Seafarers’ Carnival on 22nd June 2025
What a truly joyful and unforgettable Sea Sunday we had! Singapore’s very first Seafarers’ Carnival was officially launched—and what a blast it was! Hosted with warmth and heart by the International Lutheran Seafarers’ Mission (ILSM), this vibrant celebration was a resounding success!
In the past few months leading up to the carnival, ILSM actively conducted ship visits in the Singapore seaports, bringing cheer, personal invitations, and the festive vibe of the Carnival directly to the seafarers. These visits not only extended warm invitations—they reminded every crew member that this celebration was created just for them.
It is also worth noting that June is the Month of the Seafarer—a time set apart globally to recognize and honour the contributions of these often-overlooked individuals. Every year on June 25, the Day of the Seafarer is commemorated by the international maritime community. It is a day to give thanks and show our gratitude for the vital role seafarers play in the global economy and civil society, and to acknowledge the great personal costs, risks, and sacrifices they endure while serving at sea.
Hence this Carnival was created as a joyful Thank-You to our incredible seafaring community—a day packed with fun, fellowship, and plenty of smiles. From the moment you walked in, it was clear: this was a party with purpose. Seafarers were treated to a day that said, loud and clear, “You are seen, valued, and celebrated!”
Held at the Tuas South Recreation Centre, with the Carnival games, cheerful chatter, and bursts of laughter around every corner! Alongside the fun were moments of reflection and connection, with ILSM continuing its mission of care through heartfelt devotionals, prayers, and warm conversations.
As part of the inauguration of the Carnival, we introduced a special signatory coin medallion—a meaningful keepsake designed to commemorate this historic occasion.
This milestone celebration also marked 25 amazing years of ILSM’s ministry, serving the spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of seafarers in Singapore’s seaports since 1999. The carnival was a shining example of their mission in action: “bringing faith, hope, and love” to those who spend their lives at sea.
Bro. Lawrence Low, a member of Jurong Christian Church, shared his reflections on the meaningful time spent with seafarers at the ILSM Carnival:
“Together with Dr. Simon and Xavier, we connected with the second group of seafarers who arrived. Among them were two individuals who particularly impressed me with their interesting stories. One seafarer from Pakistan identified himself as a Muslim. He was attentive when I shared my personal faith journey and experiences. The other, an Ethiopian Christian, opened up about his struggles to practise and maintain his faith while at sea. He even showed us a picture he had taken during a difficult moment on board, illustrating how looking up at the sky and being amazed by creation reminded him of the Creator. We exchanged contact information, and it’s our prayerful wish that God will enable us to stay connected.”
A heartfelt “Thank You” goes out to the incredible team behind the scenes who made this unforgettable day possible! You were the hands and feet that made this celebration shine.
A special word of appreciation to our partner churches, who came together in unity as the Body of Christ, standing shoulder to shoulder in support of the seafaring mission in Singapore. Your presence, prayers, and partnership truly reflected the spirit of Christian fellowship—where love becomes action, and mission becomes shared purpose.
The Seafarers’ Carnival was a joyful expression of that gratitude—bringing together the community to say, loud and clear: “You are seen. You are valued. You are not forgotten.”
To the LCS congregations, partner organizations, and supporters—your unwavering love and support made all of this possible. Whether through running game booths, welcoming guests, offering pastoral care, or praying faithfully behind the scenes, your contributions created a celebration full of hope, hospitality, and honour.
“We are making a history for the Seafarers that come to Singapore, never was there an event organized for them. This is the first ever and we want to do it every year.” ‒ GM of ILSM, Bro Bryan Tay.
Together, we’ve sown seeds of joy and encouragement into the lives of those who keep the world moving from the sea. And as Galatians 6:9 reminds us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Thank you for being part of that harvest.
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