Most of the seafarers passing through the Port of Brunswick are from the Ukraine, Russia and the Philippines, though they are on ships flying the flag of many different countries. Their average wage is $50 per month. Yes, they are provided room and board though in many of the vessels these are not the sort of conditions that we would want to live in.

The ISC has a base at the port on Colonel’s Island which allows the seamen and women to shower and relax, read, play games, but more importantly to be able to use phone cards to phone home and to receive some medical care.

The centre in conjunction with the SE Georgia Health system and utilizing nurse trainees staffs a small infirmary at the base.  If a patient needs to be transported to the emergency Room they have an agreement which allows them to receive fast track care so that they can generally be back onboard when the ship departs the port. 

Because of the cooperation between the ISC and the hospital the health system was recognized with a Georgia Community Award.

The ISC is non denominational and has bibles available in all languages; currently about seventy! They need donations of bibles as they welcome and minister to the stranger whom comes among us from all the world’s oceans. Also needed are donations of new or used books, magazines, videos/DVDs. Any of these items may be put in the basket in the vestibule of the church.

The children of the Religious Education program will be collecting articles to prepare Christmas boxes for the seafarers. All ready the Sew and So group are busy knitting hats, scarves and gloves to be included in the boxes.