The Friendly Society News

In December of 2011, The Friendly Society Restored received donations of $1,300 to support The Seafarer's Society - Please read this letter we received:

As a result of your generosity, the ChaPSS 2011 Christmas at Sea Program distributed over 1600 gifts to Seafarers from India, the Philippines, Germany, Sweden, Montenegro, Italy, Madagascar, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Indonesia, Croatia, China, America, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, England, Kiribati, Russia and more. The following is just one story of how your partnership with the Charleston Port and Seafarers Ministry makes a difference:  

I boarded a ship whose crew was primarily from Myanmar (formerly Burma). Sensing the crew probably would have been Buddhist, I asked if any of the crew were Christians. When told that two members     were, I asked if I could visit with them. We were able to visit in the ships office and I told them that the Seafarers Ministry had gifts for the whole crew and I was depending upon them to explain the meaning of Christmas and gift giving. The two Christian men were more than willing to take on the task and were very appreciative of the gifts.  Then, one of the crewmen proceeded to ask me if I had a large print Bible in Burmese.  I told him I did not but would have one for him when he came back on a return trip. He said, however, they would not come back to Charleston. He explained that he was having trouble seeing and he hoped he would have a Bible to read since he could not read English very well.  I noticed his eyes appeared to be very red and thought that he had some issues with his vision and perhaps may not have access to eye care in his country. When I suggested I pray for them, I heard their knees hit the floor. It was obvious that they were holding onto their faith  After I told the man in need of the Bible I would be back in an hour and could hopefully help him, I went to a local pharmacy and purchased reading glasses for magnifying print. When I returned to the ship, I gave him the glasses and asked if they made a difference. The big smile that came over his face told me he could see to read his Bible.  He wanted to know how much the glasses cost and I told him they were free... “A gift from God”. 

You never know how God can use gifts to convey his love during Christmas. Thank you for the manner you chose to express Christ's love. Please consider sharing our thanks by way of your newsletter or posting it in a prominent place. 

May you have a blessed New Year.  

Thank you,

Sue

Susan Hinkle, Administrator

Charleston Port and Seafarers Ministry

www.CharlestonSeafarers.org

843-200-9745