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By Teus Kappers From The Latest Beacon Newsletter For many years pirates have been a menace to the shipping industry. They have caused many seafarers to lose their lives and brought heartache to seafarers’ lovedones when the crew members have been taken hostage in far off lands. Governments and those in the shipping industry have long discussed the most effective means of combating pirate problems. Some countries have sent navy ships to areas known for pirate attacks and certain shipping companies have taken well-armed private security personnel aboard their ships to defend their vessels against pirate intrusion. Violent conflicts between pirates and these parties have, at times, occurred with pirates losing their ships and/or being imprisoned in certain nations. Currently, the most notorious area for pirates is off the east coast of Africa, near Somalia. There are many ships sailing the oceans and some cargo ships are still being taken by pirates. In response to this, one modern means of fighting piracy involves the use of an unmanned aircraft called the “Scan Eagle.” This aircraft is a small drone that can be catapulted from a ship and then used to patrol an area of concern for a period of up to fifteen hours. Using the Scan Eagle, ship personnel can be warned of pirate ships early and take evasive action or, in the case of navy ships, can rescue cargo vessels before the situation becomes grave. When I read about the latest technology in the war with pirates it made me think of God’s Holy Spirit. Psalm 139 tells us, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” What an awesome reality to know that it is not only impossible to hide from God but, also, that wherever we are, God cares for us. In addition, God sees and knows not only things that were and are, but also things that will be. What a God we have! |
