The people of Lumen Maris
Lumen Maris is Latin and means ‘Light of the sea’. The name refers to the light that the foundation would like to bring into the lives of seamen, the light of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Co-workers of Lumen Maris offer pastoral help on the spot in the ports. We go on board the ships to meet the seafarers. Sometimes the contacts are fleeting, sometimes very intense. We talk together, if there is need for it, we pray together. We should like to give the seafarers who arrive in the ports of the Schelde-region especially the feeling, that they are welcome, feeling at home.

Who we are We (Willem and Ada van Dijk) have lived in Zeeuws Vlaanderen since 1970. We have two children and two granddaughters. The foundation Lumen Maris was formed by us in 1990 with the object of supporting seafarers spiritually in their often difficult existence. Willem knows a seaman’s life from his own experience and is therefore very concerned with the weal and woe of the people whom he meets on board the ships every week. Ada goes with him to the ships every week and does the administration in the background and keeps contact with the seafarers where that is appreciated.

During our visits on board we meet people with many different religious convictions. An important text that we carry in our hearts is a statement of the Lord Jesus: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’’
(Matthew 25:40)

Bibles and study material We provide free Bibles, biblical literature, DVD’s and study material in various languages which can be an important support for seafarers in difficult periods. As much as possible we also keep on holding contact via mails or letters after a ship has left the port. A seaman: ‘’Thank you very much for the gift of a Bible. Every time that I read it, I think of you and pray for you.’’

Practical help
Beside spiritual help Lumen Maris also gives practical help to individual seamen. For example, we help  seafarers when their ship is arrested and they may not put to sea from the port authorities. We give practical help by a admission to hospital. How long or how much help we offer depends on the seriousness of the situation and differs from case to case.

A seaman about Lumen Maris: ‘’We had nearly lost hope when we arrived in Belgium. We had no more contact with the family, a shortage of food. We thank God that there are people with golden hearts who have helped us. You were always at our disposal’’.