In October 1971, I was invited to board a ship which was berthed in Colombo harbor. As soon as we boarded, we were taken around the ship by the duty officer, and it was out of this world. This was only a conventional type a cargo ship, and while viewing the interior layout, my imagination diverted to that of a passenger ship such as, the RMS " Queen Elizabeth II ".
After my visit to the ship I developed a liking towards seafaring vessels and in time that ended up being my ambition.
I took time to think about being a seafarer, and discussed the matter with my dad. Initially he did not agree, giving reasons such as, "Son, you are the eldest in the family, on ships you will be away from home for long periods and besides that, consider the dangers involved?"
Subsequently, due to the tenaciousness of my ambition, I was successful in getting my father's consent to join the Merchant Navy as an officer cadet. He not only consented, but also agreed to help me find a job.
As the word got out to my family circle about my ambition, one day, I was informed by a relative that, in the near future, a shipping company in Colombo would be accepting applications for Officer Cadets in the Merchant Navy. A few days later an advertisement appeared in a local news paper, and I submitted my application.
The only thing that concerned me was the educational requirements mentioned in the news paper: Four subjects in GCE Advance level which should include, credits in Mathematics, Physics and English. I quickly realized I did not have the required qualifications for the job.
I also became aware that the Finance Director of the company was a friend of my fathers; who let us know that my application had been received and filed. That meant that I was not rejected for not having the required qualifications.
I thanked God. It was very good news for me.
After that, I was informed by the company that, I would be notified of the date and the place of the interview.
After receiving the letter from the prospective employer, I had sleepless nights thinking over the problems with my qualifications. I did not have even the minimum required qualifications. All I could do was start praying to Lord Jesus.
Several times my father told me that, my efforts were probably a waste of time having applied for a job without the proper qualifications.
I had confidence though with Jesus in my heart.
As expected, I received the second letter from the Shipping Company informing me of the date and place of the interview. In the same letter it said I should have my eye-sight tested and have the report ready at the time of the interview. I, immediately thanked God for the news, and continued with my prayers. I went in for the Eye-sight test and passed it.
On the day of the interview, I arrived at 8.15 AM; walked up to the receptionist and informed her that, I was there for the job interview. I was told I could be seen at 9.00 AM. A few minutes later, I was called in by the Personnel Secretary of the Director of Operations who was a senior Master Mariner. When I met her, she immediately asked me for the Eye-sight test report, and I quickly gave it to her. A few minutes later I was called in for the interview. I was very nervous and, kept praying. Within a few minutes I was standing in front of Captain Joe Wass, Director Operations.
I said "Good morning, Sir." He said, "Good morning John.". And continued, you have passed your eye-sight test, especially the color test, and that is good news for you."
"Okay, can I see your GCE Advance Level certificate and all other relevant certificates and documents."
I started to shiver and presented my GCE (Ordinary Level) certificate and other documents. He kept staring at my GCE (Ordinary level) and looked at me, and said," Is this all what you have?" I said, "Yes sir ".
Captain Wass, paused for few minutes and, said, "John, were you aware of the required educational qualifications?" I said, "Yes, Sir." Just at that moment his telephone rang and he told me to leave the room and sit- outside until he called me back in. After about twenty minutes, the secretary came up to me and said that, the Captain has to rush for an urgent meeting, and he will see me tomorrow at 9.00 AM. That was great news, and great relief, too.
I thanked God for the break.
When I went home, my father was anxiously waiting to here the news; I told him about the qualifications he got agitated, and told me." I knew you were only wasting your time". In the evening my father came and said that he would go back with me for the rest of the interview the following day.
I did not sleep that night, and prayed most of the time, if Only Lord Jesus would help me. I knew only a miracle could bring about a solution to my problem.
On the following day, my father and I were at the office of the shipping Company at 8.30 AM sharp. I was called in within a few minutes. My father entered the room first and I followed suit. As he entered my father said to Captain Wass," Good morning Captain, I am Hughes De Silva, John's father. Captain Wass rose to his feet shook- hands with my father and showed him a seat.
I, sat next to my father with anxiety.
The conversation between Captain and my father went on for more than two hours. It included a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages to the job.
The captain asked my dad why he decided to send me to sea. My father responded by saying "It was his ambition and I consented". Then the captain said, your son's eye sight is okay now. For some reason, if he fails the eye-sight test when he goes up for his first exam which will be about 3 and half to four years from now, he will be disqualified. What would you do then? My father said it is in Gods hands, Captain. God will not take him where his grace is not there! Then the captain said when your son is at sea, if there was an unfortunate event and your son died, what would you do? Father said I would not expect him to come back.
Dad then said, "John remember you are going to marry the sea. At sea they don't take minor sicknesses very seriously and you would have to continue to work. Then the captain said forget about weddings, funerals, etc. back at home, Are you agreeable to these conditions?"
I said, "Yes, sir, I am agreeable." There was something very mystical in that meeting; discussing about God and acts of God. From the time we entered the room every time the Captain looked at me, I thought that he was going to ask for the educational qualifications, which he could not finish the previous day.
It never happened! He did not mention anything about educational qualifications, but told me" John, I have approved you, and you will have to join a ship, soon.
I was overjoyed, as I could see a vision of my future, and I thanked the Lord Jesus.
This was my first encounter with the Holy Spirit.
