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This site features information for teachers and parents about the WMU® missions education organization for preschoolers called Mission Friends.

September 2010
by Rhonda Robbins-Reeves

September

Seafarer Ministry

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NAMB Photo

Meet the Missionary
Say hello to Mr. Ratz. Mr. Ratz’s first name is George, but he likes to be called Jerzy. Mr. Ratz was born in Poland and came to America to serve as a missionary to people who work on big ships.

Five Fun Facts

Mr. Ratz is married to Anna, and they have four adult sons and six grandchildren.
Mr. Ratz came to America from Poland. When he was a little boy living in Poland, no one ever told him about Jesus. He didn’t go to church and he didn’t even have a Bible in his home.
Mr. Ratz climbs the steps to the big ships to meet the seafarers who work on the ships. He invites them to the Seamen’s Church Institute in Philadelphia, and he also leads Bible studies on the ships for the workers.
Mr. Ratz and his son Matthew give Bibles written in different languages to the seafarers. Most of the seafarers on every ship are from four or five different countries so they need a Bible written in their own language to read.
Mr. Ratz speaks five languages including English. His son, Matthew, speaks three languages. Speaking so many languages helps Mr. Ratz talk to more seafarers.

Photos courtesy of Mr. Ratz

Prayer Requests

Pray for God to give the seafarers on the ships comfort as they are away from their families for many months. Pray that the families too will have peace.
Pray for the captains of the ships to guide the ships safely in stormy weather.
Pray for Mr. Ratz as he visits the ships to tell the seafarers about Jesus.
Pray that Mr. Ratz will have enough Bibles in other languages to give to seafarers from many countries.
Pray for the seafarers who receive the Bibles to know that God loves them and that they will believe in Jesus.

Missions Area Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Did you know . . .
That Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania?

That the famous Quaker, William Penn, gave Philadelphia the nickname of The City of Brotherly Love?

That Philadelphia is known for its historical significance in the American Revolution and American independence?

That Philadelphia had many historical landmarks including Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell?

That Philadelphia is located on the Delaware River and ships from all over the world dock at this port?

That Seamen’s Church Institute is in Philadelphia where seafarers can come and rest, relax, and connect with their loved ones?

For additional information and activities, see Fall Mission Friends Leader, pages 4–20, and First Steps in Missions, vol. 16, pages 6–12.