A Message from Henryk Behnke, Seafarers International House
Jan 21, 2024
“Merry Christmas and thank you” to our Metro New York Synod congregations from crew members like those on the containership MV Tirua, who sent a thank you email with the photo below to Seafarers International House, the Lutheran response to the urgent needs of vulnerable seafarers and immigrants since 1873.
Congregations from Patchogue to Poughkeepsie have helped Seafarers International House spread Holiday Cheer to a historic record of over 3,000 seafarers in the ports of Albany, Baltimore, New Jersey & New York, and New Haven. Hundreds of volunteers and donors assembled so-called Christmas-at-Sea satchels, reusable bags filled with warm clothing, knitted scarves, nuts or chocolate, and personal season’s greetings.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie
Our friends in congregations like Messiah Lutheran in Staten Island or Christ in Wantagh showed seafarers that we care. Ninety percent of what we consume comes from container ships and bulk carriers, on the backs of people with low wages who often go unrecognized for the sacrifices they make. You all made their day, whether they celebrate Christmas or not. THANK YOU.
Christ Lutheran Church, Wantagh
Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Patchogue
Pace e Bene (Peace and all Good)
Henryk Behnke (he, him, his)
Director of Development & Communications, Seafarers International House