[Today’s Prayer] International Maritime Organization: “1,500 Ships and 20,000 People Stranded in the Persian Gulf”

The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced on the 7th (local time) that due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, around 1,500 ships and 20,000 crew members are stranded in the Persian Gulf.

According to AFP, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez made this statement at the Americas Maritime Agreement conference held in Panama that day. He said, “The stranded sailors are innocent people who faithfully carry out their duties every day for other nations,” and added, “However, they are trapped by geopolitical circumstances beyond their control.”

He also later told reporters with sorrow, “More than 30 ship attacks have resulted in the deaths of 10 crew members.”

Secretary-General Dominguez urged that ships should not be sent into the Persian Gulf for the time being in order to prevent further loss of life among sailors and avoid additional economic damage.

Before the U.S. and Israel’s invasion of Iran, one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, international energy prices have surged sharply due to the impact of Iran’s blockade of the strait.

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Source: Nate News

“Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be shaken.” — Psalm 55:22

We hear the heartbreaking news that because of Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, around 1,500 ships and 20,000 crew members have become stranded in the Persian Gulf, and that more than 30 attacks on ships have taken the lives of 10 sailors.

As sailors around the world who were faithfully carrying out their work are unable to return home due to Iran’s blockade, and even the food supplies loaded onto the ships are in danger of running out, Lord, have mercy and let Iran’s blockade be lifted quickly.

May the sailors who believe in Jesus pray and share the Gospel, guard their hearts, and care for their fellow crew members, revealing the love of Jesus. During this time of isolation, may You rule over the environment of the sea and let this become a time for them to experience Your sustaining hand.

Please guard the hearts of the families waiting at home and protect the sailors so that they may return safely. May they come to know the God who helps them.

May the global Church pray for the safety of the sailors and care for the families left behind. As we entrust the solutions to Iran’s blockade to the LORD, may the churches become those who proclaim the shalom of Jesus to all nations.

And through this, may all peoples become more united, and may they fulfill the mission of Christ who sets Iran and the nations free from every blockade!