July 2, 2024   |   View Online

Hey, it's Mark,

Not many people have heard of the SS Norge disaster of 1904. Some 635 people died in the shipwreck—the worst Danish naval disaster of all time. Only 20% of the 800 aboard survived. Ironically, if lessons had been learned regarding safety and survival on the SS Norge, we might never have even heard of the Titanic.

This week marks the 120th anniversary of the SS Norge Disaster and you see, one of the survivors was Eskild Alfred Eskildsen—my great-grandfather from Denmark.

As I reflect on his story, I'm reminded of the valuable lessons his story taught me—lessons that I believe can benefit each and every one of us. I'd like to share those lessons with you and I pray they will inspire you as much as they have me.

Eskild Alfred Eskildsen, My Great Grandfather From Denmark

Lesson 1: Put Others First

The SS Norge went aground near a tiny islet called Rockall, 280 miles off the coast of Great Britain, on June 28, 1904. When the ship hit the Rockall reef, it sank in only 20 minutes. People quickly knew that the ship was sinking. Many panicked, sobbed, and fell to their knees praying.

But rather than panic, Eskild began to do things that were helpful and selfless, if not heroic.

Instead of trying to board one of the lifeboats, Eskild helped others board them. When all lifeboats were launched, he stayed on the Norge assisting others. He helped several women put on their lifebelts. When there were no more lifebelts, he gave women wooden benches to cling to. While other crew members were saving their own necks, he helped others. 

When it became apparent there was nothing left he could do and the ship was nearly under the waves, Eskild dove into the frigid water. Then he swam out past where others could reach lifeboats, especially women with their water-soaked garments. Only then did he seek safety in a lifeboat. 

What would you or I do in such a horrible circumstance? It’s hard to say until the moment comes. We would probably live that experience the way we live our lives—either me first or others first. 

Heroes put others first—in disaster and in daily life. 

Lesson 2: Don't Give Up

As the SS Norge sank, he managed to swim out to lifeboat #4 which was only just over half full. But when he tried to climb aboard, the first officer who had taken charge beat his grasping hands with an oar. Just like the Titanic disaster years later, people feared that allowing others refuge would jeopardize their own survival. But despite the beating, he didn’t let go. When the officer turned his attention to piloting the boat, others helped pull Eskild aboard.

His fingers never worked right for the rest of his life. 

They were far out to sea and had no navigation equipment. The men were organized to row in three shifts of four hours at a time. They headed in what they hoped was a north easterly direction, back towards Europe. The others lay on top of each other trying desperately to get warm. It was bitterly cold. No one was dressed for the frigid conditions. Some had no shoes or head covering.

They only had provisions enough for two biscuits and a little water each day. Prayer was very helpful in giving hope and not losing their sanity. Days wore on in monotonous agony. By the fourth day, they had just two drops of water and one biscuit each.

On the sixth and seventh days they had absolutely nothing to eat. There was one infant on the lifeboat, a one year old. Her continuous crying was heart wrenching. Her father, Ole Eid, became frantic; he tried giving her a few drops of saltwater, but that immediately made her condition worse. So in utter desperation... he cut his arm and allowed the baby to suck on his blood. 

There was also a teenager on the lifeboat, Rolf Vaagaasar. When he thought he could not bear his thirst any longer, he used his hands to scoop up seawater and drink. But the result was near insanity. His fellow passengers tied him up to keep him from taking his life. 

Lesson 3: Always Pray

On the seventh day it began raining heavily. The sail was lowered and used to catch a bucket of water. Everyone agreed it was an answer to their prayers. 

Finally on the eighth day, July 6 1904, their prayers for rescue were answered. Lifeboat #4 was spotted.

Weakened so severely from thirst and hunger, the survivors were hardly able to board the rescue boat. Once aboard, they scurried to the nearest water supply like wild animals. They were taken to the Faroe Islands.

It took about a month just to gain enough strength to travel home but my great-grandpa finally made it back home.

What would you do after such a harrowing experience? I wonder if I would have nightmares the rest of my life about dying of starvation, dehydration or drowning.

My great-grandpa was undaunted.

The next year, he boarded another ship headed for America with his wife Agnes and their seven children. The youngest was my grandma Cecilia—only 6 weeks old when they left.

This time the ship made it safely to New York City.

His family legacy includes 22 children from two wives, one of them my grandma Cecilia. She gave birth to my father Claude Aaron Williams in 1926. He and mom brought me into the world in 1955. 

Grandpa and grandma Cecilia with grandchildren (I’m the one by grandma with the blue tie)

As we go about our daily lives, let's remember to cherish these lessons of the past and apply them to our present. I pray you were inspired by this story. I encourage to also check out our ministry's prayer calendar, testimony of the month, and important dates coming soon below.

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Would you join us in prayer as God continues to grow our ministry?

Testimony of the Month

Meet Josephine Mulbah, a young woman from Liberia who was searching for more. Despite regular church attendance, she felt unfulfilled and restless. But then something changed. Discover the powerful way DJJ transformed her faith journey and ignited a deeper passion for Christ:

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