I spent an hour yesterday listening to Ian and Vivian Dennis, who are are engaged with mission work among mariners at the Port of Melbourne under the umbrella of ECM (European Christian Mission).
Ian has been following this faith mission calling since 1979, and Vivian a few years later.
As Christian evangelists and teachers, the Dennis’ work involves contact with an almost uncountable number of nationalities.
During his presentation yesterday people from the nations of Georgia, Ukraine, Philippines, Madagascar, India, Indonesia, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and Kiribati were mentioned, and more alluded to.
Though English is the language of international maritime commerce, communication is a great challenge.
Ian spoke about the darkness that these travelers from other nations often walk in and amongst.
They come from a variety of non-Christian cultures or cultures with traditionalistic and ritualistic forms of Christianity.
Their working environment is rife with corrupt practices and superstition.
So, they climb the gangways and talk to people about Jesus, meeting them at their point of need.
The sea as a workplace can be dangerous and lonely.
Workers are away from their families for months and months at a time and have extended periods of time for reading, viewing and listening.
Much material available to them is not of a positive nature.
Even Christian material can be of a deceptive or cultic nature.
The Dennis’ work allows them to provide calendars, teaching and study materials using various mediums, and Bibles.
They provide links for seafarers to attend home fellowships or churches when in Melbourne.
Mariners will even call them when at sea for counsel and fellowship.
Ian testified that prayer is the engine room of this ministry.
Vivian also spoke about her work among vessels of Chinese origin. The Chinese mariners receive her with respect and accept her ministry.
What an encouragement to hear about this faithful couple, carrying out a mission where the world comes to our nation’s door.
mgpcpastor's blog 
Wow. I’ve often passed the intriguing Mission to Seafarers building on my way in and out of the city of Melbourne and wondered about it. How great to hear about some folk working for the gospel amongst seafarers!
It was most encouraging. There’s always the question of who’ll follow them. Apparently the knees are the big worry, because you need strong and stable ones to get up the gangplanks.