Jesus and the fisherman | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Jesus and the fisherman | Previous Challenge Entry
By alan kane
04/16/15
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Being a deep sea fisherman is a tough life. We spend hours on end checking our nets, all in the hope that we might strike it lucky and come upon a large shoal of fish. It's also extremely dangerous and I have lost kin to this fickle provider of a living; one was washed overboard during a storm and another cousin was crushed when our lifting gear fell on him. We have all had hooks piercing our arms and legs and I lost one finger when the line twisted on the way over the side. But it is still the life I am used to. We can be away for weeks on end, waiting and hoping for the catch that will provide for the rest of the year, before the storms really blow in.

We are a crew of eight, and used to each others' crass jokes, body odour and complaining. Five of us are married, one is engaged and two have promised to remain single. We're a tight crew, but you have to be when working in such perilous conditions. Two years ago we had a great season, allowing for a new boat, but this year we will only just cover our running costs and repairs. In years gone bye, many sea-based families had a deeply rooted faith in God, however I am the only one of the crew who now comes from a religious family, or has a personal relationship with God. I don't preach at the crew, but try and show my faith by how I live for God. They know and see me praying on a regular basis. My faith is really important to me for dealing with the storms of life, as well as the storms nature torments us with. I love the way Jesus walked and lived amongst fishermen and called many his friends. In my darkest days, this knowledge keeps me firmly grounded with God. I know Jesus helped fishermen in the Bible but I also see it in many truly amazing ways when we are out at sea. I need to have faith and trust that the next wave will not be our last.

A fellow shipmate gave me a plaque that reads 'All Is Well With My Sole.' I know he was only codding around, but I do find that it reminds me that my own eternal soul is tied up with a desire to follow God. When you face possible death each day, you have to prioritise where you might actually end up that day.

At 2am, we found the largest multitude of fish in many years and our nets were pulling in fish upon fish for two hours. It is this time when people notice how you live your life, when the stress is high. I must admit I did rudely shout at one of the crew to get out of my way before he had us overboard, but I apologised afterwards. He just laughed and said I should have walloped him as well for his stupidity. It truly is all hands on deck when the fish are in. The fish also need to be iced to preserve them - all like a floating factory. No one will be sleeping for many more hours. It's when you're tired that your relationship with your creater comes to the fore.

Four in the morning and our main net snapped, before we secured a secondary line around it, spilling most of the load. I did swear then, but I think God understands.

Six in the morning and the spare net just broke a rope under the strain and smashed the winch. We just got the load in, but we have now been forced to finish. It's been a great run and we eventually filled 90% of the hold.

Thank you, Lord, for your provision. It might not seem much, but God has actually provided for us abundantly. As a crew, we now have enough for the long winter season ahead and the long-required repairs to our boat.

***

On Sunday, my whole crew gave a special offering of fish to my church to help feed and support the church. They agree with me that we should support our community, as God has supported us. I think another season and maybe we might have a few more crew who follow Jesus.

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