Peter Wells is a retired widower living on the Isle of Wight. For many years he has been visiting ships in Portsmouth Commercial Docks, sharing the love of Jesus with seafarers of many different nationalities who are often a long way from home and loved ones. He works in a team of four ship-visitors concerned for the spiritual and physical welfare of the sailors.
There is also an army of ladies who knit woolly hats, scarves, fingerless gloves and slippers which the team takes onboard – along with little gifts such as chocolate biscuits, toothpaste, toiletries etc. as well as Bibles and Christian books written specifically for seafarers in various languages.
There is often opportunity to give a short gospel message, usually using a sketch board, to some of the crew as they eat their lunch in the ‘Mess Room’ or to talk one-to-one and listen to their concerns.
Some ships dock on a regular schedule, which gives great opportunity to build friendships with seafarers, often having the chance to pray.
Other ships come in on a ‘tramping’ basis; you never know if the team will see them again. This brings an urgency to truly share The Word of The Lord. There are many possibilities, and an open door; recently, after conversations about 20 people listened avidly to the Good News message and the team were able to pray with some who admitted their need, particularly the ship’s doctor who showed much gratitude.
Peter is a remarkable man taking the Gospel to the world as the world comes to him