There is noise - everywhere. In the harbour, on the ship - chains rattle, alarms shout without end and without fail, two-way radios chatter all the time, men shout against the wind. It is noisy.  

 In the wider circles, the world drones like at a market square. Political rhetoric sounds over the air-waves. Opinions clash like swords and the harvest of empty promises leads to angry shouts from all over. Wars moan and shout in images, reports and explosions. It is noisy.

Lights, screens, messages, knowledge, opinions - constantly, restlessly, without pause. It is a luxury to be heard.

The Romanian seaman that Chris visits, starts his story like a rushing steam engine without pause, simply sharing his story. He does not have a fellow countryman on board. His colleagues are from Pakistan, China and Bangladesh. The ship’s iron walls cannot hear or listen. Every theme under the sun is covered. History - his history, that history, the history, the future and everything in between. After a while the hour clock sounds, but he is still on speed, rushing along. After about ninety minutes the chattering radio puts a stop to his discourse, because he is needed elsewhere. When they say goodbye, he leaves with a Romanian Bible in his hand. Someone made time to listen. He was heard...       

On the next ship, this time in the smoking room, a captain sits. He has weary eyes. His contract has expired, but he cannot go home. There is war and it would mean reporting immediately for military duty. He is angry with his government, he is angry with the church, he is angry with the world, he is angry with his ex-wife. He is angry with everyone. Chris simply sits there, listening, but honestly and sincerely. He does not judge, he simply listens.

Next ship... 

Next ship...

... always ready to listen and assure that in the midst of all the extreme noise, there is a Whisper that had remained constant through the ages. It is always there, reminding us that God is a living part of each story.    

This is what we do at the CSO.   

 Sometimes the biggest burden is lessened by the smallest gift - a listening ear, a heart that can share the burden.

 To be heard, restores our humanity.

 Thank you for your contribution and making it possible.