Stonecroft provides beanies for seafarers

Guests at Stonecroft Ministries September meeting arrived, intriguingly, bearing knitted woollen hats, better known in South Africa as beanies.

It transpired that these were to be given as gifts to the Durban Mission to Seafarers, which gives them to ship crews in Durban harbour for those bitterly cold nights at sea.

Chaplain Wayne Meyer from the Durban Seafarers Mission spoke on the extensive work of the mission in addressing a seafarer’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs .

He said that 90% of the world’ s trade arrives by sea and, with wars and international unrest, it can be a dangerous occupation for the men, and a substantial number of women who now go to sea.

“Seafarers can lead harsh lives as not all of the ship owners and captains put their welfare first,” he said.

Wherever possible the mission assists with approaching the owners on their behalf to resolve issues, even on occasion taking food on board.

Some crew can remain on board for up to six month periods.

The chaplains take Christ’s love and bibles and encourage the seafarers to read them and ask questions.

Last year they had the joy of a Chinese sailor being baptised on board his ship.

They practice the ministry of presence listening to the seafarers, hearing about their families, celebrations and concerns.

For those who are allowed to leave their ships the mission building is a haven for them, having a chapel and a quiet room, shop, bar, free WiFi, indoor and outdoor games including darts, snooker and chess, but most importantly, having people who care about them.

Before the main talk, Kyle Moodley and Precious Masontweni brought their Woolworth’s team to present their Spring Collection, this time with a difference as Rowan D’Arcy and Wande Zimeme modelled a selection of men’s clothing, along with Heather Greyling, Joan D’Arcy and Yvonne Booysen.

After this there was a musical presentation by not three but five tenors.

Known collectively as Bizana Sweet Music, Mbolela brothers Siphesihle, Andile and Asavela and their friends Lwandile Melanie and Siphethuxolo Jolisa met at high school and joined together sharing their love of music and vocal talent.

Their performance included two operatic pieces that gave full range to their individual voices and harmonies.

Their rendition of ‘You Raise Me Up’ was outstanding and moving. They closed with a humorous ode to ‘Cool Clear Water’.

The five young men were well received by the members and it is anticipated that they will continue to delight audiences.

Tea time is a key part of the morning as the members make new friends and catch up with their old ones over a delicious tea catered by the Methodist Women’s Auxiliary.

The September meeting was no exception as the noise and laughter didn’t stop until chairlady, Vanessa Howard Tripp called them to order to hear the guest speaker.

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