The Mission to Seafarers, Nigeria, has appealed for deeper recognition of Seafarers for their vital contributions to trade and commerce worldwide.
The event, which was held on Sunday at the Anglican Church of Resurrection, Victoria Island, honoured the selfless sacrifices of seafarers.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, chairman of Mission To Seafarers, called on Nigerians to reflect on seafarers’ critical role in their everyday lives.
Sarumi, who is the former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), emphasised that without Seafarers’ relentless efforts, most goods and materials that sustain economies and households would never reach their destinations.
“You probably don’t understand the seriousness of what we are doing today,” Sarumi said. “Just look around you, if you’re not careful, the only things made in Nigeria might be you, your spouse, and your children. Virtually everything else comes from abroad. And who brings them to our shores? The seafarers.”
Sarumi stressed that even in regions afflicted by war or political unrest, such as Ukraine, Gaza, or the Red Sea, seafarers continue to brave hostile waters to deliver essential goods, often risking their lives in the process.
He also praised the Mission to Seafarers’ global humanitarian work, which spans over 200 centres in 50 countries.
According to him, these centres serve as sanctuaries for seafarers, offering them legal, medical, spiritual, and psychological support. The mission sometimes provides shelter and a temporary home to distressed seafarers needing care and reconnection with their families.
“These centres are like an oasis in the vast desert of the sea,” he said. “They provide a home where seafarers can rest, communicate with loved ones, or enjoy simple comforts like a meal or internet access.”
Sarumi thanked religious leaders and congregation members who attended the event in large numbers and acknowledged their unwavering support and commitment to the mission’s goals.
“Whatever it is that you do, remember there are people out there making life more comfortable for you, not just by bringing local products, but goods from across the globe, right to your doorstep,” he concluded.
In a stirring message delivered during the service, Venerable Oduwole Tunde reminded seafarers and the wider Christian community of God’s constant presence and peace, even in the most turbulent times.
Drawing inspiration from Psalm 39 and the Gospel account of Jesus calming the storm, the speaker emphasised that God is present even when His followers are at their lowest.
Referencing the story of Jesus asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat during a violent storm, the message highlighted that Christ’s rest was not a sign of indifference but a peace greater than panic.
“Faith calms the heart before it calms the sea,” the speaker noted, quoting Jesus: “Where is your faith?” The lesson, he said, is clear: God often works within before He changes what is around.
Addressing seafarers, Ven. Tunde affirmed that though they may be far from land, they are never far from God. “His Word travels faster than radio waves,” they declared. “His peace is available even on the open sea.”
The message further urged believers to draw strength not from their surroundings but from who is with them, Jesus Christ. Echoing Isaiah’s promise and the prayer in Matthew chapter 2, the speaker declared that even in troubled waters, God’s presence remains steadfast.
Encouraging practical expressions of faith, the sermon referenced James 2:15-17, reminding Christians that “faith without works is dead.” Believers were called to support seafarers through consistent prayer, giving, volunteering, and advocacy.
The vicar praised organisations such as the Mission to Seafarers for their sacrificial commitment, often giving not out of abundance, but out of faith in God’s provision.
“Your small contributions, time, resources, and prayers can have a wide-reaching impact,” the message stated. Supporting such missions is a way to extend God’s reach to millions across oceans.
The message also emphasised the role of churches and Christian communities in raising awareness and shaping just maritime policies. Cultivating peace at home and remaining anchored in God’s Word were cited as essential habits for all believers, especially in times of uncertainty.
Scriptures such as Psalm 119:165, 1 Thessalonians 5, Hebrews 10:24-25, and Lamentations 3:21-23 were referenced to reinforce the importance of thankfulness, prayerfulness, and surrounding oneself with faith-filled individuals.
Rounding up the sermon, he declared, “Peace has a voice, and Jesus still speaks peace into storms today.”
Encouraging all listeners to trust God’s track record of faithfulness, he affirmed that though storms are inevitable, the most critical question remains: Is Jesus in your boat?
