Chaplains on the River

This week I had the pleasure of gathering with crewmembers, their families, and other well-wishers to bless a new boat in the Channelview area.  Boat blessings are much more low-key than the more “official” christening of a new boat; yet there were at least fifty or sixty people present for this “small” event.

Driving from the SCI office at the Port of Houston to Channelview, Texas, the rain poured down unrelentingly, moisture from the fringes of Hurricane Dolly wreaking more havoc further south of us.  Roads and highways were full of standing — and rushing — water.  Dark clouds hovered over us, punctuated occasionally by the flash of lightning.

Arriving at the boat company, I found the rain to be lessening a bit.  By the time we were ready to begin saying our prayers for the boat, the crew and their families, the rain had stopped.  It was time to begin.

Because there were so many in attendance, we said our prayers outside next to the boat’s bow tied up behind us, under a canopy.  I lighted a candle, expecting it to blow out quickly, but instead it blew out by itself at the end of the service at its appointed time to extinguish.  During the service, the captain held the candle, and the pilot read this passage from Paul’s letter to the Colossians:

You are God’s chosen race, his saints; He loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience.

Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same.

Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love.

And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful.

Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God;

And never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

At the very moment we finished the brief service and said “Amen” in unison, a towboat horn sounded!  What a fitting conclusion! 

After the blessing, we all met to have refreshments and share fellowship.  It was a wonderful morning and a blessing to have a little break in the rain.

- Chaplain Pam