One seaman describes it as a choke-hold. Down the line, each confesses his fears. All the men, from the Philippines, Ukraine and Korea, sit on deck as a group.

Today is different from other days. Today it does not matter where they are from. A faceless virus caused an indelible bond between them. They now form a homogenous mass in which no one is more vulnerable than the other. The captain and worker, poor or rich, good or bad - all wear masks and gloves, hoping that the bitter cup will pass them by.    

It is as if the chaos created a new order. This order means that the deckhand and first engineer are equal despite nationality, rank, wealth or status. This could be a truth to keep with us once the dark clouds disperse again.  

In charge is a Captain from South Korea. Although the white face mask hides the lines around his mouth, it cannot hide the concern in his eyes. At home the chaos is angry, very angry. He also watches the statistics like all subjected to the current situation. He checks each graph and each new number, hoping that a downward curve would erase the despair.  

Selwin, another one on board, tries to share his story with Danie, but through the mask that is supposed to protect him from the chaos, it is difficult to hear the words.  But as in the case of the Captain, the mask cannot hide his eyes and fool anyone… His eyes convey fear, anxiety and many other emotions that describe so many of our feelings today.  

For Danie, also dressed in his anti-virus gear, it is a strange visit. Although he is allowed on board, as a stranger he is not allowed to enter the ship itself. Who knows what ailments he could carry on board? Who knows what infections he may cause? They do talk, but from a distance. This is what our new reality dictates.  

A stranger is a stranger only until you meet. As they talk, the discussion becomes easier and more personal. This happens easily, but only because of Danie's message that he carries with him - the Message of hope. It is characterised by the need to convey the Message and the hope that it will light the fire within them. Once lit, the new fire burning within, will help soothe the fears and open their hearts.      

Finally, Danie hands out the Bibles, each receiving a Bible in his own language. It is in more comfortable circumstances. The nervous hands accepting the Bibles are calmer and more at peace. The clenched hands and fingers that bear witness to fear and immense worry, open up to receive Bibles with open hands, just like the open hands that provide the Bibles.  

Necessity is the mother of invention. Prayer may be new to them, but they are learning. When Danie visits again and the dark clouds might have dispersed, a small group of eager men may accept Bibles, but today is different – because of the chaos. It makes you think, search, hope, grasp… In this context, Danie's message is invaluable. The message provides the assurance every man on board desperately needs - 'Be still and know, I am the Lord'.