Shipping Danger in Middle East is a Crisis for a Friend and Crew

During the sermon on Sunday at the annual Blessing of the Fleet,  I mentioned a vessel named The Torm Thunder. She is an oil tanker that was in danger in the Middle East.  My friend, Evan, who is part of the crew of this American vessel, was texting me updates and for prayer.  Evan attended Mariners’ Church this summer and even rang the brotherhood bell in remembrance of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald at one of our memorial services.  I want to give you an update on the crew and ship’s safety, while at the same time talk a little about the power of prayer. 

Last we heard from Evan he said this about his vessel and crew (shared with permission):

After leaving the ship yard all hell broke loose here in the Middle East as I’m sure you’re aware. A few days after leaving the ship yard, the ship that was berthed next to us, The Stena Imperative, was shelled and caught fire killing a few. We spent a week dodging the Iranian and Pakistani navy. Then our main engine gave up. We were able to get to anchor in between India and Pakistan where we still sit. Because of the war we are unable to fly home from India. We still have no engine. We’re flying an Indian flag to blend in better and we have turned off all our radar and communications equipment.

I’m able to get out a few text messages a day if I’m lucky. My contract was due to end a week ago but obviously there’s no way for me to get off the ship let alone get to an airport. Morale is obviously extremely low, we’re still a few weeks away from having to ration meals but we’re out of milk which is a tragedy for me. We often see or hear the jets fly over head. Despite the backdrop of the war torn Middle East the day to day is quite the same. Staying busy keeps your mind off the situation. I’ve feared for my life before, in large storms, or in brief moments on my motorcycle. But this is different in the sense that it’s a constant ringing of fear.

There are other ships around us in similar situations but obviously our lack of mobility makes us no more than sitting ducks. I ask that you pray for me and the crew of The Torm Thunder. And pray for wisdom for my captain and the decision makers back home. – Friday, March 6; 7:44am ET

I know many of you have been praying for Evan and the crew of Torm Thunder.  Thank you. On Wednesday Evan texted an update that is very good news:

God’s perfect timing. Finally got her running yesterday. Picked up the hook around midnight and we finally got underway. Headed to Singapore where hopefully I’ll be flying home.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and for the work you do for the maritime community. It meant a lot for the guys when I told them about how “that church from the Edmund Fitzgerald is praying for us”. In all seriousness, I think the thought that there were people back home praying for us helped the crew feel a little more seen at a time when it felt like we were very alone. – Wednesday, March 11; 3:22am ET

I was struck by Evan’s last sentence and what that means about prayer in general. Sometimes “thoughts and prayers” get a bad rap because it’s not ‘action’.  I understand the sentiment. However, when you are praying to the Almighty God, it’s better than any of my action. It becomes His action. God can intervene in supernatural ways, or God may call me to move me in a direction of tangible action after I sit quietly in prayer.  

“Be still and know that I am God” (Ps.46:10) in one sense is a call to action.  It’s a call to listen. It’s a call to receive His love.  Then we can move and act according to HIS will on behalf of others.  But for now we wait, listen, and pray.

This is the reason it is such a privilege to pray.  We are speaking with the one who knows our needs and what the future holds.  God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, loves and cares for us in all our fear and hurt.  God is there to comfort, protect, and guide us through the difficulties in this world broken by sin. As His Children, we can treasure this participation with God the Father.

But there is another aspect of prayer my conversation with Evan highlights.  Evan is a believer and lives out his Christian faith everyday in the rough environment of the sea and in the ports.  However, we have no idea what the crew around him thinks of God and a life of faith.  The fact that when the crew heard we were praying for them it made them “feel seen at a time when it felt like we were very alone” shows another important aspect of loving someone through prayer.  We become Jesus to people who may not yet believe.  We reflect God’s love to those who may have doubts or are afraid.

Who is it that you are praying for?  Perhaps you should send them a note, an email, or a text today just telling them you care and are praying for them.  Maybe you can call them and pray with them.  Whatever God leads you to do, please know that “thoughts and prayers” can be the most powerful action on earth, reaching even to the hearts of stranded seafarers on the other side of the world.

Evan ended his first text to me with the hymn we sing before each service.  How appropriate for us to pray, with Evan, as thousands of ships still remain in danger in the Middle East.

Eternal Father strong to save, whose arm hath bound the restless wave, oh hear us when we cry to thee, for those in peril on the sea.

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Todd

Satellite map on Wednesday morning showing the Torm Thunder heading away from danger.