Ministry in Mississippi

Newly-constructed Seamen's Center Dedicated

PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI - A dream conceived in 1975 by Zeno Wells and Paul Vandercook continues to shine even brighter today in Pascagoula.

Thanks to incredible donations coupled with months of work and prayer, the newly-constructed Seamen’s Center located on the west port was dedicated Sunday, March 26. A ministry of the Jackson County Baptist Association, the center serves merchant seamen, longshoremen and other personnel coming into the ports of Pascagoula, Chevron and Mississippi Phosphates. Annually, about 5,000 seamen representing 20 nationalities visit the center or its sister facility on the Pascagoula east port, said Adrian Turner, chaplain/director.

The double-wide trailer, custom-designed to meet the needs of visiting seamen, was made possible primarily by donations from Sand Spring Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky and the Virginia Baptist Convention Board, said Turner.

“Hurricane Katrina completely demolished the other one,” Turner explained.

Because of the association’s relationship with the Southern Baptist Convention, those desiring to help with recovery efforts were put in contact with the Jackson County Baptist’s associational missionary Charles Rodgers.

Speaking at the dedication service, Rodgers thanked the members of Sand Spring church, who “voted by secret ballot unanimously to help fund the building.” The church gave $75,000 for the center’s construction.

“We consider ourselves blessed to help y’all out,” said Sand Spring’s pastor Mike Hamrick, who came to the coast to join the celebration.

The Virginia Baptist Convention Board also had a part in the expansive venture, providing substantial funding for furnishings and equipment. Nicole Bulls, Mission Enabler for the Virginia Convention, said the Board had contacted Rodgers, asking for “places in the association that needed assistance after Katrina,” and were referred to Turner. “Adrian’s enthusiasm and passion caught on,” she added, causing them to offer support to the center.

Located a short walk from visiting ships, the new facility has a raised elevation, and is about 250 square feet bigger than the previous one, with a wide-open floor plan. Furnished in a home-like atmosphere, it contains a game room, a place to watch TV and DVDs, a library stocked with literature, Bible study materials and Bibles arranged in alphabetical order according to language, a fully-equipped kitchen, and gathering area. Local church volunteers help staff the center and provide refreshments.

A myriad of services and ministries are offered including phone service, a place to relax and enjoy a snack, shopping trips, and at Christmas time, gift packages donated by church missions groups. For ships staying an extended time, conversational English classes are offered, said Turner.

According to the informational pamphlet available, the center assists “the seamen with their physical and emotional needs so they will be open to receive assistance with their spiritual needs.” Sharing the gospel is done through personal witnessing and the providing of Jesus videos, tracts, Bibles and study materials in the languages of the visiting seamen.

Turner was never overly concerned about the center’s future after Katrina, realizing if it was truly a work of God, the needs would be provided. He is thrilled with the support that has made the new center a reality.

“When you pray, God answers prayers in such a wonderful way,” he said.

For more information about the center, contact Turner at (228) 623-0103 or

Written by Ann Maniscalco, member, First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs

North American Maritime Ministries Association
Rev. Lloyd Burghart
Executive Secretary - NAMMA
US: Box 2434, Niagara Falls, NY 14302
CAN: 13-159 Canboro Rd., Fonthill, ON L0S 1E5
NAMMA Phone: 905-892-8818
Mobile: 905-327-0448
to send e-mail to the Rev. Lloyd Burghart

All pages copyright 2001-2007 North American Maritime Ministries Association
Website design and maintenance by Schweers Design.