The Limerick SCFS team visited ships in Aughinish and Foynes ports recently on the Shannon Estuary.  One had a Filipino crew. As we entered, I met one crew member sitting at a table with a chess board in the veneered table surface. I asked him if he played chess. He said, “Yes, but we have no pieces”.
Recently I had purchased some magnetic chess games to take onboard ships, and I had some with me. I presented one and challenged him to a game.

As we played I could see this was no ordinary chess player, even one of the crew said he was a champion back in the Philippines. The game continued for an hour with each of us dangerously close to check mate. As the game continued it was a remarkable series of sacrifices and defense.
In visiting the ship our aim was to present Christ the King and our strategy was to be the Seafarers Friends. My opponent defeated me and I rewarded him with the chess set.

Praise God he provides us with opportunities to engage strangers from foreign lands and establish memorable friendships. May God show us how to testify of the King and demonstrate the love of God. I am always amazed how quickly we can establish a rapport in a short space of time. May God grant us wisdom to best find the key in such encounters to deliver the vital message of the Gospel.  We left many John’s Gospels and Bibles onboard. We gave a message from John 5 on how Jesus gave life to the paralyzed man, and that they could have full life also in Jesus.

Actions can sometimes speak louder than words. I hope and pray that the game we played will remain with that crew member as he uses the chess board and that he reflects on why we visited. May he not be missing the King in his life anymore.

Gordon Liston - SCFS Limerick