Thousands of miles away from their homes and families, “there are perhaps 2.5 million seafarers working on large cargo ships, sailing the waters of the world, and the vast majority are from countries in Asia and Eastern Europe.” They take on work that is highly demanding, difficult and uncomfortable to provide for their loved ones.
Since his second year at Redeemer University, Dr. Jason Zuidema ’00, the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner, has been faithfully serving seafarers in maritime ministry.
“It was through Redeemer, on a weekend trip to Montreal and the Seafarers’ Centre, that I was first introduced to two areas that have remained central to my calling: French-language mission in Quebec and the wider world of seafarers’ welfare and ministry.”
During the trip, Zuidema had the opportunity to volunteer with seafarers and learn about their lives far from home. That weekend, God continued to orchestrate the steps for him to continue on this path after he saw an advertisement for a summer internship at the Seafarers’ Centre. He applied and the rest is history.
After graduating from Redeemer with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Theology, Zuidema went on to study a Master of Theological Studies at Calvin Theological Seminary. He then served part-time as a pastor in Quebec while pursuing his PhD in church history at McGill University. Zuidema has continued to research, write and lead in various roles in seafarers ministry.
Redeemer helped form my worldview to think about how Christians can be faithful in all sorts of different ministry settings.
For the past 15 years, Zuidema has served as the executive director of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) and, since 2017, the general secretary of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA). NAMMA as the regional association and ICMA as the global are both Christian associations that provide support, training and resources to port chaplains and others who minister to seafarers.
“Redeemer helped form my worldview to think about how Christians can be faithful in all sorts of different ministry settings.”
Zuidema says that seafarer’s ministries are found in about 800 ports around the world, taking on various forms. Some of these ministries are in buildings and others are more mobile.
He describes that seafarer’s ministry is a hidden form of mission, and that there is a “sea blindness” in modern western societies to the hidden cost that seafarers bear.
“The price of full store shelves and packages shipped to our homes is often borne by migrant workers who spend many months away from their families in order to keep our families and economies connected. In that sense, seafarers can be seen as a kind of ‘orphan’ of globalization.”
A key verse that he finds powerful and motivating, is found in James 1:27, “to visit orphans and widows in their distress.”
“The basic act of seafarer’s chaplaincy is often visiting ships and being with seafarers. It’s not necessarily all the things we might do for them, though that’s important, but it’s being with them and having the kind of meaningful conversations that can serve seafarers in whatever context they’re in.”
Zuidema has been compelled to find ways for the church to reach and care for these seafarers who are overlooked and forgotten in the world, isolated from the ordinary structures of family and community.
Having served seafarers as a port chaplain for many years, and now a teacher and encourager to seafarers chaplaincy ministries, Zuidema describes, “The basic act of seafarer’s chaplaincy is often visiting ships and being with seafarers. It’s not necessarily all the things we might do for them, though that’s important, but it’s being with them and having the kind of meaningful conversations that can serve seafarers in whatever context they’re in.”
When seafarers come into port, it can be very challenging for them because of security restrictions, as they are often arriving from foreign countries after many months at sea. This puts them in a vulnerable situation to get the help they need. Even accessing basic necessities, such as a tube of toothpaste can be difficult.
This is where port chaplains and volunteers step in to serve those on their doorstep. Through Zuidema’s vast experience and leadership in maritime ministry, he shares about how port chaplains serve sacrificially, arising early and staying up late to care for seafarers and provide them with the assistance they need.
“Each day is a new day of grace to be the helping hands as Christians around the world to these seafarers…chaplains and volunteers are ready and willing to serve in many different places…and their acts of kindness reflect God’s generosity toward us.”
As the general secretary for the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), Zuidema also plays an influential role in global advocacy for seafarers. ICMA has a delegation at key meetings to represent the voices of seafarers with the UN organizations, International Labour Organization and the International Maritime Organization.
With the current global crisis in the Middle East and especially in the Strait of Hormuz, these advocacy efforts prove vital as ministries are actively supporting the welfare of seafarers who are caught in the midst of the crisis.
“A number of our seafarers’ ministries have online services or helplines where they can speak to seafarers and their families.” Zuidema continues to raise awareness and is a voice for those who are caught in the conflict.
Navigating complex situations in his work requires wisdom and diplomacy. “I have the privilege to work alongside people from the industry, governments and labour movements. Knowing how to move together with these groups, so much of my ability to do that was thanks to the courses and teachers at Redeemer. I’m deeply thankful for my education at Redeemer. I look back on it fondly and I’m thankful for all that was given to me to encourage me in this work.”
For Zuidema, it has been amazing to witness God’s faithfulness as he travels extensively around the world to help with training, networking and coordination.
I’m deeply thankful for my education at Redeemer. I look back on it fondly and I’m thankful for all that was given to me to encourage me in this work.
“When I go to the far-flung corners of the earth and I meet people who are giving care for seafarers, there’s something that is so beautiful to see, that common attitude of service and the desire to be salt and light, to reflect the love of Jesus to those who are far away from home and to have our hands open and ready to serve. It is a wonderful joy to be together with them.”
Jason Zuidema is the 13th annual recipient of Redeemer University’s Distinguished Alumni Award and will be receiving the award at Redeemer’s Alumni Award Reception on November 17, 2026. Learn more about the award and past winners on the award website.