Anchor House Week 3: Friday Night Visitors

Week three is a wrap. The Anchor House center was rocking as many ships were in port. That means a plethora of workers in the port and seafarers who need to run to the store to get supplies. This week we had a few ships on which the seafarers were not permitted to leave the ship. In most cases, this seems to be a reflection of individual shipping company policies and occasionally it occurs because the seafarers don't have visas.

After a long week, we closed the Anchor House center Friday evening. Everyone else was gone, but I was still there packing up to go home. I heard a knock at the window. We were closed, so I ignored it. They’ll go away, right? They knocked again. I tried to ignore it again. But decided, I’d go to the door and let them know we were closed. Of course, I’d do so politely. After all, the sign said we were closed and the electric open light was not illuminated. When I opened the door, I could tell that the people standing outside were seafarers. They had their backpacks and were hoping to get inside.

As I was telling them I was about to leave and we were closed, God softened my heart. 1 Peter 4:9 came to mind, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Suddenly my message shifted to me asking them what I could do to help. They stated they were hoping to secure some supplies. As I invited them in, you could feel their excitement and appreciation. They went directly to our little store. First they looked at fishing tackle, then personal hygiene items, and finally snacks. Lots of snacks! They were happy to get bottles of Gatorade and microwave popcorn. As we spoke, I learned that Friday night was the first time they had the chance to leave the ship in a month.

Can you imagine? Confined to a ship for a month? Being in ports but being unable to get off the ship must have been frustrating.

I left that night thankful for the chance to serve these men. Sure, I was at the Port longer than I planned. Sure I had to change my Friday evening plans. BUT, I was right there where God wanted me to be. Thank you God for calling me.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Matt

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