There is something enigmatic in the moment when a Bible changes hands. The stage is often a rusty old ship, a very small office on an oil tanker, or the wind damaged deck of a coal cargo carrier. This does not exactly shout sacred... 

The act takes place without any pomp or ceremony, without a podium, microphone, cameras rolling or an ecstatic crown clapping rhythmically. It is a quiet and simple gesture between two people - one giving and one receiving. 

The book changing hands is just as inconspicuous, black ink on normal pages with a simple cover. It is not leather bound with gold leaf printing or fine relief printing. It is just a small, hand-size book that will fit easily in the pocket of a uniform or overall. It looks like any other book - quiet, simple, almost not noticeable in the noise of the world. 

Perhaps it is exactly why this silent gesture and simplicity, the absence of pretence, that signifies that something deep and eternal is happening. The act is simple, but the content immeasurable... 

It is the story of our creation and our salvation, of a King that sent His Son... It is the prayers of David, the sorrow of Jeremiah, the praise of Paul... It is the breath of the Almighty, put into human words.  

In the simple act, heaven and earth meet for a moment. The simplicity of the event contrasts with the immeasurable weight it carries. Truth. Light. Life. It is a gesture that seems to cost very little, but it carries the full fathom of mercy, freedom and peace - of God Himself. 

Over the past days such simple events happened again and again: Chris gives a Bible to a Polish captain in a ship's office in Durban. Nico, on the other hand, gives a Bible to a man on the WEN JONG KOU, a ship from China.  André is on board the CL Biliu Hè in Saldanha, where willing hands of a second officer receives his own Bible for the first time in his life.   

That is why we continue, ship after ship, day after day. Because in those simple moments things far above our understanding happen. 

God is great!

Thank you for empowering us with your donation and prayers to continue this simple act each and every day. It is worth more than you could ever imagine.  

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