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Anchor House Week 32 - Freedom


In this country, I think we take freedom for granted. Most of us have never known anything but freedom. We can typically come and go as we please. We can pursue the dreams we envision. We live in a country that provides us significant freedom.

For the seafarers we serve at Anchor House, freedom takes on a life of its own. Freedom to leave the ship depends upon visas, shorepasses, duration of stay in port, and the decisions of ships owners, management, and captains. There are many factors that can impact a seafarer's ability to get off of a ship and have the freedom to move about. 

February 20, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. The term freedom drastically changed for the Russian and Ukrainian seafarers we serve. They found themselves restricted and could no longer enjoy shoreleave at our port. Meanwhile their colleagues from other countries were able to visit Anchor House or travel to town for shopping while their ships were in port. While their countries waged war and lives were changed forever, these men and women experienced a significant impact to their freedom. 

This past weekend we celebrated. The authorities lifted the restrictions. Even though the war continued, love prevailed. Our brothers and sisters from Russia and Ukraine were again permitted to disembark the ship and come to Anchor House. They could go shopping at the store rather than online. They could visit a restaurant and enjoy a meal off of the ship. Their freedom was restored. 

The perseverance of the Russian and Ukrainian seafarers over the last six months is a strong reminder of true freedom. It is not found in our ability to come and go as we please or visit places we want to visit. It is a gift of Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:1 says , “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” No external event and no person can ever take away the freedom we receive in Jesus. We stand firm in His freedom. 

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt

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