Chaplains on the River

In the world of amateur radio, “ham” radio operators are proud of their ability to respond in emergencies and keep vital communications going when the infrasturctures of telephone, internet, and cell phones may be disrupted. Their motto is “When All Else Fails…Amateur Radio”. Hams prepare and practice often with organized communications nets and exercises so that they will be ready when the need arises.

How are you doing in being prepared for those times in your life when unexpected illness or catastrophic event shakes your foundations? Where would you turn when all else fails? Do you have a plan of action that has been rehearsed until it is “down pat?”

When all else fails…PRAYER! Prayer is talking and listening to God. Prayer is going to the best friend any of us has and seeking counsel and wisdom. Prayer seems deceptively easy – just talk to God and listen. If it were only so simple! Many of us have trouble putting into words what we are feeling, and are really challenged when it comes to waiting and listening. In amateur radio, each station must tune to the same frequency for a contact to be made. In prayer…with practice..we come to understand how God speaks to us and learn to focus in on receiving.

So…just as amateur radio operators practice to be prepared…we need to begin the frequent practice of prayer so that we are prepared for those eventful moments when all else fails…and we turn to God in prayer!

(Chaplain Mike Hammett holds General class amateur radio license KC5PSR.)

Posted: April 20th, 2009 under Towboaters.
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Chaplain Hammett offers an Easter blessing to Mississippi River towboat crews

At the breaking of the Easter dawn may the Risen Savior bless you with grace and peace from above.

God bless your going out and coming in.

The Lord be with you at home and on the water.

May God keep you safe from all harm.

May the blessings of Easter be upon you.

Posted: April 11th, 2009 under Mike's Posts, Towboaters.
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What can I tell you about Easter that you don’t already know? Nothing, I expect. You know the story, and either you believe it or you don’t. So why bother to write something about Easter?

Because.

Just because.

It’s Easter.

Christ has died.

Christ has risen.

Crist will come again!

Hallelujah!

Posted: April 9th, 2009 under Towboaters.
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Ministry on the River wants each mariner to know that someone cares.  Easter on the River is the part of this ministry that places a box on every boat we can for Easter Sunday, with each box containing candy, an Easter devotional, and the love and prayers of each river chaplain, the volunteers who helped pack the boxes, and Seamen’s Church Institute.

On Saturday, April 4, Cub Scouts from Pack 8 in Dayton, TX gathered in the Lead Captain’s Meeting Room at Kirby’s Peterman Center (Thanks to Kirby!) in Channelview, TX to pack 161 Easter on the River boxes for the Kirby canal and river fleets based in Channelview and Baton Rouge, LA.  Candy and money had been donated by Kirby employees from the Waugh and Peterman offices, and one Kirby volunteer had brought her precious and hard-working grandson to help – and make us all smile!

A fun time was had by all, and 161 boat crews will know that someone cared enough for them to donate time and money to help them celebrate Easter even as they are working on the river on April 12th.  May we all remember this example from little angels on the river.  Let’s remember to cooperate and help each other to get the job done and care for each other everyday.  As the Scripture reminds us, our love for God is best lived out and displayed in our love and care for others, as we are all part of God’s wonderful and diverse creation.

Posted: April 7th, 2009 under Towboaters.
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