December 1, 2010
Dear Friend of Port of Hope,
"Feathers in the wind"
Most of us know the story of the gossip who was warned about her damaging habit. Then she was told to cast feathers in the wind and retrieve them all the next day. You know what happened!
Christian Mariner monthly articles have been 'feathers in the wind' to seafarers, pastors, seafarers centers and other readers for the last eight months. Each article covers one point of the Christian Seafarers Creed.
The writing is hard. As they say: 10% inspiration…90% perspiration. The style is tough and to the point. No compromise and no apologies for what we believe and how we live. Then extensive Bible references are added to support each major statement.
Once completed, an email is created and sent out through iContact®. The same article is added as a new webpage at www.christianmariner.com. It's a two to three day process.
With a prayer and a click of the mouse the email 'feathers' are cast around the world. Several 'feathers' bounce. Some are read right away while others are read weeks later when the seafarer finally gets to port. Some are ignored. With email tracking we know about half of the messages get opened. iContact® says that's a good response. Several people forward them on to others, or print them and pass them out to seafarers.
I may get one response per issue. A Russian seafarer reconfirmed his belief in Christ as his savior and he carefully studies the back-up verses. An Indian always sends personal news and says, "Thanks." A Filipino man sends me inspirational items in return.
Is it worth it? "Ohhhh ya." We are building strong Christian seafarers a few at a time. And we have no idea where that 'feather' ultimately goes. It will forever remain a mystery.
Only eighteen more chapters to go…then a new topic.
As always, our thanks…
The following message popped up on a non-profit website I visited the other day. He says it best:
Asking for help for ourselves is a drag. If we were…good at asking people for money, we'd be in another business - and presumably a much more lucrative one. We only ask because we really do need your support. People sometimes ask me, "Who are your donors?" To which the answer is: You.
Your financial support keeps these email messages going out each month. You help us build that seafarer's faith! Thank you for your trust in Port of Hope. Please make Port of Hope a priority at this time of the year.
Our sincere wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year,
Phil and Debbie DuFrene
Port of Hope Ministries
