Survivor thanks churches, citizens for prayers

A SURVIVOR of the mv Rabaul Queen disaster has thanked the people of Papua New Guinea for their prayers and attributed his second chance in life to God.
Elias Jack, from Nonga village in Rabaul district, East New Britain, said last Thursday at an ecumenical memorial service in Kokopo for survivors and those who lost their lives that God had plans for everyone.
The inter-island ferry sank in the early hours of Feb 2 off the coast of Morobe province
Jack thanked the East New Britain provincial government and the churches for their support and prayers.
“We took off from Rabaul for a purpose, many of us were students, teachers and some in the working class but it did not work according to our plans,” he said.
“I thank all for thinking of us in your prayers because the disaster we faced came to us as a shock. We didn’t expect it. Things turned out differently.”
Jack said the survivors would not forget the experience.
“We swam together, some were still in the ship and we cannot see them anymore,” he said.
Jack said God had plans for them and for eight hours, they drifted with nothing to hold onto. And all they could see was the ocean surrounding them as high as rooftops. Many were praying as they drifted in the ocean.
“Now we are back home safely and we thank you for receiving us with open arms as well as the Tolai community in Lae. They gave generously. We came onshore with nothing.”
He said God was faithful even though mankind faced problems.
“He comforts us and wherever we go, he watches over us,” he said.