A language lesson then: BUT. 

It is a conjunction, could be a preposition or may be an adverb or even a noun. It is used to combine sentences, to present two opposing concepts, or to explain something, or do expand on a concept or present a confrontation. 

Purely at sight value, BUT seems to be an insignificant, small word. In essence however, it can change meaning irrevocably. It states something and then transforms it. It explains, expands, confronts... 

Perhaps this seemingly insignificant conjunctive word offers us hope in the current surrealistic reality. To say BUT in all encompassing darkness, or remember BUT in an absolute hopeless situation, to whisper BUT in fear of death, BUT – perhaps it means hope? 

BUT, seems to convey something about God's nature. Stating a fact, the status quo is often followed by BUT... That BUT could transform everything dark and lost through mercy and compassion. BUT can explain, expand, confront and transform... 

It was so for Noah… drifting on the dark, deep waters, anxious, hopeless, without vision, full of fear and afraid. These are adjectives that probably summarise the feelings of those on board the ark in a nutshell. BUT, God remembered Noah … and He sent a wind over the earth and the waters receded.' 

When Joseph was reunited with his brothers, he could have reacted with anger and hatred, BUT he said 'You intended to harm me, but God intended to it for good to accomplish what is now being done...'

For the lost Christians of Rome that taught about the wages of sin – 'BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.'  For the lost Ephesians, 'BUT because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy made us alive…'

We truly need to hear this! BUT God... 

Covid 19 – BUT God…; Despair – BUT God; Sadness – BUT God… Where you are sitting, reading this letter, it is meant for you too: 'BUT God...'

The shipping industry is locked in what is described as the worst humanitarian crisis it ever had to survive. Although estimates differ, it is said that the contracts of about 400 000 to 600 000 seafaring men and women expired and that they have no way to return home. They are the captives within a surreal reality. The stories we hear every day are not just sad, they break your heart...

At the moment, our work at the CSO is more important than ever. It is urgent for seafarers stranded on ships, floating on the dark, deep waters, full of fear, filled with hopelessness, fearing a loss of vision, anxious and afraid – or you may use any other adjectives you wish to summarise those scrambled emotions in a nutshell, to hear: BUT God...

Over the next weeks, we want to share stories about these men with you. They are captive in the grip of the crisis. They find hope in the small word following a comma, BUT God... 

We hope that this will give you hope too.