Statistics are facts. It is good that is counted: so much of this and so much of that. For example, there are many statistics about the war that is currently raging in the Middle East. So many days, so much damage, so many casualties.

There are also statistics about shipping - especially with the Strait of Hormuz. According to official news reports, up to 20,000 seafarers are currently trapped on ships in the Persian Gulf. Until recently, 18 ships had already been shot at and many deaths were reported. The Saesa Vishnu was attacked and 38 crew members were rescued from the ship. 

Large shipping companies have stopped shipping traffic in the area. This also applies to ships transporting critical products such as oil tankers and container ships.

These are statistics. The statistics are likely to increase in the future.

But behind the statistics there are seafarers. Men who are trapped with limited supplies and internet connection. Sailors living in fear and mortal danger. Minimal communication with loved ones at home with no idea what the next hour will bring.

Behind the statistics are the emotions of sailors. This is the core of the crisis. Not the number of this and the number of that. Raw emotions that cannot be soothed by the whistling of bombs and missiles.

These are our people. CSO's people. Some of those sailors may have already crossed CSO's path. Sometime in the future when everything returns to normal, some of those traumatized sailors may cross CSO's path. Then they need us.

It is only prayer and the Word of the Lord that can make a difference. Let us join hands and fold our hands in prayer for the sailors affected by the war. Add them to your prayer groups. Let us all pray together because the prayer of a believer has a powerful effect (James 5:16). These men desperately need our hand-holding prayers.