The Mercy Minute: Recent Episodes
Don Stephens
Mercy Ship’s one minute daily feature “The Mercy Minute®” encourages listeners to make a lasting difference in a world of need by following the example of Jesus! Don Stephens explains how it doesn’t matter if you cross the ocean or just a street–you can help those in need!
"Joined-skin" may sound like a childish nickname, but it was a hurtful one that haunted Kadiatu and her mother.
Andrew serves aboard the Mercy Ship, but his role as Purser means his ministry is far from the operating rooms.
Have you ever looked back on a moment in your life and realized the timing could only have come from God?
When Thonie was a teenager, a tumor growing on his neck made him the target of cruel teasing.
When Angie's friend sent her a Facebook message about volunteering with Mercy Ships, it sounded like a great opportunity — but the timing wasn't right.
Most mornings, you'll find 36-year-old Thonie sitting beside his father-in-law, weaving raffia stools.
Ayla traveled from Australia to Africa searching for adventure — but God had something far greater in store.
It's not always easy to find words for the life-changing impact our supporters make possible.
A man named Lawson approached a Mercy Ships volunteer, and mumbled: "I came here to get help."
Once when our Mercy Ship was docked in Madagascar, our volunteers learned of a small village hidden in the hills called Impooza.
Nurse Karen stepped out onto the gangway of the Mercy Ship, looking for some fresh air.
This Sunday is Father's Day, a day to celebrate the incredible men who show up for their families.
Yesterday was World Blood Donor Day, so I want to share something you may not know about Mercy Ships volunteers.
Last time, I shared how a young woman in West Africa named Sadio came to Mercy Ships to find healing.
A young woman in West Africa named Sadio was suffering from a dangerous disease called noma.
Recently, a Mercy Ships supporter shared a beautiful insight into their charitable giving.
Marty was doing research for a book he was writing, when he stumbled on Sister Clare's story.
When Steve last saw Anaza, she was recovering from surgery to remove a life-threatening tumor.
Two brothers had been born with club feet, a condition that left their feet twisted inwards.
Years ago, a group of Mercy Ships crew members were celebrating their time in South Africa with a special show for people in the city.
When I was serving as a doctor aboard a Mercy Ship in West Africa, I heard about a group of children who caught our team's attention.
One night, a nurse named Ellen paused during her rounds aboard a Mercy Ship and looked across the hospital ward.
During my time aboard a Mercy Ship in Sierra Leone, there was an extraordinary woman named Lamarana.
At Mercy Ships, we couldn't bring healing without our dedicated volunteers and supporters.
African sunsets are truly breathtaking — and for Vuyani, they were one of the few things he could still see.
In the Bible, Jesus says that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.
Two men sat side by side in a hospital ward, and at a glance it was clear they had something in common.
Over the years, our crew has received countless notes of encouragement from people back home.
Jesus often spoke about water during His time on earth, using it to point to something far greater… Himself as living water, the source of eternal life.
Did you know that Mercy Ships is staffed by over 2500 crew members from more than 60 countries?
Eileen was going about her day as a Mercy Ships volunteer when suddenly an announcement rang out across the ship.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
For many of us, our favorite childhood memories include running and playing with friends, feeling like nothing could slow us down.
Recently, a group of partners had the opportunity to tour our Mercy Ship docked in Sierra Leone.
Did you know that each Mercy Ship depends on a team of volunteer engineers who are vital to our mission?
In a small church off the coast of England, a nine-year-old girl named Elaine lifted a quiet prayer.
When someone climbs up the gangway and steps onto a Mercy Ship for the first time, there’s one phrase we hear over and over: “Something is different here. I can’t explain it, but something is different here.”
Would you join me today in a prayer for patients receiving surgery on Mercy Ships’ hospital ships?
Years ago, when Mercy Ships was just getting started, a natural disaster left a group of refugees struggling to survive.
At Mercy Ships, our hospital ships sail to Africa to provide free surgeries for those in need.
Three-year-old Armane was born with a cleft lip; a condition no one in his village in Madagascar had seen before.
In the Western world, children born with bowed legs are often treated early and effectively.
For six years, Hawa carried the weight of a growing goiter — physically and emotionally.
In the developing countries where Mercy Ships serves, medical care is out of reach for millions.
When Deborah’s mom first asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she thought hard… but couldn’t find an answer.
If you’re able, I want you to make a fist with your hand. Now, place that fist on your chest.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Since Mercy Ships began in 1978, we’ve performed over 122,000 free surgeries on our hospital ships.
One day in Liberia, a Mercy Ships eye surgeon named Dr. Strauss visited a local church.
When Abubakar’s father died, his mother became the sole provider for her family of seven children.
What if nursing was about more than treating wounds… what if it was about restoring hope?
When 13-year-old Ibrahim arrived at Mercy Ships, the left side of his face was tremendously swollen.
During Mercy Ships’ field service in Sierra Leone, we welcomed more than 1500 patients for life-changing surgery.
You may have heard Mercy Ships’ slogan is “bringing hope and healing” — but what does that actually mean for those we serve?
This is the story of Adama and her twin babies — where blindness met hope, and healing changed everything.
17-year-old Sory kept his face completely covered, leaving only a small gap for one eye.
Sierra Leone is a beautiful country on the coast of West Africa, known for its white-sand beaches and vibrant culture.
On board a Mercy Ship, volunteer surgeon Dr. Gary had spent thousands of hours mentoring an African surgeon named James.
Little Amara desperately needed medical help — but his condition made surgery very risky.
One day, a Mercy Ships nurse named Dieke was caring for a woman recovering on the ward.
Providing free surgery is at the heart of Mercy Ships’ mission — but what happens when we come across conditions that surgery can’t fix?
Hasanatu, affectionately known as Mama H, came on board a Mercy Ship for free surgery to remove a large facial tumor.
Today, I’d like to share a beautiful African proverb with you that we often use at Mercy Ships.
In Micah 6:8, we read, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
At Mercy Ships, we couldn’t bring healing without our selfless volunteers, and compassionate support of friends like you.
When Angie’s friend sent her a Facebook message about Mercy Ships, it sounded like a great opportunity—but the timing didn’t feel right.
African sunsets are breathtaking — and for Vuyani, the sunset was one of the few things he could still see.
This Mother’s Day, many of us will show our love with flowers, cards, or breakfast in bed.
Since 1978, Mercy Ships has been changing lives in the world’s most underserved nations.
Ayla traveled from Australia to Africa searching for adventure — but she found something far greater instead.
There’s nothing more powerful than witnessing healing on board our Mercy Ships — especially when it’s your own mother!
Did you know that Mercy Ships is staffed by a crew of over 2500 volunteers from more than 60 countries?
Eileen was going about her day as a Mercy Ships volunteer, when suddenly an announcement rang out across the ship.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
For many of us, our favorite childhood memories include running and playing with friends.
Recently, a group of partners had the opportunity to tour our Mercy Ship docked in Sierra Leone.
Did you know that each Mercy Ship depends on a team of volunteer engineers who are vital to our mission?
When little Justinah was born with a cleft lip, the isolation from her community was instant.
Did you know that Mercy Ships recruits local workers from the countries where our ships are docked?
When we feel a calling from God in our lives, it can sometimes be tempting to start listing all the reasons why we can’t answer.
For 13-year-old Ruth and her family, the day she walked again was a celebration like no other!
Today, I want to tell you about an inspirational group of supporters at Mercy Ships, called our Partners in Mercy.
This Monday morning, I want to remind you of a truth that we Christians often forget: there is power in prayer!
When 13-year-old Arline’s tumor wouldn’t stop growing, her parents did everything they could to find healing.
The Bible tells us to “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.”
If you’ve ever attended a wedding, you’re probably heard a devoted couple vowing to love each other “in sickness and in health.”
You might have heard that Mercy Ships holds the world record for the largest civilian hospital ship.
The Mercy Ships team was driving through Madagascar when all of a sudden, they started yelling, "Stop the bus!"
When Trent received a letter from a coworker he barely knew, he had no idea it would contain the answer to his prayers.
For Sarah, surgery wasn't just about removing the growth on her face — it was about reclaiming her future.
When Mercy Ships volunteer Dennis Beremauro decided to live on a hospital ship, it didn't just change his life — it saved it.
Right now in Sierra Leone, free, life-saving surgeries are happening on board one of our Mercy Ships, the Global Mercy. Would you join us as we pray over everyone on board?
We are excited to announce that the Global Mercy is back in Sierra Leone. The crew welcomed the first patient just two weeks ago.
From the moment she was accepted for surgery and stepped on board the ship, she could not hide her smile.
Ibrahima was 16 years old when his cleft lip and palate caused him to fight back against other children calling him names.
Little Alberta woke from a nap and stumbled into the kitchen where her grandmother, Mariah, was cooking over an open fire.
While sitting in the OR office, hospital director Keren watched the monitor to view what was happening inside the theater...
Fatou grew up in Senegal and lived with a tumor on her face since she was a young girl.
He was so quiet and reserved, no one would have guessed that Tamba was an attack player on Sierra Leone's best-known soccer team.
After suffering for many years alone, Harding was now overwhelmed by the love and care he received on board the Africa Mercy.
When a tumor started growing on Harding's face, his classmates made fun of him, and his parents abandoned him.
David had a brilliant smile and a positive attitude — despite being in pain for the past six years.
The professional medical volunteers on board our hospital ships, the Global Mercy and the Africa Mercy, perform thousands of free surgeries every year.
Fatamata was filled with hope when her children were born. But both times, nearly nine years apart, that hope faded into fear.
Babies born with defects in West Africa start life as victims of superstition that abnormalities are signs of a curse.
"If you want me to come back to church, God, find some way to make my face normal." That was Bagnangui's prayer.
Serah is from Taomasina, Madagascar and was born with clubfeet. Her parents were determined to get treatment.
Now that the Africa Mercy has returned to Madagascar, we've had the privilege of seeing patients from our last field service.
For the better part of a day, Isatu sat on her hospital bed staring at the reflection of her face in the small mirror in her hand.
Lawson was on the brink of death when he arrived at the Africa Mercy docked in Togo, West Africa.
Adjovi never went to school and grew up selling fish. On Sundays, she sold in front of a church to the attendees.
After a 12-day sail from France to Togo, West Africa, Mercy Ships crewmember Kristi Kalivas longed to get off the ship.
In developing countries where healthcare is unavailable or unaffordable lives come and go all too often.
Germaine was married at a very young age and encountered complications during her first pregnancy.
Marceline is an angelic 19-year-old girl. Her captivating eyes express her thoughts without any words.
When Claudine was born, her eyes didn’t open. She was lucky enough to be born in a hospital.
Imagine this life: You are 11 years old, your father died and your mother has abandoned you.
Amavi and her baby sister, Kossinovi, are from a family of eight children. They share a distinctive characteristic — they were both born with a cleft lip.
Christian is 9 years old, but he isn’t like other children his age. They can read. He cannot.
Junior, Akoko, and Gloria are three children with a few things in common — they live in Togo, West Africa, and they were all born with crossed eyes.
After his surgery on board the Africa Mercy, 12-year-old Komi said, “Because of the way that they took care of me here, I want to take care of others."
Espoir arrived at the Africa Mercy like a bolt of electricity — energizing the entire hospital.
Yao was a 20-year-old builder from Togo. One day, he noticed a small bump near his mouth.
Abel was born healthy and strong. After a misplaced immunization, he had difficulty crawling.
The young African boy woke up in the middle of the night and noticed a flickering fire outside.
A routine visit to the dentist could have changed Modou’s life early on if he lived in the United States.
Kodjo sat alone on a bench at the medical screening. His expression was intensely serious.
Edoh is the youngest of six children. When she was about 4 years old, her eye became very red and swollen.
Doctor Mia volunteered as an anesthesiologist on board the Mercy Ship. She was raised in Indonesia and as a teenager, Mia knew she wanted to become a doctor.
Celine was born with cataracts in both eyes. Her father, Honore, was a tailor and couldn’t afford surgery to help his daughter.
For years Auguste pursued his dream of growing and educating his country’s next generation.
Aissatou was born with a severe cleft lip. For 4 years, her father searched for help for his daughter.
A baby girl was born three months premature, on a small island near the Ivory Coast in West Africa.
Fortuné was born premature with underdeveloped lungs. He received oxygen through a tube in his nose.
Janviera’s children studied by the kerosene lamp. Carole was the only girl of five children and loved to help her mother.
One Friday afternoon, an elderly woman showed up at the Mercy Ship in Benin with her newborn grandson in her arms.
When Maurel was 2 years old, Rene, his concerned mother, took him to a local hospital because of his bowed legs.
Alimatou’s facial tumor grew bigger every day. Because of this, her husband took the children and abandoned her.
When Josiah received free surgery on board the Mercy Ship, he also received freedom from generational bondage.
Odilon’s aunt was visiting and noticed a bump on his face, but his mother said it was nothing.
Dr. Venter just completed his 40th visit on board one of our Mercy Ships as a volunteer plastic surgeon.
After a horrible accident, Jules rushed his 1-year-old son to the hospital where they could do nothing to help.
Mercy Ships’ founder Don Stephens shares his feelings after visiting a medical screening site years ago in Guinea, West Africa.
Kotiam is a farmer and father of 14 children. Several years ago, a growth began to form on his neck.
In Ivory Coast, West Africa, Jules Yapo and his wife were picking coffee beans in a field while their children played nearby.
Nurse Laura Rawson was drawn to her patient that didn’t want anyone to touch her or talk with her.
When patients come to us with large tumors or windswept legs, we provide free surgery and transform their appearance and mobility.
Ramatulai’s jaw had been locked since she was born. For 20 years, she couldn’t fully open her mouth.
At just 21 years old, Papa was a hard-working mechanic pursuing his dream of fixing motorbikes.
Emmanuel is a father of two who suffered for many years with a benign tumor on his jaw.
Tears can express many emotions. The Bible says our tears are precious, and God collects them
Benedict was born with club feet. Now nine years old, he has learned to walk on the curled-under tops of his feet.
Oceane was born with a tiny opening at the back of her skull. That opening allowed spinal fluid to escape from her brain.
Suzanna had labored for days only to deliver a still born baby. In her sorrow, she found that she too had been injured
Marthlyn stands out in a crowd. People stare. They point and laugh. She is viewed as an outcast by her community
By the time Lincoln was 36 years old, he had already weathered many storms. Living in a country where civil war broke out
Marie had already survived being orphaned, teen pregnancy, civil war and becoming a refugee.
When Lincoln boarded the Africa Mercy, he didn’t know he was about to receive more than free surgery.
There was no hospital where Mary Johnson lived. She spent 2 days in labor without professional medical assistance.
Arthur is the youngest of five children. He was born with a benign tumor growing on the right side of his face.
Beatrice couldn’t stand by as her family neglected her little brother who was born with bi-lateral club feet.
Pastor Bill was excited to send Mercy Ships the church’s donation of $4130.02. But the 2 cents seemed odd.
Sitting on the deck of the Africa Mercy, looking out at Monrovia, Liberia, Milton Dunbar waited as his leg healed from his free surgery on board.
In the Western world, many birth defects are easily corrected. But this is not the case in West Africa
Anthony was born with a large growth on his lower back. It was the result of a bone defect in his spinal column.
Being a mother to five children can be challenging. But for 45-year-old Lolly, life became more complicated.
Adama was like any other boy his age. The 7-year-old loved to play and explore the world around him.
When Prince was 7 years old, he became nearsighted and all he could see were faint shapes.
Happy New Year! We wanted to begin this new year of possibility with a note of thankfulness.
When walking through the wards, nurse Rachel Greenland noticed one patient whose massive smile lit up the room.
Maria was nine years old when her parents took her to tour a mercy Ships vessel in Gisbon, New Zealand.
Children who are receiving free, reconstructive plastic surgery usually have a prolonged stay on board.
Paula Pheasant thinks that her job is a hidden gem on the ship because she and her team are the first people to see the patients wake up to a new life.
The older gentleman sat on the edge of his hospital bed when the surgeon came to go over the details of his upcoming surgery.
Childhood should be filled with joyous sights and memories. But for Adama, it was filled with shadows.
In this season of hustle and bustle, we want to take a moment to stop and count our blessings.
Like a Shepherd searching diligently for lost sheep, the Mercy Ships medical team drove hours over bumpy, dusty roads.
Diane Rickard who works with media relations for Mercy Ships was sitting with a family that was going to be featured in a video.
Many of the patients we see in West Africa have spent their lives hidden away because of their physical conditions that have imprisoned them in a world of isolation.
Cathy had been reading about Jesus and his compassion for others and she prayed that she'd feel the same love for others.
Many years ago, while the Africa Mercy was in South Africa, there was a severe drought.
Aser Roger, a proud father of three daughters, was once the primary provider for his family.
Amy Wilderspin is a nurse from Canada. She volunteered with Mercy Ships as a pediatric nurse for eight weeks in Madagascar.
Nurse Amy Wilderspin volunteered on board our hospital ship for eight weeks in Madagascar.
Our hospital ship is a floating international community representing over 40 countries. Rachel Fung is a physical therapist from Australia.
Watching your child suffer is tough in every country. A dad in Senegal watched his daughter Mariama suffer for 17 years.
Dr. Patricia Sen was mentored in ophthalmic surgery onboard our hospital ship in Cameroon. Afterward, she went to an eye clinic that had been closed for almost 20 years because there wasn’t an eye specialist.
Mariama is a beautiful 17-year-old girl in Senegal. But she didn’t think she was beautiful.
Dr. Afzali boarded our hospital ship in Senegal for two weeks of volunteer service. He’s a maxillofacial surgeon from the United States.
Vivien Welch is a nurse from New Zealand who serves on board our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy.
Baby Paul was born with a cleft lip and palate and couldn’t nurse properly. His frightened mother, Francoise, watched him slowly lose weight and strength.
People have a variety of reasons for volunteering with Mercy Ships. But perhaps the main one is the chance to witness amazing transformations in the lives of our patients.
Mercy Ships provides free surgical care to people with little access to quality medical care. Sometimes it’s hard for them to understand that there really aren’t any strings attached.
The joy of serving on board our hospital ships is watching the physical and emotional transformations of our patients.
Many patients come to our hospital ship for cataract surgery, and afterward, it’s time to celebrate!
Martha’s small home in Cameroon had a leaky roof. She worked hard just to grow enough food to feed her family.
Volunteers can gain a better understanding of a patient by imagining life in that patient’s shoes.
Carmen Yirka studied in culinary school in Canada and volunteers on board our hospital ship in the galley.
Many of the patients who come to our hospital ships suffer from conditions that are easily treated in the United States.
Señor Tellez had 12 children. Four were blind from birth by cataracts. One day he heard that doctors on a ship were giving free eye surgeries!
Agnes and Joseph Biney are from Ghana, and they have served on board our hospital ships for many years.
Antonio was a hard-working farmer in Honduras. He didn’t expect trouble as he opened the door.
Mercy Ships works to save lives in the FUTURE by offering medical capacity-building programs to the countries we serve. And we work to save lives NOW by offering free surgery.
Antonio was a hard-working farmer in Honduras. He didn’t expect trouble as he opened the door.
It's a great compliment to Mercy Ships when volunteers return to give more time to serving the poor in Africa. I guess you could call them, "serial volunteers."
Mercy Ships wants to help change the story for the “bottom billion” of the world’s population. Most of them live in sub-Saharan Africa and have no access to safe, timely, and affordable surgery.
Finding the right person for the right job onboard our hospital ships sounds like a complex puzzle.
Dahlia was finishing her second year of university when our hospital ship arrived in her country — Madagascar.
Somaya was born with a cleft lip and palate. People told her mother to put the baby in an orphanage.
Mabouba came on board our hospital ship with a deadly tumor on her face. Years of struggling to eat left her weak, and her family worried if she would even survive.
Our volunteer crew often find unexpected connections. Deck Cadet and 3rd Mate James Meredith discovered that he and the Captain shared the same alma mater.
Finding activities that all the kids could enjoy was challenging for the orphanage’s two caretakers.
Dahlia was finishing her second year of university when our hospital ship arrived in her country — Madagascar.
The countries that Mercy Ships serves have little available healthcare. So, injuries go untreated and make life very difficult.
Her voice resonates in the hospital ward on the Africa Mercy. Modi Assenou’s prayers have been answered, and her joy is contagious!
Beth Kirchner came to the Africa Mercy to teach Kindergarten. She taught all the usual subjects.
It was a rare occurrence. Our volunteer surgeons performed two surgeries to remove tumors from two patients, two days apart — and the patients were a mother and her son.
Mercy Ships partners with local NGOs in our Food for Life agricultural program. Marie-Louise is a program graduate.
Mercy Ships provides free surgeries in poor countries. But we also mentor local doctors so people can receive help after our ship leaves.
Barbara was an inmate in a women’s prison. When Chaplain Kay Golbeck met her, hatred seeped from every pore.
Nearly 20 years ago our Mercy Ship the Anastasis was in a South African port. Togolese crewmember Edith loved to go ashore in her free time to minister to others.
Dr. Glenn Strauss is an eye surgeon who has volunteered with Mercy Ships for many years. He not only performs sight-saving surgeries but also trains local doctors.
Marijke and her husband Harmen joined Mercy Ships thanks to a dream she had as a child.
Lucael’s mother was only 14 when he was born. She was shocked by his cleft lip and palate.
Every three to ten minutes a child is born with cleft lip or palate — a major problem in developing countries.
Penda is a 23-year-old lab technician in Senegal. She worked onboard our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, in radiology.
Our hospital ship includes an accredited academy for children of the crew. Every Friday, the second-grade class distributes handwritten Bible verses.
Our hospital ships are teaming with life. From our patients to our crew, there’s always something happening on board.
A common farming technique in Africa is the slash-and-burn method. Our Mercy Ships agricultural program teaches less damaging methods that produce more abundant crops.
Thirteen-year-old Rayhanatou suffered from a tumor in her jaw for five years. Her family couldn’t afford medical care, even if it had been available.
In 2019, 32 men and women in Guinea participated in our Mercy Ships Food for Life program.
Four little boys from different areas of Guinea boarded the Africa Mercy the same week.
It was late one evening onboard our hospital ship. Volunteer lab technician Julie was on-call testing.
It’s been said that every person who steps on board our hospital ship is beginning a journey.
Whether on a hospital ship or in a small house in West Africa, the church is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Thank you is an ordinary expression of appreciation and one we often see here at Mercy Ships.
DK joined our ship from his home country in the middle east to volunteer as a housekeeper.
Canadian nurse Joleen was touched by one connection she made volunteering onboard our Africa Mercy.
The volunteers on board our hospital ship mainly pay their own way — room and board, transportation to and from Africa.
Francois wakes up incredibly early every morning. He spends two hours commuting to our partner dental school in Guinea.
Some female Mercy Ships crew members in Madagascar visited a women’s prison in their free time.
Mercy Ships hires local people in the countries we serve to work as national crew. Edward Carew is from Sierra Leone.
Showing mercy to others provides opportunities for special moments and special friendships.
When our Mercy Ship was in The Gambia, West Africa, crewmember Dorothy Logans befriended Fatou — a single mother with three children.
Mercy Ships provides training and mentoring for healthcare professionals in the countries we serve.
Volunteer crewmembers often find unexpected opportunities for mercy when they step off our hospital ship.
Serving on board our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, often impacts a volunteer’s worldview.
On our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, you’ll find volunteers from every corner of the earth.
Worship time in the ward on board our hospital ship is noisy. It’s a beautiful time — everyone sings and many, dance!
Announcements echoed through the halls of our hospital ship. Calm voices requested the presence of medical team leaders.
The wonderful crew on our hospital ship show mercy to our patients . . . and to each other.
Mercy Ships volunteer Kathy Long describes her part in the Mercy Ships “walking blood bank".
Eight-year-old Josias desperately wanted to go to school. But the other children ridiculed him because of a huge tumor on the right side of his face and neck.
Mercy Ships ministers to "the world's forgotten poor." But our patients' loving, joyful spirit makes them wealthier than the richest people in the world.
In the poorest regions of Madagascar, eating once a day is a luxury. Lack of nutrition and healthcare provides a perfect environment for an enemy called noma.
There are many beautiful women in Africa who feel ugly and isolated because they suffer from obstetric fistula.
Albert taught school in Congo, and he loved to encourage his students in the classroom and on the soccer field.
A recent job survey reported that 80% of workers hate their job. But that's NOT true on board our hospital ship.
Josh is a videographer on board our hospital ship and sees some amazing transformations... like 5-year-old Lucrech.
The Mercy Ships On Boarding class is a training course for long-term crew. It includes a service project in a developing country.
Kathy Long worked for the Los Angeles County Fire Department before volunteering on board our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy.
Edmon Kaiser described noma as "an illness devouring both beauty and life." For Rovelle, a 14-year-old boy in Congo, that's exactly what it did.
Our hospital ship includes an accredited Academy for crew children. Volunteer teacher Gretchen Bullock felt God also wanted her to teach English to some of the patients.
Before Mercy Ships arrives in a country for field service, our Advance Team prepares the way.
Jen, an operating room nurse on the Africa Mercy, describes a unique opportunity that our medical volunteers enjoy.
Each year, about 100 babies receive free cleft lip and palate surgery on board our hospital ships.
Dr. Gary Parker, a skilled maxillofacial surgeon, is chief surgeon onboard our hospital ship.
The free medical care Mercy Ships provides really changes lives! Operating room nurse Jen tells one little boy's story.
The arrival of our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, in the port of Tamatave coincided with Madagascar's celebration of the "Year of the Volunteer."
It was Mercy Ships patient selection in Africa. Fifteen-year-old Mtombomzi sat alone, with her head bowed.
Mercy Ships operating room nurse Jen Peterschmidt shares what she loves most about working onboard the Africa Mercy.
Michelle is an operating room nurse onboard our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy. She wanted to use her skill for missions but was afraid she wasn’t the right age.
Two women sat in the ward on board our hospital ship and shared stories about their children with a crewmember.
Mercy Ships provides free surgeries in poor countries, but we also mentor local doctors so people can receive help after our ship leaves.
Whether on a hospital ship or in a small house in west Africa, the church is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Amadou is one of the only practicing nurses in his village. For over 20 years, Amadou has served his community with pride and compassion.
A volunteer was finishing her second year of university when our hospital ship arrived in her country, Madagascar.
Kirsten is a volunteer nurse on board our hospital ship with a special heart for our cataract program.
Nothing could keep Marie Madeleine from the classroom. Not even her painfully bowed legs.
Finding activities that all the kids could enjoy was challenging for the orphanage's two caretakers.
“Thank You” is an ordinary expression of appreciation. And one we hear often at Mercy Ships.
Obstetric fistula is a terrible condition that impacts many women in sub-Saharan Africa.
It is a big step of faith to volunteer to serve others in developing countries and live on board a hospital ship.
Four little boys from different areas of Guinea boarded the Africa Mercy in the same week. They all suffered from the same conditions.
One Sunday, patients and crew gathered for a church service. During an open time of sharing, one man walked forward to speak.
A volunteer from the Netherlands works in the communications department on board the Global Mercy.
A volunteer Mercy Ships surgeon describes the transformation of a patient who as a young girl received surgery on board our hospital ship.
Volunteering on board our hospital ship is an exciting experience. But it can be a little intimidating at first.
Many of our patients go years struggling with conditions that leave them in pain and isolated from others. Once they finally find healing, their entire futures change, and their joy and gratitude sometimes comes through gifts
Chakirou was an active 4-year-old before he developed Polio. Soon he was barely able to use his legs.
Zodi Schwind came aboard the Africa Mercy with her family when she was 12 years old. While on board she was able to gain work experience by shadowing an OBGYN.
For kindergarten teacher Beth Kirchner, it’s important to keep the mission of Mercy Ships as a focus in her classroom. She says it’s as important as teaching her students to read.
It was a quiet South African evening on our former hospital ship, the Anastasis. Our volunteer staff made rounds and gave reassurance to those in their care.
Her voice resonates in the hospital ward on the Africa Mercy. Modi Assenou’s prayers have been answered, and her joy is contagious!
The Newquist family originally planned to serve with Mercy Ships for two years. Due to the pandemic, their time was cut short.
Twenty-year-old Delma was determined to get help. She walked an hour from her father’s farm so she could catch a bus into the village.
Tom KenKnight volunteered on board our hospital ship, serving as Fourth Engineer. But he had a problem that affected him when we went to sea… he suffered from motion sickness!
Astou came to our hospital ship suffering from a large goiter. She received surgery to remove it… but then another condition became apparent.
DK joined our ship from his home country in the middle east to volunteer as a housekeeper. It was onboard the Africa Mercy that DK experienced healing — not from physical pain, but spiritual.
Elle Rollins volunteered as a nurse on board the Africa Mercy. One day, she was changing the bandages of an older man who had received surgery to remove a tumor
Canadian nurse Joleen was touched by one connection she made volunteering on board our Africa Mercy.
Volunteer surgeon Mark Shrime describes the transformation of one patient on board our Mercy Ship.
The volunteers onboard our hospital ship mainly pay their own way — room and board, transportation to and from Africa. Sometimes it’s a group effort.
The mission of Mercy Ships is to bring hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor. And we see this mission come alive every day through the beautiful stories of our patients.
The New Year is around the corner. And like many others, I like to take time to reflect.
One day, a 12-year-old girl named Kaltoumi came to the Africa Mercy with a tumor that covered more than half of her face. Young patients are accompanied by an adult caregiver in our hospitals, but no one in Kaltoumi’s family could travel.
The people we serve have little to no access to healthcare. So, we often see very complicated cases on board our hospital ships.
Both of our hospital ships include a small boutique on board. There volunteers are able to swap and share items such as clothes and shoes.
For many women in Africa, childbirth injuries are a normal part of life. Obstetric fistula is one of the most common and heart-breaking conditions to have.
Our volunteers often spend Christmas away from their families. But the celebrations on board our hospital ships, are full of holiday cheer.
A normal night quickly turned to tragedy for 3-year-old Paul Bernard. While sleeping, a lamp was knocked over, catching the room on fire.
In the early days of Mercy Ships, our volunteers would work in clinics off of the ship. Dr. Andrew Clark was volunteering in one such clinic when he met a very sick woman.
Susy left her home country of Colombia to serve on board the Africa Mercy. During her time volunteering, she noticed many differences from her home and the hospital ship, but one thing remained... holiday celebrations!
Our hospital ships are home to hundreds of volunteers from around the world. They each bring their unique heritages and traditions with them.
We help as many patients as possible during every field service. But sometimes it feels like we’re barely scratching the surface.
Our Mercy Ships Medical Team planned to knock on the door of every home in the small village.
Many of our volunteers, say goodbye to friends and family when they come to work with Mercy Ships. It’s an exciting time, but it can be challenging.
When young Haby came on board the Africa Mercy, her scars were severe. She had been so badly burned, her bottom lip had fused to her chest.
On his 18th birthday, Josh Salmon boarded a plane to volunteer with Mercy Ships. He had a strong desire to serve anywhere.
The house was dark when 5-year-old Leonie awoke from a deep sleep. She was confused and knocked over the kerosene lamp her parents had left as a nightlight.
Mercy Ships provides a range of life-changing surgeries on board our hospital ships. One specialty is maxillofacial surgery.
Dr. Gary Parker, Mercy Ships’ maxillo-facial surgeon, is poised for work to begin. With a knife in hand, he is ready for the first incision.
Timely surgical care is essential for many of the children we see on board our hospital ships. Without it, small problems evolve into overwhelming conditions.
Cire celebrated his 20th birthday in an unusual way… being wheeled into an operating room on board a hospital ship.
Patients on board our hospital ships sometimes get nervous before their operations. One volunteer shares that this isn’t always the case.
Francois wakes up incredibly early every morning. He spends two hours commuting to our partner dental school in Guinea. There, he’s training to be a dentist.
Many people know about the fun gifts for purchase during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But did you know there’s a day dedicated to giving the greatest gift? HOPE!
Mercy Ships volunteer Amy Jones often spent her time off serving in local hospitals and clinics. One day, Amy met a teenage girl named Minnette who had a difficult pregnancy and delivery which had ended in heartbreak and infection.
One of Amy’s favorite parts of serving with Mercy Ships was visiting the cities and villages she served. After giving birth to her son, Lewis, she decided to bring him along as well.
“Thank you” is an ordinary expression of appreciation. And one we hear often at Mercy Ships.
Isaac works as an architect in Ghana. One day, he decided to volunteer on board the Africa Mercy as a birthday gift to himself.
Imagine living where medical care was not only expensive but nearly impossible to find. Many of our patients live in this reality.
Hounsigbo (Hoon-Sig-Bow) worked hard for her family in Togo. Every day she would walk to the forest to cut trees and make mats out of their branches.
Some female Mercy Ships crew members in Madagascar visited a women’s prison in their free time.
When Cara Stafford came to volunteer as a nurse with Mercy Ships, it was her first time in West Africa.
Blessing was only 8 years old when she boarded the Africa Mercy in search of healing years ago.
Being away from your friends as a teenager can be hard. Even when you’re serving with your family.
Mercy Ships has volunteers from over 60 nations worldwide. Nurse Susy Horta from Columbia shares her experience.
Young Diama came on board the Africa Mercy for plastic surgery on her leg. She had surgery at a local hospital, but it had left her unhealed and worse yet, traumatized.
Our hospital ships are large and full of life. But sometimes patients who live far inland, feel nervous when they first arrive. Dr. Brian Barki shares how he addressed that fear.
Rougui was delighted when her daughter was born. But as she held her baby in her arms fear crept in. Little Awa had been born with a cleft-lip.
Our hospital ships are run by professional volunteers. But there’s one group that brings a unique perspective — the children of the volunteers on board.
Kadidja was like any other 4-year-old girl. She loved to dance and play... But her cleft lip caused other children in her village to treat her poorly.
Many years ago, a Mercy Ships team worked in Central America. Because of the great need among the deaf in the country the team tested, diagnosed, and helped hundreds of people.
Awa is a friendly 5-year-old girl. She loves to laugh and play. But the strain of a cleft lip dims her smile. Without access to surgery, her family feared for her future.
Awa is a friendly 5-year-old girl. She loves to laugh and play. But the strain of a cleft lip dims her smile. Without access to surgery, her family feared for her future.
Aby dreamed of one day becoming a translator. When she heard that Mercy Ships was coming to Senegal, she applied to use her skills in that very task.
Aby dreamed of one day becoming a translator. When she heard that Mercy Ships was coming to Senegal, she applied to use her skills in that very task.
For the past fifty years, Felisia had lived without something we all take for granted. She lost her nose to a debilitating childhood disease.
In 1992, Mercy Ships’ flagship the Anastasis was in Sierra Leone. A construction team built a medical clinic near Freetown and gave it to Pastor Jalloh.
In 1992, Mercy Ships’ flagship the Anastasis was in Sierra Leone. A construction team built a medical clinic near Freetown and gave it to Pastor Jalloh.
Colton Dixon is a very popular Christian musician here in the United States. When his wife gave birth to twin girls, they were shocked to find that one had been born without a pulse.
Colton Dixon is a very popular Christian musician here in the United States. When his wife gave birth to twin girls, they were shocked to find that one had been born without a pulse.
Awa’s smile brought joy to all those who loved her — especially her Uncle Woury. But the strain of a cleft lip overshadowed her future.
Awa’s smile brought joy to all those who loved her — especially her Uncle Woury. But the strain of a cleft lip overshadowed her future.
One of the specialties on board our hospital ships is plastic reconstructive surgeries.
Many children come to our hospital ship suffering from orthopedic deformities. Others have lost the use of limbs due to severe burns.
Tobias Klauke is a math teacher onboard our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy. One day his sixth-graders were talking about circles and the value of Pi.
The countries Mercy Ships serves have little or no healthcare delivery system. The children suffer from orthopedic problems made much worse because of the lack of treatment.
Libby Morse volunteers on our hospital ship as a pediatric ward nurse. One day, she walked into a treatment room to grab some materials to change a dressing.
Osman Kamara was just a child when he was severely burned in a house fire in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The local hospital wanted to amputate his legs.
The countries Mercy Ships serves have little or no available healthcare. Parents with children with severe health problems have little hope.
One of the joys of serving onboard our hospital ships is meeting our incredible patients and their families.
Every Friday morning, Miss Beth and her kindergarten class promenade throughout our hospital ship.
Physical therapy is essential to the successful recovery of many of our surgical patients.
Volunteers from over 60 countries come to our hospital ship with a common goal: to love and serve people who feel different, rejected, and alone.
Mercy Ships goes to some of the poorest countries in the world to offer free medical care. And people often travel long, difficult miles to get to our hospital ships.
Here at Mercy Ships, we put our faith into action through providing surgical medical care to people in some of the poorest countries in the world — and lives are changed forever.
The professional medical volunteers on board our hospital ship perform thousands of free surgeries each year. They’re all important to the people who receive them.
Sarah Strickland shared with a magazine in her hometown how she used her skills as a nurse to make a difference in Madagascar by volunteering with Mercy Ships.
Our hospital ship, Africa Mercy, carries over 400 crew members from 40 different countries. They include surgeons, nurses, engineers, receptionists, mechanics, teachers, cooks, and many more.
The volunteer nurses on board the Africa Mercy offer our patients much more than physical care.
We live in a world of constant change… politics, music, culture, even fashion. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Georgette came to our hospital ship in Madagascar with two medical problems — a childbirth injury called VVF and a severely infected foot.
Georgette came to our hospital ship in Madagascar with two medical problems — a childbirth injury called VVF and a severely infected foot.
People volunteer with Mercy Ships for many different reasons. God can use anyone and everyone on our hospital ships.
Fandresena can’t stop smiling — in spite of the severe burns to his face and hand. In fact, his hand is so badly burned that he’s unable to write.
Georgette came to our hospital ship with a severely diseased foot. But her story had a happy ending.
Duda had lived with the challenges of club feet for many years. You can imagine her dismay when her grandson Alex was born with the same deformity!
A major factor in health is where you are born. The patients we serve in Africa suffer from illnesses and deformities because medical care simply isn’t available.
A major factor in health is where you are born. The patients we serve in Africa suffer from illnesses and deformities because medical care simply isn’t available.
Swiss native Myriam Kormann earned her degree in education. When she found out our hospital ships have a fully accredited school on board, she felt that was exactly where God was calling her.
Swiss native Myriam Kormann earned her degree in education. When she found out our hospital ships have a fully accredited school on board, she felt that was exactly where God was calling her.
Dahlia from Madagascar served on board our ship for a couple of years as the galley team leader.
Dahlia from Madagascar served on board our ship for a couple of years as the galley team leader.
Dr. Payam Afzali is a maxillofacial surgeon from the United States. He served on board our hospital ship in Senegal, and highly recommends volunteering.
Dr. Payam Afzali is a maxillofacial surgeon from the United States. He served on board our hospital ship in Senegal, and highly recommends volunteering.
Many Mercy Ships volunteers serve over and over again on board our hospital ship. Nurse Amy Wilderspin isn’t put off by the idea of having to pay her way or raise support to volunteer.
Many Mercy Ships volunteers serve over and over again on board our hospital ship. Nurse Amy Wilderspin isn’t put off by the idea of having to pay her way or raise support to volunteer.
For our orthopedic patients, surgery is just the first step, followed by challenging physical therapy. Volunteer physical therapist Rachel Fung describes the process.
For our orthopedic patients, surgery is just the first step, followed by challenging physical therapy. Volunteer physical therapist Rachel Fung describes the process.
Like all moms, Larissa dreamed of a bright future for her 4-year-old son Tresor. But cataracts were stealing his eyesight.
Like all moms, Larissa dreamed of a bright future for her 4-year-old son Tresor. But cataracts were stealing his eyesight.
Jenni and Justin Brunenkant left their lives back in California to volunteer on board our hospital ship in Guinea. Justin served as the Chief Electrician.
Amy Wilderspin is a nurse from Canada. She volunteered with Mercy Ships as a pediatric nurse for eight weeks in Madagascar.
Nurse Amy Wilderspin volunteered on board our hospital ship for eight weeks in Madagascar.
Our hospital ship is a floating international community representing over 40 countries. Rachel Fung is a physical therapist from Australia.
Our hospital ship is a floating international community representing over 40 countries. Rachel Fung is a physical therapist from Australia.
Watching your child suffer is tough in every country. A dad in Senegal watched his daughter Mariama suffer for 17 years.
Dr. Patricia Sen was mentored in ophthalmic surgery onboard our hospital ship in Cameroon. Afterward, she went to an eye clinic that had been closed for almost 20 years because there wasn’t an eye specialist.
Mariama is a beautiful 17-year-old girl in Senegal. But she didn’t think she was beautiful.
Dr. Afzali boarded our hospital ship in Senegal for two weeks of volunteer service. He’s a maxillofacial surgeon from the United States.
Vivien Welch is a nurse from New Zealand who serves on board our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy.
Baby Paul was born with a cleft lip and palate and couldn’t nurse properly. His frightened mother, Francoise, watched him slowly lose weight and strength.
People have a variety of reasons for volunteering with Mercy Ships. But perhaps the main one is the chance to witness amazing transformations in the lives of our patients.
People have a variety of reasons for volunteering with Mercy Ships. But perhaps the main one is the chance to witness amazing transformations in the lives of our patients.
Mercy Ships provides free surgical care to people with little access to quality medical care. Sometimes it’s hard for them to understand that there really aren’t any strings attached.
The joy of serving onboard our hospital ships is watching the physical and emotional transformations of our patients.
Many patients come to our hospital ship for cataract surgery, and afterward, it’s time to celebrate!
Many patients come to our hospital ship for cataract surgery, and afterward, it’s time to celebrate!
Martha’s small home in Cameroon had a leaky roof. She worked hard just to grow enough food to feed her family.
Volunteers can gain a better understanding of a patient by imagining life in that patient’s shoes.
Carmen Yirka studied in culinary school in Canada and volunteers onboard our hospital ship in the galley.
Many of the patients who come to our hospital ships suffer from conditions that are easily treated in the United States.
Señor Tellez had 12 children. Four were blind from birth by cataracts. One day he heard that doctors on a ship were giving free eye surgeries!
Agnes and Joseph Biney are from Ghana, and they have served on board our hospital ships for many years.
Antonio was a hard-working farmer in Honduras. He didn’t expect trouble as he opened the door.
Mercy Ships works to save lives in the FUTURE by offering medical capacity-building programs to the countries we serve. And we work to save lives NOW by offering free surgery.
Mercy Ships has brought hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor for over 40 years. Early in our mission, we visited El Salvador in Central America.
It’s a great compliment to Mercy Ships when volunteers return to give more time to serving the poor in Africa.
Mercy Ships wants to help change the story for the “bottom billion” of the world’s population. Most of them live in sub-Saharan Africa and have no access to safe, timely, and affordable surgery.
Finding the right person for the right job onboard our hospital ships sounds like a complex puzzle.
Dahlia was finishing her second year of university when our hospital ship arrived in her country — Madagascar.
Somaya was born with a cleft lip and palate. People told her mother to put the baby in an orphanage.
Mabouba came on board our hospital ship with a deadly tumor on her face. Years of struggling to eat left her weak, and her family worried if she would even survive.
Our volunteer crew often find unexpected connections. Deck Cadet and 3rd Mate James Meredith discovered that he and the Captain shared the same alma mater.
Finding activities that all the kids could enjoy was challenging for the orphanage’s two caretakers.
Mercy Ships provides free surgeries in poor countries. But we also mentor local doctors so people can receive help after our ship leaves.
The countries that Mercy Ships serves have little available healthcare. So, injuries go untreated and make life very difficult.
Her voice resonates in the hospital ward on the Africa Mercy. Modi Assenou’s prayers have been answered, and her joy is contagious!
Beth Kirchner came to the Africa Mercy to teach Kindergarten. She taught all the usual subjects.
It was a rare occurrence. Our volunteer surgeons performed two surgeries to remove tumors from two patients, two days apart — and the patients were a mother and her son.
Mercy Ships partners with local NGOs in our Food for Life agricultural program. Marie-Louise is a program graduate.
Mercy Ships provides free surgeries in poor countries. But we also mentor local doctors so people can receive help after our ship leaves.
Barbara was an inmate in a women’s prison. When Chaplain Kay Golbeck met her, hatred seeped from every pore.
Nearly 20 years ago our Mercy Ship the Anastasis was in a South African port. Togolese crewmember Edith loved to go ashore in her free time to minister to others.
Dr. Glenn Strauss is an eye surgeon who has volunteered with Mercy Ships for many years. He not only performs sight-saving surgeries but also trains local doctors.
Marijke and her husband Harmen joined Mercy Ships thanks to a dream she had as a child.
Lucael’s mother was only 14 when he was born. She was shocked by his cleft lip and palate.
Every three to ten minutes a child is born with cleft lip or palate — a major problem in developing countries.
Penda is a 23-year-old lab technician in Senegal. She worked onboard our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, in radiology.
Our hospital ship includes an accredited academy for children of the crew. Every Friday, the second-grade class distributes handwritten Bible verses.
Our hospital ships are teaming with life. From our patients to our crew, there’s always something happening on board.
A common farming technique in Africa is the slash-and-burn method. Our Mercy Ships agricultural program teaches less damaging methods that produce more abundant crops.
Thirteen-year-old Rayhanatou suffered from a tumor in her jaw for five years. Her family couldn’t afford medical care, even if it had been available.
In 2019, 32 men and women in Guinea participated in our Mercy Ships Food for Life program.
When Mabouba first came to the Africa Mercy, no one knew how close she had been to dying.
It’s been said that every person who steps on board our hospital ship is beginning a journey.
Whether on a hospital ship or in a small house in West Africa, the church is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
DK joined our ship from his home country in the middle east to volunteer as a housekeeper.
Canadian nurse Joleen was touched by one connection she made volunteering onboard our Africa Mercy.
The volunteers on board our hospital ship mainly pay their own way — room and board, transportation to and from Africa.
Francois wakes up incredibly early every morning. He spends two hours commuting to our partner dental school in Guinea.
Some female Mercy Ships crew members in Madagascar visited a women’s prison in their free time.
There are several ways to partner with Mercy Ships — by volunteering, giving, or by praying for us.
Mercy Ships hires local people in the countries we serve to work as day crew. Edward Carew is from Sierra Leone.
Showing mercy to others provides opportunities for special moments and special friendships.
When our Mercy Ship was in The Gambia, West Africa, crewmember Dorothy Logans befriended Fatou — a single mother with three children.
Mercy Ships provides training and mentoring for healthcare professionals in the countries we serve.
Announcements echoed through the halls of our hospital ship. Calm voices requested the presence of medical team members.
Serving on board our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, often impacts a volunteer’s worldview.
On our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, you’ll find volunteers from every corner of the earth.
Worship time in the ward on board our hospital ship is noisy. It’s a beautiful time — everyone sings and many, dance.
Volunteer crewmembers often find unexpected opportunities for mercy when they step off our hospital ship.
The wonderful crew on our hospital ship show mercy to our patients . . . and to each other.
Mercy Ships volunteer Kathy Long describes her part in the Mercy Ships “walking blood bank".
Eight-year-old Josias desperately wanted to go to school. But the other children ridiculed him because of a huge tumor on the right side of his face and neck.
Mercy Ships ministers to "the world's forgotten poor." But our patients' loving, joyful spirit makes them wealthier than the richest people in the world.
In the poorest regions of Madagascar, eating once a day is a luxury. Lack of nutrition and healthcare provides a perfect environment for an enemy called noma.
There are many beautiful women in Africa who feel ugly and isolated because they suffer from obstetric fistula.
Albert taught school in Congo, and he loved to encourage his students in the classroom and on the soccer field.
A recent job survey reported that 80% of workers hate their job. But that's NOT true onboard our hospital ship.
Josh is a videographer onboard our hospital ship and sees some amazing transformations... like 5-year-old Lucrech.
The Mercy Ships On Boarding class is a training course for long-term crew. It includes a service project in a developing country.
Kathy Long worked for the Los Angeles County Fire Department before volunteering onboard our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy.
Edmon Kaiser described noma as "an illness devouring both beauty and life." For Rovelle, a 14-year-old boy in Congo, that's exactly what it did.
Our hospital ship includes an accredited Academy for crew children. Volunteer teacher Gretchen Bullock felt God also wanted her to teach English to some of the patients.
Before Mercy Ships arrives in a country for field service, our Advance Team prepares the way.
Jen, an operating room nurse on the Africa Mercy, describes a unique opportunity that our medical volunteers enjoy.
Each year, about 100 babies receive a free cleft lip and palate surgery onboard our hospital ship.
Dr. Gary Parker, a skilled maxillofacial surgeon, is chief surgeon onboard our hospital ship.
The free medical care Mercy Ships provides really changes lives! Operating room nurse Jen tells one little boy's story.
The arrival of our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, in the port of Tamatave coincided with Madagascar's celebration of the "Year of the Volunteer."
It was Mercy Ships patient selection in Africa. Fifteen-year-old Mtombomzi sat alone, with her head bowed.
Mercy Ships operating room nurse Jen Peterschmidt shares what she loves most about working onboard the Africa Mercy.
Michelle is an operating room nurse onboard our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy. She wanted to use her skill for missions but was afraid she wasn’t the right age.
Our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, contains over 400 volunteers with diverse skillsets. Listen:
Two women, Sophie and Auriette, sat in the ward onboard our hospital ship and shared stories about their children with a crew member.
She had an “X” instead of a first name. Mercy Ships volunteer nurse Sue Clynes checked the medical notes. It was true.
Parents want the best for their children. But what if they can’t afford even basic healthcare? Three-year-old Romino’s parents were facing that very question. Romino’s legs were terribly misshapen.
One day, Nurse Noel Grant was working at her desk on our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, when she had an unexpected visitor!
Many of our crew choose to participate in Mercy Ministries in their free time. One group visited a senior center in the Republic of Congo.
Dr. Gary Parker has served as a volunteer surgeon onboard our hospital ship for over 25 years. He’s had a long time to observe the people we serve.
Tom KenKnight has volunteered onboard our hospital ship since 1996, serving as Fourth Engineer. But he had a problem — he suffered from motion sickness.
Sandrins watched her sisters leave for school. She desperately wanted to go with them, but her clubbed foot meant she was often left behind.
Birthdays are special days. But spending your birthday in a hospital can be a bit of a downer… unless you’re on board our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy!
Large eyes, sweet face, wide smile — these were the devices that little Dinelvie used to charm us into loving her! But it was sad to see her cleft lip.
In each field service, Mercy Ships hires local people to work onboard our hospital ship. In Congo, Clem, a day-crew in our communications department, had a BIG problem – he couldn’t find his ID book.
Mercy Ships hires locals to work onboard our hospital ship. Volunteer nurse Matt Morrison tells about the day-crew in Madagascar.
Nicole Pugh has volunteered with Mercy Ships since 2012. She serves as Assistant Manager in the Human Resources Department onboard our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy.
Marta Chase volunteered as a nurse onboard our hospital ship. Listen as Marta describes working with cleft lip babies.
The first day that patients board the Africa Mercy is an exciting day! But those first moments can be overwhelming for patients.
Grace had a massive facial tumor removed in a free surgery onboard our hospital ship in the Republic of Congo.
Many crewmembers participate in Mercy Ministries during their free time. One group visited the Mercy Ships HOPE Center, our outpatient recovery center.
It is a big step of faith to volunteer to serve others in a developing country… and live onboard a hospital ship with over 400 other volunteers.
Madagascar has a population of 24 million and limited healthcare. And it’s even more difficult in remote villages.
Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury caused by obstructed labor. But, after a successful surgery onboard our Mercy Ship, a special ceremony is held to celebrate new life and new hope.
Listen as volunteer surgeon Dr. Sherriff shares how God worked in the life of one patient onboard our hospital ship.
Sophie’s 5-year-old daughter Brinda suffered from a club foot. The little girl received free surgery onboard our Mercy Ship.
The countries we serve have little or no healthcare. So, we see very complicated cases onboard our hospital ship.
Volunteer Surgeon Dr. Jos Claes is a talented nose, throat, and ear surgeon from Belgium.
The wonderful volunteers onboard our hospital ships donate their time and skills to help people in the poorest countries in Africa. Ash Russell volunteered as a physical therapist.
The work that Mercy Ships does not only affects patients and their families. It can also affect the entire community… as the Mercy Ships Communications Team saw first-hand.
Mercy Ships nurse Krystal Reynolds shared how Lalao’s road to healing on our Mercy Ship was paved by her husband’s servant-heart.
Some people define family as the people you’re born with. Others say it includes those who become home for you.
In countries without dental care, the relief from pain outweighs the fear of the dental chair.
Laura was just 8 years old when her mother passed away. She and her sisters lost contact with that side of the family.
The irony is Facebook exists even in the poorest countries that have little access to safe surgical care.