We Get Knocked Down, and We Get Up Again

There’s a song by the English band Chumbawamba titled “Tubthumping.” I couldn’t tell you what “Tubthumping” means (or even what a Chumbawamba is), but its chorus has become an anthem for us at Anchor House this year. The lyrics go like this:

 

“I get knocked down, but I get up again,
You are never gonna keep me down.
I get knocked down, but I get up again,
You are never gonna keep me down.”

 

This refrain repeats at least 23 times in the three-and-a-half-minute song, and if you’re anything like me, the words are now stuck in your head. But this isn’t just a catchy tune—it’s a reality that has resonated deeply with Anchor House throughout 2024.

 

This year, we’ve been knocked down more times than we can count. It’s been a season of trials, unexpected setbacks, and hard-won resilience. Yet, by God’s strength and faithfulness, we’ve managed to get back up each time, becoming more focused and more resilient in fulfilling our mission. Anchor House is here to meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of international seafarers and the SeaPort Manatee community, and each challenge has strengthened our commitment to that mission.

 

In 2024, we faced multiple new realities. We dedicated our energy to realigning our vision and clarifying our focus to better fulfill our mission. Anchor House exists to support international seafarers on multiple levels—spiritual, emotional, and physical—through services like ship visitation, transportation, hospital visits, and even supply delivery. We also offer something equally important: a listening ear, human connection, and pastoral care.

 

Our mission extends to supporting the SeaPort Manatee community itself. We operate a store and restaurant that serves dock workers, stevedores, and longshoremen, creating a safe and welcoming space for them to take a break and refuel. Through our relationships with the Port Authority and local businesses, we work to bring people together, raising awareness about our ministry in the wider community. This work includes outreach to local churches and fundraisers, which are vital to sustaining our work. In an average year, fulfilling this mission is a demanding and rewarding accomplishment—a blessing that calls for all our energy.

 

But 2024 wasn’t an average year. In addition to our regular responsibilities, we encountered a series of obstacles: an unexpected need to replace our A/C unit, new tires for the van, the impacts of a tropical storm and two hurricanes, and staff changes. Every challenge came with its trials, some of which required every ounce of resilience we had. Every time we took a step forward, it felt like we encountered another hurdle, demanding us to dig deeper and gather our resolve.

 

Yet, despite the hurdles, we kept getting up. Anchor House isn’t just a ministry or a place—it’s a testament to the power of purpose and the resilience of faith. Each challenge has reminded us that our work isn’t simply a duty; it’s a calling. We are here for the seafarers and community members who need us, and no matter how many times we’ve been knocked down, we get up again.

 

We can’t continue this journey alone. The resilience and purpose that define Anchor House are sustained by our faith in God and the generosity of people like you who believe in our mission. That’s why we’re launching the $25 for 2025 Campaign—an invitation for you to stand with us in meeting the vital needs of the seafarers and community members we serve. Through a small but impactful monthly commitment, you can help Anchor House keep rising, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

 

Anchor House $25 for 2025 Campaign

This year, you can make a significant impact with a small monthly commitment. The $25 for 2025 Campaign is an opportunity to support Anchor House in its mission to meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of international seafarers and the SeaPort Manatee community. By contributing just $25 per month, you’ll help Anchor House fulfill the following goals:

 

Key Initiatives

1. Expand Our Reach and Services

   • Cover operational costs like utilities, Wi-Fi, and essential programs.

   • Support hiring a full-time chaplain to enhance our spiritual outreach.

   • Launch a weekly worship service at the Center, inviting local churches to participate.

   • Extend our outreach to St. Petersburg area churches and businesses.

2. Build Community Connections

   • Host regular coffee and donut gatherings for Port Manatee businesses.

   • Provide one-on-one support through discipleship, counseling, and fellowship.

   • Offer community tours of Anchor House and SeaPort Manatee to build local awareness.

3. Enhance Seafarer Support and Engagement

   • Expand hours at our center, offering seafarers a place to relax and connect.

   • Arrange transportation for offsite activities such as sporting events, local attractions, and church services.

   • Increase access to Wi-Fi hotspots, counseling, and medical support.

4. Create Meaningful Experiences

   • Host prayer and Bible study sessions for the port community.

   • Facilitate monthly fellowship gatherings to meet practical and spiritual needs.

   • Develop volunteer opportunities to foster community engagement with seafarers.

 

Campaign Goal

We aim to reach 100 monthly supporters at $25 each for 2025. Your support will help Anchor House continue its vital work, meeting the expanding needs of our port community and serving those who depend on us.

 

• Sign Up Now: Scan the QR code to set up your recurring donation.

• Who Can Join? This campaign is designed for individual supporters, though we welcome continued support from local churches.

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Your $25/month makes a real difference. Join us in supporting the people who work and serve at SeaPort Manatee, no matter how many times life knocks us down.