Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: START (02/25/16)
-
TITLE: To Fulfil my Purpose | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lisa Enqvist
03/02/16 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I was built in Chicago 1942 to be a minesweeper, along with many other ships just like me. We were all built for war. Now my war duties were over. I was being torn apart on a dock on the west coast of Finland. Everything that could be torn out of my hull was gone. I couldn’t believe my dream was gone. I couldn’t believe my purpose was just to become red pine floor boards. No. There must be something more.
One dark November afternoon 1953, when the pale light of the sun was almost gone, a lonely man stood looking at me. I heard him talking to someone, though I didn’t see anyone beside him.
“Lord, how can I be sure, that this is the ship you want me to buy for your purpose?”
“I will supply all your needs according to my riches in glory through Christ Jesus.”
The other Voice was just a whisper, but I knew that my purpose was just about to begin.
Things started happening. I was still on the dock, my hull intact. Instead, people started working on my insides, building new decks, an engine room, numerous cabins, a kitchen, a mess hall.
Supplies kept pouring in, just like the Voice I heard as a whisper had promised. I was ready within months. I had two tall masts with all the rigging for sails. I was given a new name, “M.V. Ebeneser,” as I was launched in July 1954. I was no longer just a code number, YMS 173.
...
The sun shone from a cloudless sky on a warm August afternoon 1955, as the tones of Finnish hymns in the minor key echoed over the North Harbor in Helsinki. The Saalem Church brass band, the church choir, together with several thousand Christians from around Finland, had come to see the historical sending off of a Gospel ship to Asia. That is what I had become. That was the purpose I was to fulfil.
Many of those people were in the capital city for the first time, although they had been intensely involved in the preparations for the completion of this project. Some had given timber from their forests, some brought dishes and cutlery, and some gave bedlinen and towels, many gave their time and their practical skills in getting me ready.
The lonely man who had seen me first was the leader of this excursion. He had a burning vision: to take the Gospel to those who had never heard it before.
The crew members, most of who were new missionary candidates, had never worked on a ship before. Some old seamen stood watching the final preparations, getting me ready for the journey. One seaman, who had no idea how strong I was in the purpose I had to fulfil, warned a crew member of the dangers of travel on such a flimsy ship.
“You’ll be in the bottom of the sea before you reach the Mediterranean. Storms on the Bay of Biscay have swallowed ships far bigger than this one.”
The crew member, missionary candidate Ake replied,
“At least, when I stand before the Judgement seat of Christ, I don’t have to be ashamed of not even trying to reach the lost. I can say I was on my way to fulfil my calling.”
My diesel motors started. The mooring cables were released and I glided out of the harbor.
As long as I was still in sight, the brass band continued playing their mission-themed songs:
“Spread the word of Salvation
over oceans and lands.
Tell all who will hear us,
That we’ve found the Savior.
He has overcome the burden
of sin and of death.
His name is Jesus.”
A blue cross on a white flag waved on the flagpole at my stern. Sea gulls followed along behind me until darkness fell.
My journey to fulfil my purpose started on Wednesday 10th August 1955.
Afterword
The Gospel ship’s task in the tropics lasted 28 years, but that is another story.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Blessings~
Congratulations on your EC Award.
Blessings~