Mission to Seafarers (MTS) Centre at Noro, Western Province this afternoon held its Sea Sunday service, a special occasion dedicated to recognizing the vital contributions of all the seafarers.

A large number of parishioners from St. Peter’s Church at Noro Base, Holy Pentecost at Baru, and Saints and Martyrs of Melanesia at Falog gathered together with some leaders and members from other sister churches as well as Managers and representatives from Noro Port, NFD and Noro Town Council.

The theme for this year’s Sea Sunday is, “Peace in the Storm,” highlighting the many challenges faced by seafarers and reminding all present of God’s constant presence, even amid life’s most turbulent moments.

Reverend Michael Tavoa, Coordinator of the Mission to Seafarers Office in Honiara, delivered the main message. Drawing from Psalm 107:23–32 and Luke 8:22–25, he reflected on the calming of storms—both literal and metaphorical—as a sign of God’s care. These scriptures were used to shine a light on the emotional, physical, and spiritual “storms” faced by seafarers: including isolation from family, dangerous working conditions, and mental and emotional strain.

He encouraged communities to see seafarers not merely as workers, but as people in need of hope, prayer, and practical support. He also acknowledged the role of the Mission to Seafarers in providing pastoral care, hospitality, and welfare services at ports like Noro.

“Seafarers are often forgotten,” Rev. Tavoa noted, “but we depend very much on them for many of the services that support life in our islands.”

Mr. Moses Runikera, Noro Port Manager, in his brief remarks following the service, acknowledges the work of the Mission to Seafarers in both Noro, especially in collaborating with Solomon Ports and other key stakeholders to ensure the wellbeing of seafarers.

“In places like Noro, sea workers are the backbone of industries such as tuna exports and shipping,” he stated. “Without them, many essential services and businesses would not exist. They play a crucial role in keeping our economy running and our communities connected.”

Led by the Rev. Stanley Tovata, Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers Centre at Noro and Rev. Michael Tavoa; The service concluded with a call for families, churches, and the wider community to continue praying for and supporting seafarers, and to uphold efforts that bring peace, justice, and compassion to those working at sea.

According to the Mission to Seafarers website;  Mission to Seafarers is a global Christian charity established in 1835 by Anglican priest John Ashley to provide spiritual and practical support to seafarers who often spent months at sea without access to church or community. It was formally organized in 1856 and now operates in over 200 ports across 50 countries, offering ship visits, pastoral care, seafarers’ centres, welfare assistance, and justice advocacy—regardless of nationality or faith. It was founded to address the isolation, danger, and emotional strain faced by those working at sea, aiming to bring “help and hope to seafarers”. According to the Mission to Seafarers 2023 Impact Report, the organization supported over 302,000 seafarers, handled 1,759 welfare cases, and reached over 62,000 through wellness programs. Globally, an estimated 450 seafarers die annually, with 75–83% of deaths caused by illness (such as heart disease or cancer), 9–11% from suicide—often linked to mental strain—and the rest from accidents or violence