Visiting seamen are given a warm welcome when they come into the church services; and as we look into the faces of groups of men of different nationalities – the Spanish, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, German, Dutch, African, Scandinavian, or any other, we thank God for the presence of each one with us. 

Though many do not understand English, they can understand the language of sacred music and Christian love; and also recognize the presence of the Spirit of God in our midst. A Japanese officer said: "We feel the Spirit in our heart." Some from distant lands who once bowed before images, idols, or other man-made gods in which there is no life, have responded to the call of the Spirit and have knelt before the Eternal, Life-giving God. How soul-inspiring to see some of these men of different races, colors, and creeds coming down the aisle to a place of prayer, at the close of an evangelistic meeting! Each, in his own native tongue, makes his petition known; and God, who understands the language of every heart, grants an answer to the seeker after righteousness. As a result of earnest prayer, many of these men are enjoying happy Christian lives today. Victory is theirs whether they continue duty on the sea, or once again resume the life of a "dry-lander." 

Officers, as well as crewmen, enjoy the church services and receive spiritual benefit. Some years ago, a captain of a merchant ship was converted, and when his ship made its next stop in Portland, both his first and second mate came to church to pray for the same salvation their captain had found. More recently a Spanish electrician knelt in prayer and was saved. He has written beautiful letters telling of his new-found joy and of his trust and faith in the Lord since his conversion. 

A Japanese doctor who attended our services when his ship called here, wrote us, saying: "Before I visited Portland I was a strong infidel and a very sinful man. But after praying, I became very happy. My way of life is greatly changed since I went to the church and prayed before the altar. It is now possible to spend a very happy day.... I am now reading the Bible and pamphlets from the church. I think that the Bible doctrines will be necessary to all people wanting to keep a peaceful and happy mind." 

In a recent Sunday night service, 49 seamen of six countries were present. Another night, seamen of 13 nationalities were in the meeting. The largest total attendance in a single service was recorded shortly after World War II, when 126 seamen were present, 113 of whom were Japanese. Annual attendance of men from the ships has reached as high as 4,000. Many of these men come again and again to the services when their ship returns to the Port of Portland.