(FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.) — Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades has appointed the Rev. Sanford Raymond Sears as its new port chaplain.
Sears comes to Seafarers’ House from Holy Guardian Angels Church in Lantana, Fla., where he served as vicar. He is an ordained priest in the Anglican Church who worked as a hospice chaplain for six years prior to serving at Holy Guardian Angels.
Sears is a retired United States Coast Guard officer and spent two years in the United States Army.
"Sears’ pastoral experience, as well as his service to the sea services as a member of the Coast Guard for many years, makes him a perfect fit for his new role,” said Seafarers’ House Executive Director Lesley Warrick. “We are lucky to have found someone with his background to fill this critical role of providing support to the thousands of seafarers who visit our port each year.”
One of the most demanding jobs at Seafarers’ House is that of chaplain. No two days are the same and no task is too small. From ensuring the chapel is fully stocked with necessary items, to ship visits, to responding to emergencies, the port chaplain is on call 24/7.
“While the role of a seafarer often is romanticized, it can be a difficult and lonely existence,” said Sears. “To become part of an organization that makes such a positive impact on the lives of these hardworking mariners is a role I am very honored to accept.”
Sears will lead a group of volunteer chaplains from various faiths who also support Seafarers’ House mission by providing counseling, assistance and spiritual resources.
About Seafarers' House
Seafarers' House at Port Everglades is an award-winning nonprofit organization supported by the faith-based community as well as by labor, business and civic leaders with a mission "to offer refuge, resources, renewal and respect to the maritime community through multi-faith service." Open throughout the year, Seafarers' House is a safe, friendly place where mariners can connect with their families, relax, or get emergency assistance if needed. With the help of its supporters and volunteers, Seafarers' House offers many services including free transportation, Internet access, counseling services, and liaison with authorities as well as recreational facilities. Seafarers' House was honored as the 2015 Seafarer Advocate of the Year by Lloyd’s List North America and received the 2014 Salute to Business award from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, Seafarers’ House was honored with the Seafarers' Center of the Year award from the International Committee on Seafarers' Welfare — the first American agency to receive this international honor. Seafarers' House annually hosts nearly 150,000 visits by cruise and cargo ship crewmembers. For additional information visit www.seafarershouse.org.
