I was reminded of these words when I met third engineer Noventius on board the MV Global Partnership. The ship has visited Roberts Bank since 2007. The crew is always made up of the the same nationalities; A Korean captain, a Korean chief engineer and all other crew members are Indonesian. I met the same C/O again and he was happy to see me. With a big smile he told me that he will disembark in the next Port ( South - Korea ) and fly home to meet his family. That is ten months away from the family! Later on, while I joined the chief officer for lunch, he pointed out a fellow sitting by himself in the corner and said; " He is a Christian! " This was my introduction to Noventius who comes from the Island of Nias, a small island off the northern coast of Sumatra.
Noventius told me that he is the only Christian on board, as all the other Indonesian crew members are Muslims. While they were at anchor in English Bay, he had hired a water taxi twice (very expensive) in order to attend the Good Friday and Easter services at First Baptist Church. Like the writer of Psalm 84 he longed to have fellowship with other believers. The fellowship and worship Noventitius craved is something we very easily take for granted. I can only imagine how Noventius "longed to meet God inside his dwelling place" away from the boring and monotonous life aboard a ship!
He also talked about the island where he was born and raised. The majority of the islanders are (Protestant) Christians, an exception in a country where the majority of the population is Muslim. The island was also severely affected by the 2006 Tsunami which resulted in thousands of casualties and an incredible amount of damage. After lunch, Noventius asked if I could give him an English bible. I pray that Jesus Christ will keep him from all fear, danger and loneliness as his soul continues to " Yearn, even faint, for the courts of the Lord - O Lord Almighty, my King and my God - Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you." - I hope to see Noventius again!
