Tchoupitoulas Center

The new ministry center has been open since late 2006. Construction was delayed by Hurrican Katrina; however, thanks to heroic efforts by many people, it was finally completed in late 2006. The first floor, with its offices, chapel, large recreation area, and kitchen, has been in constant use to serve our maritime personnel. We are seeing the results of being so visible in the community and being located so close to the port. Many of our seafarers and port personnel are able to walk to the building. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people that we have been able to contact since the building opened.

The second floor, Phase 2, is still under construction. This area will be used for housing volunteer teams and long-term volunteer staff. Considerable progress toward completion has been made, and with your support, we are anticipating being able to complete it this year.

Reserve Center

In 1994, we began to plan for a second minisry center in the Port of South Louisiana. In June of that year, we opened our first center in a small building in LaPlace owned by Williams Boulevard Baptist Church. In November of 1998, we began using the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church in Reserve. This move allowed us to be nearer the ships and seafarers we served.

In October of 2001, we purchased our current facility in Reserve. It is located on River Road in a very visible location. The building was dedicated debt-free in January, 2002. Rev. Steve Corbin and his wife, Ann, are Mission Service Corps volunteers who have effectively served at the Reserve Center for the past three years. They have made the center welcoming to the seafarers and have developed strong relationships with port personnel.

Meet our Staff:

Rev. Philip and Sandy Vandercook Rev. Vandercook is the Executive Director of Global Maritime Ministries. Philip began his ministry as a part-time chaplain in 1985. He was later named Director when Rev. John Vandercook retired in 1991. Philip's wife, Sandy, serves as editor of the newsletter, The Anchor, and does other administrative tasks. Sandy and Philip have two children, Anna and Amy.

Rev. Norman and Priscilla Mangum Rev. Mangum is Assistant Director/Chaplain, working in the Tchoupitoulas Center. He joined our staff as part-time chaplain in 2008. He and his wife, Priscilla, also work with the Norwegian Spirit every Sunday while the ship is in New Orleans.

 

Rev. Steve and Ann Corbin   Rev. Corbin and his wife, Ann, joined our staff in March 2006. They are Missionary Service Corps volunteers and have taken responsibility for the Reserve ministry. Ann has overcome her fear of water to go out to a boat and throw a birthday party for the captain!

 

Rev. Ronald (Ron) Townsend   Rev. Ronald Townsend is part of our staff as a part-time chaplain. He is currently enrolled in the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Ron and his wife, Amy, and their three daughters moved here from west Georgia.