Saint John Seafarers Mission

08/28/2026

Hi Seafarers. Our friends at Memorial University asked us to share this. They are looking for your input.

----

You are invited to participate in a survey about your health and access to healthcare as a seafarer working in Canada. Your answers will be completely anonymous, and your participation is completely voluntary.

Take the survey here:
https://mun.yul1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6L0HhzNnG0Pb6M6
The survey is available in English and French; you can select your language on the first screen.

You are also welcome to take part in an optional one-on-one interview about your experiences. To choose a convenient time, book here:
https://calendly.com/pbaldiviezor-mun/30min

08/23/2026

This is Captain Alexandr, from Russia. I met him today, Sunday, August 23 aboard the Kiel Express during her stop in Saint John. He came by the ship’s office on his way off ship to go for a walk. He said, “I just want to walk on something that is not steel.” This is one more thing that makes me appreciate and admire the seafarers. I enjoy a frequent walk on a wooded nature trail. He spends all day, every day on and surrounded by steel. Shore leave is critically important for the mental welfare of every seafarer.

08/23/2026

Here are two of the crew of the CMA CGM Surabaya, Htut Lwin and Thet Htun pointing out a friend they know who pinned his photo to our pegboard. Then a request from them for a photo of my wife and me with them. They sail from port to port on a ship with a crew of 21, away from family, friends, and country (Myanmar) for up to 9 months. Every day, every meal, every task with the same people. When they get shore leave they ask for very little. This day, Friday, August 21 they requested a taxi to Walmart, and a photo. Guys…we see you, we serve you, we appreciate you, and we look forward to seeing you again on your next call to Port Saint John.

08/21/2026

I have met some interesting seafarers this week. The gentleman on the left is Stanislav, from Ukraine, the Chief Electrical Technician aboard the Saupe Express. He is soon to take leave and will spend that time in Spain with his wife. He has lost almost everything in the war in Ukraine, yet smiles and speaks with enthusiasm. Maria, on the right is Filipina, and as 2nd Officer is 2 steps from becoming Captain, possibly in 5 years. Both expressed excitement about their futures…he about being with his loved one soon, she about fulfilling a dream in an environment that is increasingly open to strong female leadership. We wish them both a happy and prosperous future.

08/10/2026

A total of 14 seafarers visited the Mission to Seafarers, Saint John today (Aug 10) from the Ningbo Express. I visited at least 14 aboard the same ship, had lunch with a few and then found them back at the mission later. What a delightful group.

07/30/2026

On Wednesday, July 29 I boarded the MSC Canberra III for a visit with the multinational crew. Arriving at the mess I met the cook and messman and a dribbling of others as they came for their noon meal. The bosun and I sat at the same table and enjoyed good food and conversation. When I asked him if all onboard were well and doing okay he introduced me to Richard at another table. Richard needs to go home. His father is in a Manila hospital suffering with a brain bleed and paralysis, facing surgery, with no certainty of survival. Before he can be released Richard needs to provide verification of his farther’s medical emergency so is seeking paperwork from the hospital. His Captain is sympathetic, but must follow protocol. The ship’s next port of call is Freeport, Bahamas. For Richard that’s 4 or 5 long days of waiting, wondering, and hoping he gets home in time.

Before I left Richard, I asked if I could pray with him. He quickly dropped his fork and spoon, reached for my hand, and bowed his head as we talked to our Heavenly Father about his situation.

07/24/2026

Thanks to Saint John First Wesleyan Church for inviting Doug and Tony to share about the Saint John Seafarers Mission on July 19, 2026. It was great to have a chance to share about the seafarers with whom we work.

You can check out their talk below, starting at 50:19.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/25/2026

Without seafarers, global trade would not move the way it does today.

From food and fuel to raw materials and everyday essentials, millions of products depend on ships and the people who operate them. Seafarers work across oceans to keep supply chains connected and commerce flowing between nations.

Today, we recognize the dedication and professionalism of seafarers around the world.

06/25/2026

Married this past April, in month 2 of a 9 month contract, this seafarer was at the mission studying navigation online and tells why he likes that we are here.