COVID persists, but we see some improvement ahead

The International Seafarers Ministry, Port Miami is busy and very soon will get extremely busy.  We rejoice in what God is doing on the cargo side of Port Miami and look forward to what He will do on the cruise ship side of the port.  In August we are scheduled for only a few cruise ships per week.  As the COVID pandemic releases its grip on travelers the number of ships will increase.  This increase could very easily over whelm the resources of the ministry.  Conversely, if the cruise lines do not allow the mariners to leave the ships, it will be difficult to share the love of Christ with them.  When the increase will occur and by how much is only known by God and we rely on His direction and provision.

I believe Jesus said it best:

Mat 9:36-38  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 

Please allow me to translate this to what we see:

We see the crowd of mariners God is sending to the port of Miami. We have compassion for them, because they are over worked, away from their loved ones, often influenced by those of poor moral values and are like sheep without a shepherd. There are many mariners coming to the Port of Miami but few workers to share the love of Christ with them.  Pray earnestly to the Lord to send laborers into His harvest, the Port of Miami.”