In 2004 we had three Indian seafarers visit our home, one of whom was John, from Tamil Nadu and a brother in Christ.
A few weeks ago John took the time to write and tell me that since 2004 he has been onboard ships trading to Europe and has been regularly visited by Keith Oliver in Felixstowe and Martin Otto in Hamburg. He also mentioned how Keith had written to him on two occasions.
Inter alia, John wrote:
"I will not forget this type of hospitality in my lifetime. I believe all these things happened because of God's grace - I told everyone at my place about the hospitality …"
It seems clear from John's letter that the collective influence of SCFS port missionaries has made a very big impression on John and Strengthened him in his faith. It is a great reminder about the exhortation of Hebrews 13: 1-2 "Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers…"