It is Chris' fourth time in court. Over the previous six or seven weeks he tried to support the Indian seaman arrested and imprisoned in Westville in every possible way.  

From where Chris watches the court proceedings, sitting on a small court bench, he watches the man that he got to know better over the past weeks, as he enters the court. His body is taught with fear and anxiety. The anxious body language is clear and he fears the verdict of the proceedings. 

How can one blame him? He finds himself in a foreign country where he has no one, locked up in a terrible and cold cell, sharing the small space with thieves, crooks and drunkards. Every second is a frightful nightmare. 

It is often said, jokingly, that all in prison are really victims and that they are really innocent. In his case it is actually true. He was arrested with one of his colleagues because of immigration problems. The owner of the ship that they joined is of questionable character and did not use a shipping agent to allow them to join the ship in the correct or normal way. Their legal representative is truly angry and makes no bones about telling all that are willing to listen that the men are nothing more than pawns in human trafficking. Their biggest mistake was to be trapped in a situation based on promises of work. The promised work would help them and their families to escape the curse of poverty. They have nothing.  

The tension in the accused's body could also relate to the fact that his colleague had been sentenced unceremoniously, at the second hearing, for one year of imprisonment.  

In court another drama unfolds. The owner sent a lawyer and now the lawyers are fighting each other to each get his own way. Then, in one sentence the judge throws out the case. Seven weeks of hell ends with a single phrase.    

Chris and the legal representative wait outside for the seaman. He walks out with a soul in rags and tatters, but bows in front of them and touches each ankle lightly with his fingers. It seems that this is an Indian tradition to thank them for their help and support. It is a moment that cannot be described in words. More good news is that his colleague was about to be released too. They have nothing more to show than the emotional damage suffered. They remain dirt poor and still need to be rescued.  

Chris' involvement was never merely to free them from prison, but also to show them the care and love of Christ that can help to secure their freedom from guilt and sin. It is your donation that helps us to do this and that donation will help us to continue to do so. Thank you so, so much for that.

EFT:  Christelike Seemansorganisasie. ABSA Bank. Current. 1520-230-226.