Ian Hutchinson-Cervantes – Mission to Seafarers
Ian, together with his wife Raffy and their youngest son, Tomas, arrived in Panama in Autumn 2018 to establish from scratch the first Mission to Seafarers chaplaincy on one of the most important sea routes in the world.
God has been amazingly gracious as He has opened doors and enabled this new ministry to grow rapidly in the ports at both ends of the Canal, such that seafarers are being visited, supported and blessed as they pass through. Whether it is simply some shopping or a local SIM card, or pastoral support, or a communion service or practical advice and advocacy in dealing with employers or bureaucracy – the seafarers receive what they need, given in the love of Jesus.
Mission to Seafarers is a vital connection for thousands of seafarers who are away from home for months and do not always have the best of conditions or treatment and can feel very alone and vulnerable.
Ian, Raffy and Tomas live on the edge of Panama City on the Pacific end of the Canal and have really settled into local life – being helped by being fluent Spanish speakers and already knowing South and Central America well. Panama is a beautiful country with a very rich wildlife – hummingbirds and iguanas are regular visitors to the garden!