On Tuesday afternoon, August 4, I had the distinct privilege of addressing 115 shipboard visitors and chaplains from all across North America. I was a keynoter at the annual conference of NAMMA, the North American Maritime Ministry Association held at the Marriott Hotel in Old City Philadelphia. I described how my 10 years of experience visiting hundreds of ships and their crews in the Port of Philadelphia had changed my life and inspired the writing of Pedro’s Delivery (Pink Umbrella Books, 2026.)
We are so grateful that Jason Zuidema, who directs NAMMA, invited Lynn and me to be part of this special conference, giving me the chance to talk about the journey leading to Pedro. I made all those visits as a volunteer for the venerable Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey (SCI).
Jeff Wheeler, who has been involved in the cocoa industry in the Port for 46 years, was so taken with Pedro’s Story that he donated copies of the book to all the conference attendees. Jeff began his career as a stevedore loading bags of cocoa beans on railroad cars. He now oversees the importing and distribution of beans in the Port as CEO of Dependable Distribution Services, Inc. in Pennsauken, NJ.
Because of Jeff’s generosity, conference attendees, having heard my remarks, sent me and my spouse, Lynn, a consistent message as they spoke to us. “This book does a great job educating children about what goes on behind the scenes to bring products to their store shelves.” Some said reading the story to and with their children and grandchildren will help give early readers an understanding of the importance of their ministry to seafarers.
Several said they hope to purchase multiple copies of Pedro’s story to give to those they relate to in the workplace and to family members.
Lynn and I were greatly blessed and moved to meet so many dedicated and compassionate caregiving professionals and hear their stories. It made my having written the story of Pedro so worthwhile!
Here’s the video of his talk:
Here are some photos with Mark (and Lynn) at the event:
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