With a variety of ministry experience under his belt, our new Chaplain at Mission to Seafarers Geraldton is well suited to the role.
Peter Schendzielorz, who has previously served in the multicultural western suburbs of Sydney, worked with the Anglican mission agency CMS in Perth and in AFES student ministry on university campuses, says he has a passion to share Jesus with everyone, including seafarers.
“Seafarers work hard, spending months at sea, away from family and their local community. Amidst the challenges, there is comfort to be offered to them in the gospel which transcends the difficulties and distance of life at sea.
“God’s comfort is accessible at times when their families or other supports are not. You can pray to God anywhere. You can read the Bible on land or at sea.”
As Peter begins in this new role, he says it's a privilege to care for seafarers but is aware that each meeting is precious.
“We may only have a brief encounter with a seafarer during their shore leave, at the gangway or through online communication, so we have to make the most of every opportunity.
“It’s more a ministry of planting and watering, rather than reaping the harvest.
“I want to encourage everyone that cross-cultural ministry is not as hard as you may think. Overseas visitors are often keen to meet locals, and from a ministry perspective, they are often more open to talking about spiritual matters.”
But it's an important work amongst people seeking hope, and reflects Jesus' ministry of calling fishermen to follow him – as they ask in John 6 – ‘Where else have we to go? You [Jesus] have words of eternal life?’
Peter became aware of the need and opportunities for gospel workers in the North West when he visited in 2007 as part of an SMBC student mission. He and his wife Kate were also drawn by gospel mindedness and warm fellowship he had experienced among NW ministry workers throughout the diocese.