This article is from a local TV story by Molly Reuter, reporting on KLTV
Mercy Ships is doing it's part to help in the hurricane relief effort. It's Caribbean Mercy ship is down in Mobile, Alabama housing volunteers working in the disaster areas, and the ship was just at the right place at the right time.
Jerry, Sam, Craig and Jeff are a diverse group of guys. One's a judge, the other a construction worker, but they all had the same goal, to get to the Gulf Coast.
"We were trying to go down to New Orleans because there was just so much media on New Orleans and our hearts were just breaking for these people," said Craig Carter, volunteer. "We tried for like two weeks, but the door just kept getting closed." But as they always say, when one door closes another one opens.
"One of the guys in the group called me and said Mercy Ships is looking for a team from Tyler, so we jumped right on it," said Carter. Mercy Ships docked their Caribbean Mercy ship in Mobile, Alabama last January for repairs. That's where it was when Hurricane Katrina came rushing in.
"We evacuated the crew and it was actually eleven days after the hurricane came that the water subsided," said Ciaran Holden, Chief Engineer of Caribbean Mercy ship. When it did, the ship's crew saw an opportunity to help.
"It was ideal because on board the ship we have a lot of diesel on board, so we can generate our own electricity and we have fresh water," said Holden. "We could use the Caribean Mercy more or less immediately to house relief teams coming into the area." The crew from Tyler took advantage of that option.
"The beds were comfortable and we had hot water and the meals were good at night," said Sam Griffith.
"Ships are built for shorter people," said Carter. "We bumped our heads a few times and I have no padding, so we had a few knocks." It's not the living conditions they say they will remember the most. It's the time spent cutting trees and building houses for those that needed help.
"You go down there to help people, but you come away like they helped you," said Carter. "They just made your life better through the experience." Now these four guys are not done helping. They say they are planning to go to Beaumont and Port Arthur in a few weeks to help those affected by Hurricane Rita.
Molly Reuter, reporting. mreuter@kltv.com
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Well Drilling Rig Re-commissioning Ceremony
From left to right: Mark Thompson, Mercy Teams Director; Udo Kronester, Africa Mercy Programs Director; Bob and Gloria Atkinson, original donators of the rig; Don Stephens, Founder and President of Mercy Ships; and Rob Miller, future well digger and caretaker of the rig!
There was a re-commissioning ceremony held for the well-drilling rig that was once onboard the Caribbean Mercy and is now being sent to the Africa Mercy. This drill will help drill 38 water wells during the first Ghana field service.
Bob and Maggie Atkinson, who gave Mercy Ships the rig, traveled to the IOC to participate in this ceremony. Don Stephens, Mark Thompson and others prayed a blessing on the rig - for its future service in Africa, as well as for the family who has donated it.
During the ceremony Bob shared with us that he and Maggie had attended a Crossroads Discipleship Training School in 1996. During their outreach, they served with Mark Thompson in Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch came through and destroyed many villages there. The Caribbean Mercy had left a group of well diggers and the well drilling rig from the Caribbean Mercy on land in Nicaragua after the ship's field service there prior to Hurricane Mitch. The need was great for clean water and it was decided to leave it there for service while the ship went back to the US to resupply and have a Public Relations time.
The impact of the need for fresh water and the exuberant joy it brought to the people served by the well helped Bob and Maggie decide to invest in a well drilling machine. They dedicated this new rig to serve on the Caribbean Mercy in honor of their parents to leave a legacy of how they served other's during their lives.
This machine was taken off the Caribbean Mercy, two years ago, when the planned outreach assessments did not find a need for drilling wells for the outreach locations. This well drilling rig will be sent in the near future to the Africa Mercy for use in Ghana where the two locations that ship will serve have great need for potable water. In one area only 42% of the population have access to potable water and in the other area there is only 17% of the population with access to potable water! We look forward to the time when this machine is again drilling to bring hope and healing into a community needing clean water!
Bob and Maggie Atkinson, who gave Mercy Ships the rig, traveled to the IOC to participate in this ceremony. Don Stephens, Mark Thompson and others prayed a blessing on the rig - for its future service in Africa, as well as for the family who has donated it.
During the ceremony Bob shared with us that he and Maggie had attended a Crossroads Discipleship Training School in 1996. During their outreach, they served with Mark Thompson in Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch came through and destroyed many villages there. The Caribbean Mercy had left a group of well diggers and the well drilling rig from the Caribbean Mercy on land in Nicaragua after the ship's field service there prior to Hurricane Mitch. The need was great for clean water and it was decided to leave it there for service while the ship went back to the US to resupply and have a Public Relations time.
The impact of the need for fresh water and the exuberant joy it brought to the people served by the well helped Bob and Maggie decide to invest in a well drilling machine. They dedicated this new rig to serve on the Caribbean Mercy in honor of their parents to leave a legacy of how they served other's during their lives.
This machine was taken off the Caribbean Mercy, two years ago, when the planned outreach assessments did not find a need for drilling wells for the outreach locations. This well drilling rig will be sent in the near future to the Africa Mercy for use in Ghana where the two locations that ship will serve have great need for potable water. In one area only 42% of the population have access to potable water and in the other area there is only 17% of the population with access to potable water! We look forward to the time when this machine is again drilling to bring hope and healing into a community needing clean water!
Thursday, October 13, 2005
A Little Update on Rob and Denise
I'm new to blogging, Denise always does all of the hard work. So I, Rob, decided it was time for me to try my hand at this. Denise tells me if I really mess it up she can go back and edit it...so here we go.
Thankfully, we weathered Hurricane Rita without incident.
We have submitted our transfer request to go serve aboard the M/V Africa Mercy.
Many of you have been very supportive of our serving with Mercy Ships over these past three years. We had hopes that when we first came to Mercy Ships that we would be making a lifelong change, but didn't really know what the Lord had in store for us. With much prayer and a little trembling we have been on an adventure of a lifetime. The experiences that we have shared, the lives we have seen changed, add a whole new meaning to our lives. Have you ever enjoyed something you were doing so much you just didn't want to stop?
Ok, OK... have you been fortunate enough to have this experience at work? Denise and I can't say that every experience working and living on a Mercy Ship is one we don't want to stop, but the overall total package is a life that we wouldn't trade for the world.
The best way we can describe it is like when in the song the songwriter says about every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that all tribes, nations and countries will bow down and worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, that they will cast down their crowns at the feet of Jesus.
We see a small part of God's kingdom working and living together. Many different nations, all living and working together to share a common cause to spread God's love and His Word. Through acts of kindness, bringing hope and healing through His power and strength and to His glory.
So as you read that our love and desire is to be aboard the ship, in the middle of community, working hand in hand with our brothers and sisters to help change lives one at a time, maybe you can understand our hearts. Not just to change lives but to share the love that God has shared with us...to look for the opportunity to be a servant to each other and people we have yet to meet.
So as we get excited about this next season the Lord is bringing us into, we ask for your prayers and continued support of us. Will you join with us for another couple of years? Will you help us follow the path that the Lord has placed before us? We pray that you will and that God will bless you abundantly for your part in what we are able to do together and with God!
Our prayer for you is that your life will be as wonderful as it was in the mind of God on the day He created you!
God's abundant blessings,
Rob and Denise (editor)
Thankfully, we weathered Hurricane Rita without incident.
We have submitted our transfer request to go serve aboard the M/V Africa Mercy.
Many of you have been very supportive of our serving with Mercy Ships over these past three years. We had hopes that when we first came to Mercy Ships that we would be making a lifelong change, but didn't really know what the Lord had in store for us. With much prayer and a little trembling we have been on an adventure of a lifetime. The experiences that we have shared, the lives we have seen changed, add a whole new meaning to our lives. Have you ever enjoyed something you were doing so much you just didn't want to stop?
Ok, OK... have you been fortunate enough to have this experience at work? Denise and I can't say that every experience working and living on a Mercy Ship is one we don't want to stop, but the overall total package is a life that we wouldn't trade for the world.
The best way we can describe it is like when in the song the songwriter says about every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that all tribes, nations and countries will bow down and worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, that they will cast down their crowns at the feet of Jesus.
We see a small part of God's kingdom working and living together. Many different nations, all living and working together to share a common cause to spread God's love and His Word. Through acts of kindness, bringing hope and healing through His power and strength and to His glory.
So as you read that our love and desire is to be aboard the ship, in the middle of community, working hand in hand with our brothers and sisters to help change lives one at a time, maybe you can understand our hearts. Not just to change lives but to share the love that God has shared with us...to look for the opportunity to be a servant to each other and people we have yet to meet.
So as we get excited about this next season the Lord is bringing us into, we ask for your prayers and continued support of us. Will you join with us for another couple of years? Will you help us follow the path that the Lord has placed before us? We pray that you will and that God will bless you abundantly for your part in what we are able to do together and with God!
Our prayer for you is that your life will be as wonderful as it was in the mind of God on the day He created you!
God's abundant blessings,
Rob and Denise (editor)
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Africa Mercy? Yes, Lord ...we heard You!
Thanks for all your prayers and support! We have applied to serve on the Africa Mercy! Please join us in prayer that we are clearly hearing that this is God's will for our next season!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Preparing for Hurricane Rita
I must apologize to you for not updating the website and blog as often as I'd like to and I'm sure you'd like me to! I've been experiencing trouble with our laptop (it's over 3 years old now). I've had to restore the hard drive and in that process lost many emails and email addresses. Please send us your email address again to be sure that we have it. Also, the laptop will now sometimes turn on and other times is not able to. So....it's been a real challenge for me...those of you who know me well will really understand that!
Anyway... we wanted to let you know that we are fine and preparing for Hurricane Rita that at the last update is directly headed for us! Of course, we pray that it will only be a tropical storm or depression by the time it reaches us. We are quite a way inland (about 4 hours). In the update from this morning....we are located just about on the 7 am Sunday spot.
Anyway... we wanted to let you know that we are fine and preparing for Hurricane Rita that at the last update is directly headed for us! Of course, we pray that it will only be a tropical storm or depression by the time it reaches us. We are quite a way inland (about 4 hours). In the update from this morning....we are located just about on the 7 am Sunday spot.
The most recent 4 pm update has it arriving about 1 pm on Sunday, since it stalled out and slowed down a bit this morning. Needless to say, we are preparing and will continue to monitor the situation and pray for God's mercy to calm the storm. We especially pray for those on the coast and those already hurting from Hurricane Katrina. We'll keep you posted as best we can!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Caribbean Mercy in Chickasaw
Caribbean Mercy in Chickasaw, originally uploaded by MercyWatch.
Praise the Lord! We know that the Lord had His hand on the Caribbean Mercy during this storm! We are encouraged that He knows His plans for her and has kept her safe. A team from Mercy Ships International Operations Center and the crew will be leaving early tomorrow to check her out up close!
Map of Chickasaw, Alabama
The location of the ship is marked near the center of the map. The dock is located about 6.5 miles north of downtown Mobile, Alabama.
Caribbean Mercy after Hurricane Katrina
We just received some pictures of the ship after Hurricane Katrina. A team will be going to the ship tomorrow to inspect her inside and out!
Friday, September 02, 2005
Before and Afters Blog
A blog that shows a few before and after pictures of patients on the Anastasis. These photos were captured by Scott Harrison.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Rob visits the Caribbean Mercy!
Rob visits the Caribbean Mercy!
Originally uploaded by MercyWatch.
We were blessed as the Lord (and Mercy Ships) allowed Rob to visit the ship and spend some time with the caretakers. He and Ciaran measured and met with contractors to help determine the extent and costs of getting the ship in order to continue the mission work!
The Caribbean Mercy Caretakers
The Caribbean Mercy Caretakers
Originally uploaded by MercyWatch.
From left around to right: Lilian, Maria Elena, Ciaran, Tom, Kathy and little Joy!
Ciaran, Lilian, Joy and Rob (taking the picture) visited the caretakers of the Caribbean Mercy the week of August 15th.
Where's the crew?
Where's the crew?
Originally uploaded by MercyWatch.
The dining room on the Caribbean Mercy awaits the return of the crew to once again go on outreacch after the repairs are completed.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Blog Class at the Introduction to Mercy Ships
During the Introduction to Mercy Ships week long class, Denise was able to teach a short class on Thursday afternoon for Blogging! There were about 50 attendees, including the participants attending the Introduction and also many of Mercy Ships volunteer long term staff looking to better communicate with friends, family and supporters. We look forward to seeing many of these blogs on the Internet, sharing what God is doing in many lives as well as spreading the word of the Lord and bringing Glory to God! Some of the attendees have already begun! Click on the names to see their blogs! Sue (she helped me practice) Alberta and more to come!
Saturday, August 06, 2005
The Caribbean Mercy Caretakers
The Caribbean Mercy Caretakers
Originally uploaded by MercyWatch.
Maria Elena, Kathy, Bill, Rebecca and Tom are the caretakers of the Caribbean Mercy.
Monday, August 01, 2005
SA Blog
An article about an interview with some of the Anastasis crew and the impact in South Africa.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Wood Family Reunion
WOOD FAMILY REUNION
HOSTED BY THE CHILDREN OF
LECTER AND LESSIE BROWN WOOD
JULY 24, 2004
11:OO AM - UNTIL.........
2242 ALLIBONE ROAD
BEL AIR, MD 21015
This is a covered dish affair, so........
Pack up your picnic baskets and coolers; that takes care of the food and drink. No alcohol please. We will have lunch about 12:30
NOW.............
Bring along your family photos, genealogy and stories to share.
Wear your best smiles for the cameras.
Be sure to invite all your/our WOOD RELATIVES.
CONTACTS: Claude (Woody) and Ruth Wood
E-MAIL: Morg87@aol.com or Woody11429@aol.com
or
Sybil Lovelace
e-mail: sybil@zondu.com
We look forward to seeing everyone.
Gather for lunch and stay for dinner.
HOSTED BY THE CHILDREN OF
LECTER AND LESSIE BROWN WOOD
JULY 24, 2004
11:OO AM - UNTIL.........
2242 ALLIBONE ROAD
BEL AIR, MD 21015
This is a covered dish affair, so........
Pack up your picnic baskets and coolers; that takes care of the food and drink. No alcohol please. We will have lunch about 12:30
NOW.............
Bring along your family photos, genealogy and stories to share.
Wear your best smiles for the cameras.
Be sure to invite all your/our WOOD RELATIVES.
CONTACTS: Claude (Woody) and Ruth Wood
E-MAIL: Morg87@aol.com or Woody11429@aol.com
or
Sybil Lovelace
e-mail: sybil@zondu.com
We look forward to seeing everyone.
Gather for lunch and stay for dinner.
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