The ship has become a familiar silhouette against the Platberg in the Cape. The HECTOR N visits the Mother City yet again. If you get the rare opportunity to visit a ship again and again, a very special bond develops: trust, a link and a spiritual friendship that spans oceans. That was how it was for André when he visited the HECTOR N again this week.

Very quickly the grapevine works across radio links and other means of communication. The re-encounter is warm and friendly, as it is when an old friend visits. The giant ship carries a world in itself. It is a floating mosaic of culture and character.

The Philippine men bring with them a spirit of brotherhood. The laughter fills the passages and their loyalty toward each other is like anchors on the stormy seas. The Russians carry with them a silent determination - eyes that have seen much, few words, but carrying a heavy load. The Rumanians on the other hand bear determination and silent power, reminding one of the mountains in their home country - the Carpathian peaks enveloped in mist, standing silently fast against storms for centuries. Then there are a few young men from Ethiopia, from the high plateaus of East Africa, bearing their faith as old as the mountain churches of Lalibela. They are quiet and humble, with eyes full of light, like people that know the spirit is mightier than any ocean. Together they form a family, brought together, not by accident, but by the deep blue ocean.  

Rollie is the chef and as on any ship, the most important man on board. Upon seeing André again, he quickly dries his hands on an oven cloth and greets him with warmth displaying more than mere gratitude. This is where he started a new way... 

A few visits ago he received a Bible in Cebuano from André.  Now he is in a hurry to give feedback again about the ways in which this gift keeps surprising him. At first it was only a reading routine. Now it is an anchor. It is no longer a duty, but a deep desire to live a life in God. Prayer is more than a daily ritual now. This is where he seeks and find peace and quiet. 

From within the ship’s kitchen with its steel walls and seeing the endless horizon, Rollie discovered, step by step, that faith is not fixed to a certain spot, but that it lives everywhere, even here despite machines, noise and isolation. 

For him Cape Town is more than a mere harbour. It is a place for rediscovery - a spiritual anchor point. André’s visits represent more than mere friendship, they are also quiet reminders that God is here too, He is also at sea, He is present. The fact that André revisits the ship again and again, gives him a sense of care - something that every seafaring man needs.

In such moments we realise - our presence, even a brief visit, has a lasting effect. As the CSO we are more than visitors - we are spiritual beacons. When a ship anchors and a familiar face waits at the quay, the crew knows: Here is someone that cares. This is someone that listens. This is someone that prays. Thank you so, so much for making this possible with your donation!