller Svend Aage Madsen mange mænd. Hvad mon du svarer?

relevant in other contexts. From surveys conducted among seafarers, we know that many point to loneliness as a natural consequence of a career at sea. You are physically limited by the ship and mentally constrained by an often fragmented connection to the outside world due to unstable online connections and a limited number of like-minded co-workers.

The mind is still a mystery

Through his work, Svend Aage Madsen encounters an increasing number of men who struggle with loneliness. Therefore, he often asks the question: How long has it been sin-

• Hver femte mand har sjældent eller aldrig nogen at tale fortroligt med. Det svarer til cirka 140.000 mænd. Blandt de 35-39-årige er det 27 procent.

• Halvdelen af dem, der aldrig eller sjældent har nogen at tale fortroligt med, er enlige.

• En fjerdedel af de mænd, der ikke har nogen fortrolige, er kortuddannede.

• Undersøgelsen bygger på svar fra 1.032 25-39-årige mænd i Danmark.

Kilde: Forum for Mænds Sundhed

OM DEN DANSKE UNDERSØGELSE FRA 2023

Modelfoto

ce you confided in another person? “If you have no one to talk to, your thoughts tend to move in circles. You need input from others in order to break free from such patterns of thought. If you have someone to share things with, it gets easier to handle mental and emotional challenges. If you miss people at home because no one sees

how you are doing, or if you don’t feel like you matter to others, it often means that your mental or physical well-being is under pressure. Men often struggle to acknowledge that some problems are rooted in something psychological. To many, addressing the mental aspects of life is unknown territory”, Svend Aage Madsen explains.

For most men, seeking help is not the first solution that comes to mind, even when handling the challenges alone is unrealistic. However, this does not imply that men don’t want to spend time with others, and doing things together can work as a gateway into these important conversations about inner thought and feelings.

Together

“For most men, it has never been a productive strategy to pay attention to their emotions due to the functions they’ve had throughout civilization. Women have done this, and master it today, because they’ve been running the family. They naturally turn to other people when

et livsvilkår til søs. Fysisk er man begrænset af skibets rammer, og psykisk af en måske sporadisk kontakt med omverdenen på grund af skiftene online-muligheder og forholdsvis få kolleger, man ikke har meget til fælles med.

Psyken er ukendt land

Svend Aage Madsen møder via sit arbejde flere og flere mænd, der kæmper med en-

somhed. Ofte stiller han spørgsmålet: Hvor længe er det siden, du har snakket fortroligt med et andet menneske?

”Har man ingen at tale fortroligt med, kører ens tanker i ring. Man skal have input fra andre, så man kommer til at tænke på nye måder. Har man en fortrolig, bliver det lettere at håndtere det svære. Hvis man lider afsavn, fordi ingen ser, hvordan man har det, eller man ikke synes, man betyder noget for andre, så er det ofte en indikator på psykisk og fysisk mistrivsel. Mænd har svært ved at opfatte problemer som psykiske. For mange er det simpelthen et ukendt land at tale om psyken,” siger Svend Aage Madsen.

At opsøge hjælp ligger ikke som mænds yndlingsmåde at fikse en situation på, selvom det er svært at gøre noget på egen hånd. At gøre noget i fællesskab er noget andet. Mænd vil typisk gerne lave noget sammen. Det kan man også gøre ombord

på et skib, mens man får nævnt noget, man er optaget af, selv om de fleste mænd ikke er vant til at dele følelser overhovedet.

Sammen

”For mange mænd har det aldrig været produktivt at mærke efter, hvordan de har det i de funktioner mænd har haft i hele vores civilisation. Det gør kvinder, for de er på hjemmebane, når det handler om relationer, fordi de har taget sig af familien. De vil opsøge relationer, når det er svært. Mange mænd vil bare være i fred, og det er ikke sundt for dem,” siger han.

Venner kommer i mange skikkelser, mens nære relationer nærmest sættes på formel: ”Det er nogle, der betyder noget for én, og som man betyder noget for. Én, man vil forholde sig til, hvordan har det, og som vil gøre det samme for én. Én, man kan opsøge, når man kommer i krise, eller når man er

“

To many, addressing the mental aspects of life is unknown territory”

Svend Aage Madsen

Photo: Jasper Carlberg

things are difficult. But men, on the other hand, often turn to solitude, and that is unhealthy”, Svend Aage Madsen says.

Overall, you might say that men’s mental and physical health depends on their partner. Almost 70 percent of all men believe that having a partner is essential. People who have no close relationships tend to wait too long to go to the doctor and they die younger due to illness. Surveys show that single men die seven years earlier than if they are in a relationship. The number is three years for women. If a man gets divorced or loses his partner, he also loses his closest companion.

Take action

Therefore, a large number of men experience loneliness, an involuntary single life,

childlessness and difficulties in keeping up with their jobs due to a poor physical health that in turn affects their mental well-being. All of this deeply affects their everyday lives.

“We know that not having close relations is the central cause of mental vulnerability and dissatisfaction with life. Men must make an effort to learn how to communicate their emotions and overcome the misconception that feelings are best kept inside.”

Men’s Health Society offers so-called “Men’s communities” all over Denmark. The purpose is not to talk about problems but to do things together to build long-lasting friendships.

“We know that lots of men seek out these communities and that being active together builds relationships. I am sure the same can be done in the maritime sector.” •

FACTS

• Start a conversation.

• Listen and give room for the other person to speak. Allow time for reflection.

• Never ask a man: How do you feel? How are you doing? Do you feel lonely? Instead, say: Do you have someone to confide in? How will you assess your own mental well-being?

• It is always better to say something than no to ask at all.

• Do things together on board when not working.

• A strong work environment is a part of your mental health. As a co-worker you play a crucial part in this.

• If a man displays negative behavior, it is a sign that he hasn’t been thriving for a long time.

• Be open to your co-worker if he is recovering from a difficult time in his life.

• Tag initiativ til en snak.

• Lyt og giv plads til, at den anden ikke siger noget efter de første ord. Afbryd ikke tænksomheden ved at tale videre. Giv den anden ro til at tale på ny.

• Spørg aldrig en mand: Hvordan føler du? Hvordan har du det? Føler du dig ensom?

I stedet for: Har du nogen at betro dig til? Hvordan vil du vurdere din psykiske trivsel?

• Det er bedre at spørge end slet ikke at spørge.

• Lav noget sammen ombord i fritiden.

• Godt arbejdsmiljø er også mental sundhed. Som kollega spiller du en stor rolle.

• Hvis mænd har en dårlig adfærd, har de haft det skidt længe.

• Tag godt imod din kollega, hvis han har været nede med flaget, og nu er tilbage.

ulykkelig over noget,” siger Svend Aage Madsen.

Typisk kan man sige, at mænds følelsesmæssige og fysiske sundhed er afhængig af en partner. Næsten 70 procent af mænd mener, at det er afgørende at have en partner. For mennesker, der ikke har nære relationer, kommer også ofte for sent til lægen og har større dødelighed i forhold til forskellige sygdomme. Undersøgelser viser, at mænd lever syv år kortere, hvis de ikke er i et parforhold. For kvinder er det tre år. Mister manden sin partner derhjemme, fx skilsmisse, så smutter den mest nære relation, han har.

Gør noget

Således oplever en stor gruppe mænd ensomhed, uønsket singleliv og barnløshed, mangel på muligheder for at følge med på jobbet og dårligt fysisk helbred, hvilket også

svækker den mentale trivsel. Alt sammen noget der påvirker hverdagen.

”Vi ved, at det ikke at have nære relationer er den største sårbarhedsfaktor, man har over for psykiske vanskeligheder og mistrivsel. Mænd skal arbejde for at sætte ord på, selv om en del af dem siger, at følelser er ikke noget vi taler om, det er bare noget, vi er udstyret med.”

Konkret opretter Forum for Mænds Sundhed fællesskaber kaldet ’Mænds Mødesteder’ rundt omkring i Danmark. De handler ikke om at snakke om problemer. De handler om at gøre noget sammen, om relationer og på sigt nære fortrolige venskaber.

”Vi ved, at skaber vi den type fællesskaber, så myldrer mændene frem, for det er relationsopbyggende at lave noget sammen. Det kan man nok også gøre ombord på et skib.” •

FAKTA

By Hanne Baltzer

A GLIMPSE OF Texas

If you ever come to Freeport Harbor in Texas, you must visit the Texas Port Ministry and get a taste of their unique hospitality. This progressive ministry among seafarers was founded in 1974, and the work was quickly extended to the truck drivers coming to the harbor after long periods of solitude on the endless American highways. At the Texas Port Ministry, located right next to the port, people can get a break and a chance to take a bath, get a meal and have a talk with one of the many Christians working there. Since its beginning, the ministry has been expanded and opened up to all the people working on the harbor, from administrative workers to dock workers.

From outreach to cooking, the Texas Port Ministry is primarily driven by volunteers.

Building relationships

Chris Moore has a sincere interest in his fellow human beings. He is dedicated to his work: “We are here to encounter the individual human being. When I see another person, I see Jesus Christ. My intention is to serve every unique person I meet, and that is what I always try to do. In my opinion, both seafarers and truckdrivers are often forgotten simply because we rarely see or notice them. We constantly

use the things they transport, but we rarely give any thought to the people who ensure that we can get what we need in our local supermarket. In the USA, all goods on land are transported by truck.

I’ve only been part of the ministry for a year, but in my experience most people are happy to have someone pray for them. Out of the 100 people, I’ve asked, 97 said yes,” Chris Moore tells.

Inspiration in Denmark

The Texas Port Ministry is a part of the NAMMA – North American Maritime Ministry Association. Last year at a NAMMA-conference, general secretary of the Danish Mission to Seafarers, Nicolaj Wibe, gave a talk focusing on the ministry’s overall aim to see the individual person and tell them about the love of Jesus. This resonated with Chris who had been praying for a new inspiration that could lead him in this direction and away from administrative work and long to-do lists. Therefore, Chris Moore and his wife have just come back from an inspirational journey to the Danish Mission to Seafarers.

Chris has many inspiring stories of human encounters. He is convinced that God speaks to every individual regardless of their nationality, and that God is always at work. •

By Hanne Baltzer

GLIMT FRA Texas

Hvis du kommer forbi Freeport Harbor i Texas, så kig forbi Texas Port Ministry og nyd gæstfriheden.

Her er Chris Moore en karismatisk leder. Arbejdet begyndte i 1974 blandt søfarende, men snart kunne de også se de store behov, som lastbilchaufførerne havde, når de kom med leverancer til skibene i deres kæmpestore amerikanske trucks efter dagevis på de endeløse highways. Hos Texas Port Ministry, som ligger lige ved Texas Port, kan de slappe af, få sig et bad, et måltid mad og møde kristne, som har tid til at tale med dem. Siden er arbejdet også udvidet til de mange, som arbejder på havnen – fra kontorchefen til havnearbejderen.

Der er mange frivillige med i Texas Port Ministry – både i det opsøgende arbejde og når de skal tilberede store portioner mad og servere gratis måltider.

At bygge relationer op

Chris Moore er interesseret i sine medmennesker på en ægte måde. Han er dedikeret til sit arbejde: ”Vi er her for at møde det enkelte menneske personligt. Når jeg ser et menneske, ser jeg Kristus. Det er min intention at tjene den enkelte, og det arbejder jeg med hele tiden. Jeg synes, både søfarende og lastbilchaufførerne på en måde er glemte folk, fordi vi ikke ser dem. Vi bruger de ting, de transporterer, men tænker ikke så meget på, hvem der sørger for, at vi kan finde mange ting på hylderne i supermarkedet. I USA bliver 100 procent af varer transporteret på land af trucks.

Jeg har kun været i dette arbejde et år, men min oplevelse er, at de fleste mennesker gerne vil have, at man beder en bøn for dem. Af de 100, jeg har spurgt, sagde de 97 ja,” fortæller Chris Moore med et stort smil.

Inspiration i Danmark

Texas Port Ministry er medlem af NAMMA – North Amerika Maritime Ministry Association. På en NAMMA-konference i USA holdt den danske generalsekretær i Sømandsmissionen Nicolaj Wibe sidste år et indlæg med vægt på arbejdets formål om at se det enkelte menneske og fortælle om Kristus. Det ramte Chris, fordi han havde bedt Gud om, at han snart måtte finde en, der kunne inspirere til netop det i stedet for at risikere at drukne i drift og lange to do-lister. Derfor var Chris Moore for nylig sammen med hustruen Jodie på inspirationstur hos Sømandsmissionen i Danmark.

Chris har flere gode fortællinger om møder med mennesker. Han er sikker på, at Gud taler til det enkelte menneske. Uanset nationalitet. For Gud arbejder altid. •

”We knock on the windows of the trucks and invite the drivers in for a meal. Many of them are stressed and far from home, and most of them are happy to talk,” Chris Moore says.

”Vi banker på truckens vindue for at invitere dem til mad i vores hjemlige base. Mange af dem er stressede og langt væk hjemmefra. De fleste vil gerne snakke,” fortæller Chris Moore fra Texas Port Ministry.

Missionary to seafarers Per Jerup enjoys every chance he gets to give away a Bible to a seafarer. The Bible in the photo is in Tagalog. Reading the Bible in your own language is always better, and now this Filipino seafarer will have a chance to do so.

Sømandsmissionær Per Jerup (th) glæder sig hver gang, han får lov til at give en bibel til en sømand. Her er det en bibel på tagalog. Det er nemlig allerbedst at kunne læse den på sit modersmål, hvilket den filippinske sømand (tv) nu får mulighed for.

By general secretary Nicolaj Wibe

God cares for us in MULTIPLE WAYS

Jason Zuidema, who is general secretary of the ICMA (International Christian Maritime Association), a large network of maritime ministries, rarely talks about seafarers without mentioning their families. Care is a keyword in all Christian ministries including the ICMA, and caring for others is fundamental to Jesus as well. When we experience care and compassion from others, we grow. We grow because care shapes us and allows the good things in us to flourish. Whether at home or at work, we all depend on being part of a caring environment.

Seafarers and their families are in a special need for care and compassion. Therefore, I want to be bold enough to invite you to open your hands to God’s care in your life. I presume you work at sea, but if not, you should still read on. Both you and your family will benefit from it.

God’s eternal care

I want to point to two specific areas in life where God’s care is directed at you – your eternal life and your life right here and now.

God’s care for us is expressed most clearly in what he does for us through Jesus. After the fall of man, Jesus rebuilt the bridge between God and us. In the beginning of the Bible, we hear how God calls out for Adam and Eve: “Where are you?” That calling, that voice is still active today. Instead of responding: “Here we are!”, Adam and Eve remained in their hiding place. But because of Jesus, we are now free to reveal ourselves to him. Jesus has healed our broken connection with God, and today it is Jesus who calls us to come forward and respond to God’s calling with a loud and clear: “Here I am”. The friendship between God and us that, Jesus has made possible, is a gateway into eternal life. And unfathomable and wonderful act of care from God to us. An eternal friendship with God is a heavenly gift to us all.

Right here in your everyday life

God’s care is not just something awaiting us in the future, it is here and now. Those who have tried praying to God know it. And those who’ve read the Bible know that God can guide us right here in our present lives. God’s care is not just directed at the big events in this world, but also at our everyday joys and sorrows. Can you expect God to step in when you lose your luggage in the airport or if your children are struggling in school? Of course you can. God has promised that he will take part in your daily life.

God’s care for us is the driving force in all good things in this world. Those who accept this care will receive his joy and be able to share it with others. The apostle Peter describes our relationship with Jesus when he says: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”.

The tradition of Celtic Christian spirituality goes all the way back to the second century when Christianity made its ways to Ireland, and it has given us songs and writings that are filled with God’s care for us. Read and consider the following words:

May the Lord go before you to show you the right path.

May the Lord be by your side To walk with you on your journey. May the Lord be behind you to keep you safe from harm.

May the Lord be beneath you to catch you when you fall.

May the Lord be in you to fill you with His Spirit.

May the Lord be around you to protect you from evil.

May the Lord be over you to bless your heart.

So be forever blessed by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. •

“When we experience care and compassion from others, we grow.”

Tag i hånden

Gud

Jason Zuidema, generalsekretær i det store sømandsmissionsnetværk ICMA (International Christian Maritime Association) omtaler sjældent de søfarende uden også at nævne deres familier.

Omsorg er et nøgleord i alt kirkeligt arbejde. Derfor også i ICMA. Omsorg er en hjertesag for Jesus.

Den, der bliver vist omsorg, vokser som menneske. Man vokser af at møde omsorg, fordi omsorg danner og lader det gode i mennesket gro. Det omsorgsfulde miljø er det perfekte sted for alle mennesker at være i. Det være sig derhjemme eller på arbejde.

Den søfarende og dennes familie har brug for helt særlig omsorg. Jeg vil her være så frimodig at opmuntre dig til at åbne dine hænder for Guds omsorg. Jeg går ud fra, at du er søfarende, men er du ikke, så læs endelig videre. Du selv og din familie vil få glæde af det.

Guds evige omsorg

Jeg vil pege på to særlige områder, hvor Guds omsorg er rettet imod dig. Dit evige liv og dit liv lige nu.

Guds omsorg kommer helt ekstraordinært til udtryk i det, han gør for os via Jesus. Jesus blev brobygger mellem Gud og os efter det store svigt i Edens Have. Der kaldte den omsorgsfulde Gud fortvivlet på Adam og Eva: ”Hvor er I?”. Det kald, den stemme er der stadig. Adam og Eva turde ikke springe op dengang og svare: ”Her er vi!” - men det kan vi godt gøre med Jesus i hånden.

Jesus er forsoner mellem Gud og mennesket. Det er Jesus, der igen får mennesket til at sige: ”Her er jeg”, når Gud kalder på os. Og det gør han. Det venskab, Jesus tilvejebringer mellem Gud og mennesket, er åbningen til det evige liv. En ubegribelig og

vidunderlig omsorg fra Guds side. Et evigt venskab med Gud er fuldstændig himmelsk.

Lige her i din hverdag

Guds omsorg gælder ikke bare fremtiden, men også tiden lige nu. Den, der har erfaring med bøn til Gud, vil vide det. Og den, der har erfaring med at læse i biblen, kender til Guds vejledning ind i livet lige nu. Guds omsorg er ikke ’bare’ rettet mod de store ting, men også hverdagens små og større problemer. Kan man forvente Guds omsorg, hvis ens bagage bliver væk i lufthavnen eller hvis ens børn ikke har det godt i skolen? Selvfølgelig. Involvér Gud i dit daglige liv. Guds eget løfte er, at han vil være med i din hverdag.

Guds omsorg for mennesket er en katalysator for alt godt. Den, der tager imod den omsorg, får glæde og bringer glæde med sig. Apostlen Peter siger et sted om Jesus: ”Kast al jeres bekymring på ham, for han har omsorg for jer.”

Keltisk, kristen spiritualitet stammer helt tilbage fra det 2.århundrede, hvor kristendommen fandt vej til Irland. Den rummer sang- og velsignelsestekster som er fyldt af Guds omsorg. Læs, og tag imod denne:

Herren være foran dig for at vise dig den rette vej.

Herren være ved siden af dig for at følge dig på vejen.

Herren være bag dig for at holde din ryg fri.

Herren være under dig for at gribe dog, når du falder.

Herren være i dig for at fylde dig med sin Ånd.

Herren være omkring dig for at bevare dig fra det onde.

Herren være over dig for at velsigne dig.

Så vær du velsignet af Gud Fader, Søn og Helligånd. Amen. •

Contact our Missionary to Seafarers

We would like to meet you!

The Danish Mission to Seafarers talks to seafarers, fishers and others with a maritime connection. Every day, we experience the positive outcome of an open dialogue between people. Maybe a talk about life at sea. Always feel free to contact us! •

Invitation

Kontakt sømandsmissionæren

Vi vil gerne møde dig

Sømandsmissionens medarbejdere taler med søfolk, fiskere og andre, der færdes på havnen. Det er vores erfaring, at dialog mellem folk om det, der fylder lige nu, kan give dagen ny kulør. Kontakt os endelig. •

Missionaries to seafarers / Sømandsmissionærer

Finn Løvlund

Phone +45 - 2073 3806 fl@somandsmissionen.dk

Harbors/havne: Esbjerg, Aabenraa, Hvide Sande

Jørgen Bech Knudsen

Phone +45 - 2865 5277 jbk@somandsmissionen.dk

Harbors/havne: Aarhus, Randers, Kolding, Vejle, Horsens, Grenå, Fredericia

Paul Høeg

Phone +45 - 2296 3950 ph@somandsmissionen.dk

Harbors/havne: Fyn

Per Jerup

Phone +45 - 6113 5383 pj@somandsmissionen.dk

Harbors/havne: Aalborg, Limfjorden

DENMARK/DANMARK

Hotel Bethel Sømandshjem www.hotel-bethel.dk

International Seamen´s Club

Polensgade 3, 8000 Århus C

phone: +45 8612 1599

Mail: seamensclub.aarhus@mail.dk www.seamensclubaarhus.dk

Niels Rasmussen

Phone +45 5184 1942 nr@somandsmissionen.dk

Habors/havne: København, Køge, Hundested, Gilleleje, Rønne, Nakskov

Søren Ørstrøm Phone + 45 3032 8501 soe@somandsmissionen.dk

Harbors/havne Frederikshavn, Skagen, Hirtshals

Sømandsmissionen

i Kalundborg

The Seamen’s Mission in Kalundborg

Editha og Jens Chr. Seeberg

phone: +45 5950 1332

GREENLAND/GRØNLAND

Karsten Hald Jacobsen

Phone: +299 27 60 10 khj@hotelsoma.gl

Harbor/havn: Aasiaat

Else Højvang

Phone: +299 22 39 74 else@hotelsoma.gl

Harbor/havn: Ilulissat

Henriette Killerich Mikkelsen

Phone: +299 25 22 94 henriette@hotelsoma.gl

Harbor/havn: Sisimiut

Niels Chemnitz

Phone: +299 28 40 83 niels@hotelsoma.gl

Harbor/havn: Nuuk

Hotel Frederikshavn

Sømandshjem www.fshotel.dk

KOMPAS Hotel Aalborg www.kompashotel.dk

Sømandscafeen

Bredgade 5, 6960 Hvide Sande

GREENLAND/GRØNLAND

Sømandshjemmet/ HOTEL SØMA

Nuuk, Sisimiut, Aasiaat og Ilulissat www.soemandshjem.gl