Port of Hope Florida
Port of Hope cruise ship ministry is located at the world's largest cruise port.
Does that mean we will become the largest cruise ship ministry in the world?
Probably not.
Chaplain Kathy Martin, at the right, is the Port of Hope chaplain in Miami. As far as we know, there is no other evangelical ministry at that port.
Chaplain Kathy works part time for a large cruise company and works with many international crew members. Because of her outgoing personality she quickly establishes relationships with crew and soon is hearing about their personal concerns and needs.
Chaplain Kathy is careful not to mix employment with ministry. Her challenge is to become more than just a caring Christian coworker and friend. Her goal is to become the 'go to person' whenever a crewmember has Bible questions, personal problems, concerns about their faith or just needs a listening ear.
She uses her personal lunch breaks and off time to connect with her contacts face-to-face and continues that relationship with personal visits, her cell phone, texting, Facebook and e-mail. She encourages them, gives Christian counsel, prays with and for them, provides literature, mentors them...and keeps an international calling card handy in case they need to call home.
Kathy is no stranger to cruise ship ministry. She comes to Miami after nearly a decade of cruise ministry in Alaska.
That's what she does...
here's what she needs to do it.
Port of Hope has no central funds for salaries or ministry expenses. Each member is asked to raise funds for their daily needs and ministry costs. This builds a wonderful bond between the worker and you, the sender.
Kathy's strategy is to work part time with the cruise line so she has time and opportunity to minister to crewmembers.
We all know part time income as sole income won't meet her basic personal needs as well as rent and transportation.
That's why Kathy needs your financial help to:
1. have a complete income based on her hard work and your gifts to supply her daily living expenses and
2. cover her ministry costs, such as her iPhone, Internet usage, free "emergency" phone cards, literature, JESUS DVDs, Bibles, birthday cards, extra transportation...and so much more.
Click here or the Port of Hope Florida icon to donate and help her make a difference in the lives of international crewmembers.
