Some seafarers find it very difficult to get shore leave. This can make them feel like prisoners!
I was speaking to a Christian on a fuel carrier who had not been ashore for 7 months. The ship comes in, loads and unloads, and is off again. He has probably stood on the dock side – but often the docks are too far from the towns and there is no time to go ashore. He was very grateful for the visit and the encouragement plus literature and Bible study.
Other times there is the equipping of the Christians on board to be a witness to the rest of the crew. There was one Indonesian crew who had just joined the ship with only 2 Christians on board. Their gentle witness would do far more good than my efforts. So I left literature to equip the Christians and encouraged them in their walk with God and for the praying for the rest of the crew.
Alan Offord, Falmouth.