Matt Morse, Director of the Seamen’s Church Institute’s International Seafarers’ Center (ISC), recently returned from a meaningful two-week journey to Germany and Poland on behalf of SCI. His first week was spent in Hamburg, Germany, where he visited a number of seafarers’ welfare organizations and centers. There, he observed best practices, built relationships with dedicated staff and volunteers, and deepened SCI’s collaborative ties with international partners.

In the second week, Morse traveled to Poland to participate in a specialized training on seafarer welfare hosted by Jason Zuidema of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA). He joined 17 fellow participants from across the globe, all committed to enhancing the care and support provided to seafarers worldwide.

Reflecting on his travels, Morse shared how moved he was by the warmth, hospitality, and generosity extended to him as a representative of SCI. “Healthy collaboration, communication, and connection between seafarers’ welfare organizations concretely benefit the men and women we are all privileged to serve,” he said.

“What we build together is stronger than what we can build alone.” – Matt Morse

One particularly meaningful moment occurred during a ship visit in Hamburg, led by Stella Maris Chaplain Monica Doring. There, Morse met seafarers who were en route to his center in Port Newark, NJ. “I looked them in the eye, learned their names and stories, and asked what my team at ISC could do to support them before their arrival. That moment—made possible through the generosity of both SCI and Stella Maris—was deeply powerful. What we build together is stronger than what we can build alone.”

As Morse returns to his role, he looks forward to reflecting further on his experience and applying the insights gained to benefit SCI’s programs and operations. He remains excited to continue the conversations and relationships sparked during this global exchange.