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owns 44 general cargo wharves, six container wharves, six liquid bulk wharves, and three dry bulk wharves available for public hire. The Port is the largest in the U.S. in foreign cargo and is 2nd. in the U.S. for total cargo. Worldwide it ranks as 6th. largest. In 2002, foreign trade passed through the Port of Houston in the amount of $41.9 billion. Our largest trading partners in that year were Mexico, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and South Korea. The top import and export items were Petroleum & Petroleum Products, Crude Fertilizers & Minerals, Iron & Steel, Organic Chemicals, Inorganic Chemicals, Cereals & Cereal Products, and Plastics.
Seafarers' Centers Ministry
The ministry to the Port of Houston is supported by denominational mission funds from several churches who cooperate in Seafarers' Ministry. At this time chaplains come from the following groups: Episcopalian, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United Methodist. New Covenant Presbytery is the only Presbyterian group providing chaplains to seafarers in the United States. There are two center locations: Houston International Seafarers Centers, located on the upper level of Wharf 23, tel. 713-672-0511 and Lou Lawler Seafarers’ Center, 1700 E. Barbours Cut Blvd., tel. 281-470-8322.
Houston International Seafarers' Center
Port Chaplains Extend a Ministry of the Church
See...
New Covenant Connections
March 2004 |
This is one of the largest Seafarers' Center in the world and is blessed in having a beautiful Chapel, large swimming pool, a conference room, grill and snack bar, a small store, a library, exercise area, a large open area for T.V. and lounging, basketball court & pavillian, and a running track & soccer field.
Every evening seafarers' are transported to the center and often experience special activities and events such as Church sponsored parties, organize sports activities lead by staff and churches, television in many different languages, and most of all people who care and give time for seafarers who often are without the closeness of family or friends. Time is often given for prayer, Bible study, counselling, and problem solving.
Church groups often visit the Center and are given a presentation of the Ministry which occurs at the Center. Chaplains have many stories to tell and share many ways in which Church groups may have hands-on involvement in international mission. Also, groups may take a free trip down the Houston Ship Channel on the M/V Sam Houston, a small ship owned by the Port.
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