M2S Response to COVID-19

Dear Friends and Supporters:

As you know, life has shifted drastically in the past couple of weeks and everyone has been forced to change their regular ways of doing things. Many people are working from home, schools have been cancelled, stores and places of business have closed, and churches having moved worship services online. At Ministry to Seafarers, we have also been forced to change the way we do ministry, but we are still doing ministry!

The Port of Montreal is open and ships continue to arrive bringing the goods which are essential to our everyday life. Seafarers work tirelessly on these ships but because of restrictions around the world, many are being forced to stay on board longer than their contracts, and they are understandably worried. Although the Montreal Seafarers’ Centre is closed, we continue to visit the ships to encourage and support the men and women on board. We are also running errands for them where restrictions have prevented them from leaving their ship. We are encouraging seafarers to take advantage of technology, like our app, Facebook page and Instagram feed (@m2smtl), to stay in touch with us and receive encouragement.

We know times are uncertain, but we also know that we have a certain God who never changes and who is always with us. We want to continue to be able to share this knowledge with seafarers and we can only do this with your help. As churches are moved online and offerings are not collected in person, remember that we accept online donations. Here are ways you can give:

1. Online from our Donate page
2. Through the PayPal Giving Fund (we receive 100% of your donation)
3. Through Benevity, if your workplace uses them to process donations directly from your paycheque. During these tough times, Benevity has launched a 1:1 matching campaign, up to $300,000.
4. By cheque which can be mailed to P.O. Box 128 Place D'Armes, MTL QC H2Y 3E9.

We are praying for you through this time of employment uncertainty, health fears and new home-bound routines. In turn, please continue to pray for M2S and the seafarers we meet.
Let us all remember together the words of Psalm 91, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

In Christ,
Michelle DePooter
Lead Chaplain