7 April 2026 | Watford, UK [June Combs with tedNEWS]
Manuela Mai wears many hats: wife to Marco, mother to Mimi and Lexi, elder at Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, preacher and worship leader.
But one role often sparks particular curiosity, especially among train enthusiasts: railway chaplain. In this interview with June Combs, she reflects on her calling, the realities of chaplaincy on the rail network, and the role faith plays in supporting staff through some of life’s most difficult moments.
What led you to chaplaincy?
My background is in corporate travel. I was a travel manager for 20 years for large corporate companies and a well-known airline, but I also volunteered in various capacities. Apart from being very active in church, I was a Samaritan for a few years, volunteered in a hospice for a time, served as a volunteer prison chaplain and worked as a chaplain in a homeless shelter.
Ministering to people is something I do naturally, and it was while studying at the London School of Theology a few years ago that I felt called to become a full-time chaplain and embrace the opportunities it creates to share the love of Jesus outside the church walls.
I never imagined I’d be with the railway, but God opens the most interesting doors if we persevere in what He lays on our hearts. Despite the strong calling, I struggled to find employment for about five years. Many institutions with paid chaplaincy positions limit employment to specific denominations.
It was demoralising at times, and when I applied for the position of railway chaplain, I expected the same rejection and disappointment. I can’t describe the joy I felt when I was offered the job. I had no idea what a railway chaplain did, so it was exciting to become part of a new world.
What does a railway chaplain do?
People wonder if I bless trains, or if I only attend when there has been a serious incident. Well, I definitely pray for every station I go through and every train I board. I daily ask God for opportunities to bless people and to have deep, meaningful conversations.
Our core work is supporting railway staff and British Transport Police attending fatalities or serious injuries. Sadly, many people use the railway to end their lives, and the impact of this, especially over time, can be traumatising for all staff involved.
We also offer support for all kinds of work and personal challenges. Our motto is ‘supporting railway staff on life’s journey’.
Describe a typical day
My day involves lots of train travel. I’m either visiting stations to provide wellbeing support where an incident has taken place, or I’m in my hi-vis at a depot to say hello to the staff, which can open up all sorts of interesting conversations.
I regularly visit our British Transport Police stations, and I am responsible for visiting my designated train companies. I also respond to calls and messages with requests for support, which often involve meeting staff members for a one-to-one chat when they are going through a challenging time.
Which area do you cover?
I am part of a team of approximately 20 chaplains who cover England, Scotland and Wales. My colleagues and I cover large geographical areas, so getting around to everyone is quite a challenge. Because of the nature of shift work, I can visit a station multiple times and meet different staff each time.
In general, my area of responsibility covers the entire London Overground network and parts of the London Underground (metro system). I also oversee rail services running north from London to towns such as Banbury, Bedford, Milton Keynes, and Long Buckby. This includes sections of the Chiltern Railways, Thameslink, London Northwestern Railway and Avanti West Coast. In addition, I also support several British Transport Police stations.
No two days are the same, and no two stations are alike. The work is varied and interesting, and a love of people and their stories is essential.
What role does your Christian faith play?
It is the foundation of who I am and the work I do. Lots of prayer goes on behind the scenes in preparation for the day ahead, especially when facing challenging conversations.
However, although we are Christian chaplains, and the staff are aware of this, we only bring faith into our conversations if the staff member desires this. We are available to people of all faiths, and none.
What are some interesting aspects of the job?
I’ve participated in emergency services training days, where I’ve been the “casualty.” I’ve gone under a train and been “rescued.” These activities help me understand more fully the challenges faced each day by those we support.
I’ve also had the fun experience of riding in a driver’s cab and enjoying the great view.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction?
When someone says, “Thank you for listening to me. I feel so much better.” This is when I know that God has sent me into their life to show His love and shine His light, and I am truly honoured.
Editor’s note: Manuela Mai’s role as a railway chaplain is just one example of the thousands of Seventh-day Adventists serving as chaplains around the world, wherever their presence is needed. Chaplains minister in a wide range of settings, including retail centres, the military, prisons, hospitals and hospices, universities, schools, factories, airports and even sport, including the Olympic Games. From time to time, tedNEWS will feature chaplains from these varied contexts, allowing them to share their stories.
[Photos: Manuela Mai]
The original version of this article was published in Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church’s newsletter.
