Testimonies from Wes & Judy, the Missionaries at the Tampa Port Seafarers
The story of Victor a Seafarer from Russia
John, a Tampa police officer had served many times as a guard for Seafarers who had to leave their vessel for emergencies but did not have a visa or passport. He held them in protective custody so they could leave their vessel. He called and asked Judy if we could provide a Bible or some materials in Russian for a Seafarer that just had surgery for cancer.
Without knowing much about the situation, Wes and Judy went to the hospital. In the hospital room, they met Victor who was the Chief Officer on the Ship "Green Nova" that brings in a load of melons from South America each Friday for ten weeks during their growing season. He could speak some English but could only read a little English. The doctors were not able to remove all of the cancer, so he would not be able to return to his ship.
Wes and Judy were able to witness to Victor and explain the plan of salvation with him and he prayed to receive Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. Before leaving, they had prayer with Victor and John. It was a moving experience for all. Hopefully, Victor arrived home with Jesus in his heart and willing to share with his family and friends.
Last year, one hundred and seventy Seafarers prayed to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They typically return to isolation of their ships for up to nine months. Many return to countries where Christians are few or even persecuted. It is our desire to set up a team of men who will become Christian 'pen pals' to international Seafarers. We can use volunteers who can send emails in English or many other languages. If you are interested, please contact Al Kocot at 813-681-6501.
Yuca Puma
Today we had a Peruvian crew come into port on the "Yuca Puma" vessel. They were not allowed to walk to the Seafarers Center even though it is only about a 5 to 10 minute walk. The crew had to be escorted back and forth from by the Tampa Port Ministries vans. 15 to 25 Crew members visited our center. They purchased many items at the center at it seemed as if they had some money and wanted to take something home, almost anything they could use. Of course they took plenty of free magazines, Bibles, and clothing with them.
Several of them including the Captain wanted to go and shop at Wal-Mart for other items then needed. About 4 PM, Wes, picked the crew up and brought the back to their ship. While en route, Wes, gave the Captain a gospel tract in Spanish. He immediately read the Salvation to himself and the other Seaman sitting next to them and they both prayed out loud for forgiveness and to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. As soon as Wes realized what had just happened, he asked the Captain to write his name on the back of one of Tampa Port Ministries cards for their records and the Captain allowed the other Seaman to add his name as well.
This is not the first time TPM have had a Spanish speaking Seafarer to lead others to Christ with one of their Spanish tracts but it is the first time for a Captain who is Master of his vessel to act as an Evangelist without TPM having to ask him to.
After dropping the crew at their ship, the Chief Officer and some others wanted to come to the Center. The Chief Officer sat up front next to Wes. He was a lot more fluent in English so Wes gave him a Spanish Tract also, and after he confessed to be a Christian, Wes asked him if he had ever prayed for forgiveness and received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and he said no, but immediately read the sinners prayer in the Spanish tract. The Chief Officer assured Wes it was the first time and that he really meant it. He also gladly wrote his name on the back of another card for TPM records. It is such a thrill to witness the spiritual birth of Seafarers from another language and culture groups into the Kingdom of God.
God is Good, all the time and always on time. He had these encounters on His calendar even before creation. Praise His Holy Name.