The Houston International Seafarers’ Center is a “home away from home” for seafarers visiting the Port of Houston. The Center exists as the result of a deep desire and ongoing concern within the local maritime industry, followed by active support and involvement of the community and local churches, to provide a safe and welcoming recreational and spiritual environment on land for those who have chosen the sea as their livelihood.

Recognizing that all human persons are a gift of God, the mission of the chaplains and Committee for Ministry to the Port of Houston is to carry out a ministry of presence, outreach, witness, worship, service, and advocacy to, with, and for seafarers and their families from around the world.

There is a team of ministers on duty, including a Presbyterian chaplain, Rev Tom Edwards. In these times of heightened security, our mission is of even greater importance, as we respond to the Great Commission and share God’s love with Seafarers from the world over. It has been a St. Andrew’s tradition to provide Seafarer’s Boxes for this ministry every Christmas. Other ways to be involved include donating gently used books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs, volunteer to drive seafarers shopping, taking a turn at Center reception, or planning an event.