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Did you know that over 90% of our goods are brought to us by sea, not air, and for each of the ships that bring us the things we need there is a crew of people operating the ships? How often do we think about those people? If you are anything like me, then not very often, maybe not at all, we just forget that these ships need people.

This story is about Danilo. He is 19 years old and from the Philippines

Think about that lack of communication Think about that lack of communication. Imagine you couldn’t use your phones for 90 days? Imagine the school put a ban on phones, not just in lessons but also during the day and also asked your parents to ban them from home??– how would you cope?

Like this I suspect   I know that for many of us, being separated from our phones is unthinkable. But isn’t there something deeper here? About being lonely? When you are feeling lonely, who do you turn to? To your parents? To friends? To God?

Danila wanted to turn to all of these people but couldn’t because of his situation and where he found himself. What does the Bible tell us?

So what do people deserve So what do people deserve? What are the basics that we probably take for granted?

Fortunately for Danila and all seafarers there is a charity that provides all of this and more (9)

The Apostleship of the Sea is a Catholic charity supporting seafarers worldwide. They provide practical and pastoral care to all seafarers, regardless of nationality, belief or race. Their port chaplains and volunteer ship visitors welcome seafarers, offer welfare services and advice, practical help, care and friendship.

Paul Glock, the port chaplain to Tilbury in Essex and also a permanent deacon in Southwark Archdiocese. As well as dealing with Danila’s practical needs he was also grateful for spiritual guidance as well.

1000’s of seafarers are helped in many ways each year 1000’s of seafarers are helped in many ways each year. Here is a list of some of the achievements in 2013. (12)

Danila and many 1000’s like him have received practical and spiritual guidance, but there is always room for more and this is where we come in. What can we do to help?

Danila and many 1000’s like him have received practical and spiritual guidance, but there is always room for more and this is where we come in. What can we do to help?

23 Some went out on the sea in ships;     they were merchants on the mighty waters. 24 They saw the works of the LORD,     his wonderful deeds in the deep. 25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest     that lifted high the waves. 26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;     in their peril their courage melted away. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;     they were at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,     and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;     the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm,     and he guided them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love     and his wonderful deeds for mankind. 32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people     and praise him in the council of the elders.

As we think and reflect on that scripture, I want you to commit to doing something to help. (16) Lets go back to the ideas. Maybe you could do something like this or maybe you could think of something completely different. It could be something that raises awareness or it could be something that raises funds, or it could simply be a commitment to pray for seafarers around the world

I ask you to commit to helping the Apostleship of the Sea I ask you to commit to helping the Apostleship of the Sea. (17) To confirm that commitment I want you to write it down, and display it, so that you don’t forget and so you can be reminded of seafarers like Danila and the work that they do. Your form tutors have the slips for your commitment, please give it some thought.

Let us pray: (this can be said together or led as appropriate)