Everyman’s Ministry to the Navy

A matter for prayer… The sailors here have everything in their rooms; large flat screen T.V’s, stereos, gaming consoles, internet, coffee machines, cookery, washing machines… you name it! While the Navy is trying to provide the best for their sailors, it has contributed towards self-induced isolation, resulting in antisocial behaviour. Even the bar and galley are neglected.  Despite the challenges, Everyman’s continues to provide a good presence on base and looks to new and creative idea’s that’ll attract sailors into the centre.

In my first week however, I challenged a sailor about his approach to faith. It became obvious that he had a strict legalistic church upbringing. His view of God was rules and regulations. I assured him of forgiveness because Jesus took the punishment we deserved. Interestingly, he told me he knew all about the forgiveness available in Christ through a former girlfriend, but made the firm choice to follow a bit of all religions including New Age.

Please pray for this sailor. He has heard the truth, but needs the grace to see it, as John 14:6 says, “there is no other way to salvation apart from Jesus.”  I have regular visits from another sailor that recently made a recommitment to Christ. Although he is having health issues which have kept him off the ships. Pray that I will be a friend and helper to him in this time.

Homebush also houses sailors who are “broken” (to use a common term here), being physically, mentally or emotionally injured. As such, opportunities profit by ministry. Pray the Lord will give me the right words to each one who drops by.

Lastly, I’m honoured to attend Chaplaincy meetings fortnightly. This is a great privilege indeed as it gives Everyman’s a wider picture than we would otherwise have of the needs that exist.

God bless,
Commissioner,
Ken Matthews