Today (Sunday) it is my turn to stand watch onboard. God has stood by me and given grace and victory. Due to the previous incident on the boat, mops have now been provided for drying all the steam launches. This order was given by the commanding officer, and I haven’t heard any more about the matter.

There have also been some conflicts since, but God has given me power, so that yesterday it seemed to me as if the individual involved before was making a real effort to get on good terms with me. It’s strange that we can’t be left in peace without all these conflicts. Yet I know that God will give me the upper hand over him fully and completely, so that the only thing he will have left is his human seniority. Other than that, he has nothing he can demand from God, from me, or from anyone else. I went all the way into his cabin and was about to admit that it was my mistake that evening in the boat, but he wasn’t in his quarters, and since then I have not felt the need to do so. On the other hand, it was unwise and barbaric to order people to sit down in water, especially when there was enough room to stand. You can believe there is much (Aanensen just came in) to battle with. All the wretchedness I see and hear makes my blood boil, because Satan reigns with might in and among the unbelievers.

Aanensen came into the cabin. He said that he often wanted to come in but always turned away at the door. We prayed together, and he wept and asked God to save his soul and forgive his sins. He said he has felt a drawing to God from the time of his mother’s death. He is a sincere and serious soul. The second-in-command has given orders for me and the yeoman to share this cabin, but the yeoman doesn’t want to move in. He says he would rather stay where he is. Perhaps this is God’s leading; I told him to get his stuff and move in.

I have to close for now. God has strengthened my soul; His name be praised. The ungodly are constantly plotting new ways to break me down, but the Lord strengthens me with His power and gives me grace to overcome their clever schemes. For as surely as Christ overcame, so shall we overcome through Him.

I don’t know what all this is leading up to, but God knows, and He is the one who gives strength.

A warm greeting to you and the friends, from your brother battling in Christ,