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	November 2003
		Seafarers' Stories
			Hands up all those people who have heard of the Mission to Seafarers, more commonly known as 'The Flying Angel'. Right, give yourself a pat on the back. Now those of you who didn't put up their hands, here is a brief outline about the Mission to Seafarers and the work it does for those who work at sea. The Mission to Seafarers is a voluntary society of the Anglican Communion responsible for ministering to seafarers. It works to meet the practical and spiritual needs of seafarers of all races and creeds. All parts of the world It shares its faith by offering friendship, hospitality, comfort in times of distress, aid in emergencies, spiritual support, counselling for those with problems and help in cases of injustice. Although its origins were in England in the nineteenth century, it has spread its wings to encompass all parts of the world. Its network of ministry staff, honorary chaplains, lay volunteers and seafarers' centres are to be found in nearly all provinces of the Anglican Community. Isolated on islands The Mission to Seafarers was started in 1835 by the Rev. Dr John Ashley. It was established to provide ministry to a small community who were isolated on islands in the Bristol Channel. This extended to the fishing fleet and merchant navy, often lying at anchor off the Welsh Coast. John Ashley continued this work for 15 years until his health made it impossible to keep up the chaplaincy. Today the Mission to Seafarers is represented in some 300 ports throughout the world, of which 83 have full-time ministry staff. It still seeks to fulfil its aim, 'to promote the spiritual, moral and physical well-being of the seafarers and their families worldwide', which it does through ship visiting, hospital visiting and its network of centres. Many stories Tasmania has a centre in Hobart, with smaller branches in Devonport and Burnie. There is also a Seafarers' Club in Bell Bay that is staffed by volunteers from six different churches. There are many stories that can be told from the personal experiences of volunteers of these Seafarer Centres. In each issue we hope to give you a new story to read, to help you to understand the life of the seafarer and the work of the mission. The Mission to Seafarers is always looking for new volunteers. If you think you could be interested in assisting with one of the Seafarers' centres in your city, please phone us at the centre from 1830 hours on 6234 6016 or contact our email address hobart@mts.org.au Also those online can check us out at http://www.mts.org.au/ for local and international news.