What Societies can do

In the caring for Christians at sea, societies can write letters containing some thought of a spiritual nature, either in the form of a straight forward Bible study, or an illustration of some Christian principle, the kind of anecdote which many preachers use and are remembered for a long time. Avoid 'dated' items like weather, news etc. as it can be a couple of months after you write that the letter is read. Remind the reader that you are thinking of them.

We need woolly hats, calendars, stationery cases, needle cases (housewives), soap, face cloths, throwaway razors, etc. Shoelaces, pens, combs, key-fobs, hankies, and small notebooks, can be taped inside a Christmas card. Most essential are handwritten letters, which tell why we are sending the gifts. They should give a Christmas greeting and tell in simple language of God's love in sending Jesus that first Christmas and that because of that we love and serve our God. Use simple words, as many of the readers will not have a good understanding of English, as they may have learnt it as they travel about and not through school. Through the gifts a great number of men have been led to the Lord and started a new life. Bearing in mind our motto 'Saved to serve', many on leaving the sea have taken up full time service for the Lord at home or in other countries.

Gifts are mostly given out by Missioners of Seamen's Societies in Christmas week. Earlier, ships which will be well out to sea by Christmas are often given a supply of gifts so that an officer can give them out on Christmas Day, a very pleasant surprise for all, and a reminder that they are not forgotten. If you live in or near a port not covered by Missioners you can have on request ready packed gifts for giving out on Christmas morning.