The Maritime Bethel at Savannah will host a luncheon event at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Garden City United Methodist Church, 62 Varnedoe Ave., Garden City.

The lunch will include speaker Dr. S. Joseph Morgan, MD, who will portray Leonardo da Vinci in costume as he discusses the painting The Last Supper. Following will be the keynote address by Rev. Dr. Jason Zuidema, executive director of the North American Maritime Ministry Association, headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Following these presentations will be a brief dedication of Bethel 8, the new MBS minibus, funded by the International Transportation Workers Federation Seafarers' Trust, headquartered in London, England.

ITF Seafarers’ Trust supports the provision of services to maritime workers and invests in long-term programs that improve seafarers’ health and well-being. ITF acts as a catalyst for positive change in the maritime community. Lesley Francis Public Relations grant writer Evelyn Fallon submitted an application to the ITF Seafarers’ Trust seeking $60,637.82 in June 2017. Maritime Bethel at Savannah was awarded $50,000 in January 2018 and utilized the funds to purchase a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus.

“We are looking forward to this Saturday morning program followed by the luncheon to be able to hear from two outstanding speakers and to celebrate our newest minibus. An estimated 59,730 international seafarers were served in 2017 by MBS volunteers and this number is expected to rise in 2018. The Bethel 8 van will play a huge role in allowing us to further our mission,” said Chaplain Andy Krey. “We are also grateful for the assistance Lesley Francis PR has provided us in acquiring the grant for the Bethel 8 minibus as well as Thrivent Financial, who has helped sponsor this event.”

The Maritime Bethel at Savannah is one of 539 maritime bethels across the world providing “far away from home” personal and practical support to seafarers. MBS is a faith-based nonprofit ecumenical organization which includes advocacy, spiritual, physical and emotional support to crew members.

The donation for lunch is $15 per person. Please RSVP to Chaplain Krey at [email protected] or mail a check payable to the Maritime Bethel at Savannah to P.O. Box 884, Rincon, GA 31326.