Lutheran Maritime Ministries

Our mission for December is Lutheran Maritime Ministries. We all rely upon the many products ships haul as cargo. In fact, 80% of what we buy at the store comes through the Long Beach or Los Angeles ports. At sea, crews are often battered by severe weather which makes seafaring the world’s second most dangerous profession. Seafarers and fishers sacrifice so much of "normal life" to do their work. Separation from family and faith communities is their biggest hardship. The men and women who work on ships have normal physical, spiritual and emotional needs, often intensified by the incredible hardships and dangers of their occupation. Most seafarers are at sea from 9-10 months a year. The gifts that these people will receive may be the only thing they get this Christmas. Please be generous and give what you are able. A list of items that may be included might be:

knitted sea watch caps; package of razors, can of shaving cream; other shaving items-Cologne, aftershave, etc.; deodorant; combs, brushes; note pads, pens, envelopes; hard candy, gum; white socks; microwave popcorn bags; toothpaste, brushes; pack of gaming cards; fingernail clippers, nail files or anything else small enough to fit into a gallon Ziploc bag! We are requesting that bars of soap not be include because even if they are wrapped, the soap gives off an odor that everything else absorbs.

We will be planning a time to get together to pack the bags and prepare for shipping. Please look for that and join us; and please give generously! See Meagan Ranger or Jeannette Anderson if you have any questions about our December mission.