Skip to main content

Anchor House Week 31 - NAMMA

The first week of August, I had the chance to attend the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) Conference. NAMMA is an ecumenical, Christian association of individuals and affiliated organizations involved in maritime ministry throughout North America, including the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. I had the privilege of attending the conference with our summer intern, Gabe. For both of us it was the first time we had the chance to be a part of the conference.

I enjoyed getting to meet so many individuals who serve the Lord across the globe. Each of us serves at different ports and in unique ways. The exchange of ideas was both enjoyable and informative, especially for me as the new guy. Each of the people I met had a heart for the seafarer and the challenges they face. Their hearts poured out to show the love of Jesus to the men and women aboard the vessels that visit their respective ports.  

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting one of my predecessors. Tim Huppert served two stints as Director and Chaplain at Anchor House. From my vantage point, his leadership was formative for the mission. In the few months I have been here, I have found myself referring back to his materials as a guide as I find my way and look into the future.  As an example, his newsletter format was the inspiration for the format we are currently using. (By the way if you don’t get it and would like to be added to the mailing list email us at AnchorHouseMission2@gmail.com). All those whom I've met that knew Tim, speak very highly of him. After spending a short bit of time with him, I completely understand why they feel this way about him. 

As I said earlier, I got to attend NAMMA with our summer intern (Thank you NAMMA for the grant that allowed us to bring him on), Gabe. It has been spectacular to have Gabe with us for the summer.  He has a bright future ahead of him wherever God calls him to serve. Gabe left NAMMA and returned to college outside Chicago. I felt blessed to be able to share in the NAMMA experience with Gabe and enjoy Gabe’s last few days with Anchor House. We wish him the best during this school year.

These experiences remind me of a few things. First, regardless of denomination, we all are united as Christ’s body. Each of us is different with unique functions. Each of us is a part of the whole. Secondly, we are called into relationship. The simple instruction by Jesus to “love one another” requires the establishment and maintenance of relationships. To this end, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience my first NAMMA conference with a tremendous individual like Gabe. Additionally, it was a blessing to have the opportunity to meet many others who serve at ports across the globe. This was especially true in regards to meeting Tim Huppert. Anchor House is fortunate that God called him to serve seafarers at SeaPort Manatee.  As he says, “Why seafarers? Why not!”

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Matt

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bold Like Stephen

I've always admired people who aren't afraid to be bold in their convictions.  It is the kind of boldness that allows them to stand out in the crowd. There is just something different about how these people view and engage the world around them.  The movie “Hacksaw Ridge” portrays a man that exemplifies what I mean by bold.  He was drafted to serve in World War II but refused to bear arms because of religious reasons. Yet, he still managed to receive the Congressional Medal of honor. Without a weapon in his hand, he saved 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite his objection to violence, he still served his country. Despite his objection to war he found a way to love his neighbor. He was bold.  When I think of bold in the Bible, I think of Stephen. Acts 6:8 says, "Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people." Stephen faced opposition to his teachings. Those that opposed his teachings couldn't ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Do the Work

Sometimes I sit down to write and it just seems like I am trying to write with a pen without ink. There is simply nothing productive coming from the activity. Other times, God just pours it out on me. The ideas flow and the message comes together with ease. More often than not it's the former rather than the latter. It seems God likes to make us work for it. The ones I have to work a bit harder on become the ones I like the most. I think we appreciate the things we have to work for more than the things that come easy. Our LifeGroup recently read about the Miraculous Catch of Fish. You know the story where Peter and his buddies have been out fishing all night and came back to shore completely empty handed. That next morning, Jesus asks them to take him out in the boat. Once out on the water, He has them put the nets back down and they bring in loads and loads of fish. So many fish that two boats almost sank.  I guess Jesus could have just made the fish jump into th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Welcome Children

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to Him, and placed the child among them. And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." - Matthew 18:1‭-‬5 NIV This past Sunday was simply life-giving at Westside Christian Church. The energy and excitement were palatable. My daughter couldn't wait to get to church. She was excited to worship with her friends and have fun together afterwards.   With the VBS takeover, the church was packed! Sure there were a few seats open, but there was a line of people standing in the back. It is safe to say it was "standing room only". Fitting with the story of Zacchaeus that Pastor Russ shared.   Jes...
Post a Comment
Read more