Westminster Christian School Middle School Students Serve and Encourage International Seafarers at PortMiami
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Westminster Christian School Middle School Students Serve and Encourage International Seafarers at PortMiami
Miami, FL – March 2, 2026 — The International Seafarer Ministry of Miami recently welcomed middle school students from Westminster Christian School for a day of service, learning, and meaningful interaction with international seafarers at PortMiami.
The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to meet seafarers—men and women who serve aboard cruise and cargo vessels and who often spend many months at sea, far from their families and home countries. Crew members representing nations such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, India, the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, and several others shared about their cultural backgrounds, family life, daily responsibilities aboard ship, and the unique challenges of working far from home.
Throughout the visit, students listened attentively and engaged respectfully with the seafarers. One particularly moving moment came when a crew member from Ukraine shared how he had lost everything when his city was invaded. His story offered students a personal glimpse into the global realities many seafarers face and highlighted the human stories behind the ships that pass through Miami’s port each day.
At the conclusion of the program, students personally greeted each seafarer, offering words of encouragement and appreciation. These simple gestures created meaningful moments of connection that were deeply appreciated by the visiting crew members.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of a generous donation of $1,858.45, raised by Westminster Christian School’s middle school students through their Valentine’s Bake Sale. Additional personal contributions from Mrs. Heather Bishop and Mr. Jeff Heck further demonstrated the school community’s commitment to service and local international missions.
“We are deeply grateful for the partnership and generosity demonstrated by Westminster Christian School,” said Dr. Julio C. Salas, Pastor, Executive Director and Port Chaplain of the International Seafarer Ministry of Miami. “This experience reflects what we often describe as local international missions. While many think of missions as going abroad, here in Miami the nations are coming to us. These students had the opportunity to serve people from around the world right in their own city.”
The ministry also extends a sincere appreciation to PortMiami and City of Miami officials for its continued cooperation and support. Special thanks are given to the police officers whose assistance was instrumental in helping the school bus safely park and ensuring that the students were able to reach the ministry campus safely. Their professionalism and support contributed significantly to the success of the visit. We also thank our partners Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines for their support. We invite others to join our efforts.
The International Seafarer Ministry of Miami is dedicated to serving the spiritual and emotional needs of seafarers visiting the Port of Miami. Through warm hospitality at our International Hospitality Center, we provide a “home away from home” where seafarers are welcomed with sincere friendship, a friendly smile, and compassionate pastoral care. The ministry offers Bible studies, prayer, counseling, and ship visits, creating opportunities for encouragement and spiritual support.
Through these efforts and other free services, the ministry reaches tens of thousands of maritime workers each year—men and women who often spend long months at sea and experience significant periods of isolation while working far from their families and home countries.
While our primary focus is serving seafarers, our doors are also open to port employees and passengers who may wish to receive prayer or encouragement before embarking on their journeys. The ministry welcomes anyone who comes seeking spiritual guidance, prayer, or pastoral support.
Community members, churches, schools, and civic organizations interested in supporting this work are invited to partner through their generous financial contributions. Donations help sustain outreach efforts and expand services for the international maritime community visiting PortMiami.
For more information about the International Seafarer Ministry of Miami, partnership opportunities, or ways to give, please contact us at hello@ismportmiami.org. To donate online follow this link: https://www.ismportmiami.org/give
International Seafarer Ministry of Miami
The International Seafarer Ministry of Miami is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services (https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Consumer-Services) by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
