Our Mission
Our mission is to function as a Christ-centered, community outreach to meet the practical and spiritual needs of seafarers and maritime industries that serve the port of Brownsville, Texas, and surrounding areas.
About Us
However simple or complex the need may be, the International Seafarer Center has been providing service since its modest beginning in the Spring of 1974 when W.R. Aten founded the Center with the assistance of another minister.
Our Service: We Visit Ships
- To provide materials for phone calls home.
- To provide transportation for shopping or other necessary errands.
- To show a personal interest in the well being of all visiting seafarers.
- To provide counsel, support and materials in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Inter-denominational support
We Provide:
- Sim Cards
- Top Up/Refill Cards
- Phone Cards (International Calling Cards)
- Internet Access: Computer Stations & Wifi-Hot Spot (At the center, and available unit for ship)
- Shopping/Grocery runs (Need: shore pass, picture ID [no photocopies], donation for gas)
Meeting the spiritual needs of seafarers is a vital part of our service.
Bibles and inspirational materials are provided in a variety of languages at no cost. Special religious services can be arranged onboard ships, or at the Center. In addition, we will gladly arrange to take seafarers to church services in the area. Back to top.
Why Minister to Seafarers?
Why not? After all, who were the very first men Jesus called to follow Him? They were fishermen -- men of the sea!
While the phrase "they that go down to the sea in ships" calls to mind fanciful images of a romantic adventurous life, the reality is that mariners spend nine to twelve months at sea, separated from family and loved ones, seeing only the same people day after day in very limited surroundings.
Seafarers today lead lives as "containerized" as the cargos they handle. Time spent in port becomes all the more precious.
The International Seafarer Center opens wide its doors and provides a ministry of service as unique and varied as the seamen who pass through these doors.
Whether a captain of a vessel, or an apprentice seafarer, no matter the language, nationality, or religion---they are a child of God and we are here to help in every way we are able. Upon arrival at the Brownsville Port, they will find Christian brethren at the International Seafarer Center ready to provide assistance, friendship, genuine love and concern, and to demonstrate that there is someone who really cares for them with no strings attached.
Why we do it? Faith.
Those who go down to the sea in ships,
Who do business on great waters,
They have seen the works of the Lord,
And His wonders in the deep.
For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind,
Which lifted up the waves of the sea,
They rose up to the heavens,
They went down to the depths;
Their soul melted away in their misery.
They reeled and staggered like a drunken man,
And were at their wits end,
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brought them out of their distresses.
Then they were glad because they were quiet,
So He guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His
Loving kindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men.
Psalm: 107: 23-38, 30, 31
Back to top.
We're growing to meet the needs of seafarers:
Through the support of the Port of Brownsville Commissioners and the Maritime Community, as well as others, we have evolved from a small trailer to a modern new facility with Wi-Fi, new computers and telephone stations, so that we may better serve as a "home away from home" for seafarers.
Since 2001, security has become a major factor at every port of entry into the U.S. For this reason, access to ships as well as escorting seafarers in and out of the port is tightly supervised, and only possible with an authorized transportation workers identity card.
The Seafarer's Center is one of the few privileged organizations which is authorized to take seafarers ashore and bring them back to the port.
We are available to visit ships or to make presentations to organizations. Back to top.
Would you like to help?
The International Seafarer's Center is a work of faith, supported by individuals, churches, businesses, community groups and you. We have no guaranteed income to maintain our vehicles, facilities or staff. Many of our most diligent and motivated helpers are volunteers. Here are some ways that you can help:
Contributions:
Your tax deductible contribution may be made by check payable to: International Seafarer Center.
Donations:
If you, or your company would like to donate office supplies, gas cards, phone cards or other much needed items, such as Bibles and Christian Tracts, as well as books and magazines, please contact us to discuss our needs.
Volunteering:
We welcome volunteers! To find out what areas of service are needed, and how you might help, please contact us.
Back to top.