Video and article from Tyler Paper

Volunteer Information Meeting For Mercy Ships Set At Green Acres Baptist Church

Last week the ship docked in Cotonou for 10 months of service to the West African nation of Benin. People interested in volunteering for Mercy Ships of Garden Valley are invited to an information session, 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Green Acres Baptist Church (in Tyler, Texas).

Green Acres Baptist Church (Tyler, Texas) will hold a volunteer-information for Mercy Ships of Garden Valley from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The 499-foot Africa Mercy, the world's largest nongovernmental hospital ship, docked in Cotonou last week for a 10-month term of service in the West African Nation of Benin.

The Mercy Ships meeting at Green Acres will be held in the Galilee Room. The theme of the event is "Get on Board with Mercy Ships."

"This meeting is designed for people from all over East Texas, not just at Green Acres, to hear about volunteering opportunities with Mercy Ships," said Angela Fadley, of Mercy Ships.

The state-of-the-art hospital ship began sending medical screening teams into North Benin shortly after docking to increase health care services. The pro-active approach helps insure medical services are provided equitably throughout the country, said information from Mercy Ships. About 300 to 500 North Benin candidates for surgery are expected to be screened.
Surgeries offered include maxilla-facial, cleft lip and palate, tumors, flesh-eating noma, release of burn contractures, obstetric fistula and orthopedic issues.

During the 10-month tenure in Benin, hundreds of volunteers from around the world will carry out a wide range of medical and community development services. A dental clinic in Akpakpa will provide up to 20,000 dental care procedures, and vision clinics will be offered.

The Mercy Vision project aims to help reduce the number of the estimated 48,000 blind people in Benin, and treat those with crossed eyes, pterygium, children under 16-years-old born with cataracts and "older people" who can see some light. In 2009 an estimated 3,000 cataract surgeries will be performed. Medical teams will set up community clinics in Godomey, Ghanhi, Porto-Novo and Akpaka to evaluate and treat up to 20,000 people for basic eye diseases.

To RSVP or for more information call (903) 939-7045.

First Screening Day in Benin

Yesterday, February 19th, the crew of the Africa Mercy held our large mass screening at the Hall des Arts. Almost two thousand potential patients came to be seen by the crew. There were 1,952 potential patients attended along with their family member(s), so we estimated about 4,000 people. Don Stephens, Mercy Ships Founder/President arrived on Wednesday evening and he told us last night that this was the most successful screening he has seen. It was well organized and the flow of people through the various stations went very smoothly and effeciently. The people of Benin were shown great love and care as they patiently waited for their time to be seen. Approximately, 600 were referred by Dr. Glenn to one of the 4 field eye team clinic locations around the greater Cotonou area, which started today and will continue 4 days a week until the end of November 2009. The opthalmac surgical (eye surgery) candidates are selected from the field eye team clinics. Another 60 people were told that their eye problem was not something we could assist with. As the people (1,292 people on this day) entered they came to the pre-screening tent set up in front of the stadium. Of those, 635 people were given cards to enter the stadium to go through the appropriate screening stations. The others, were prayed with and/or walked to the exit.

We do not know yet how many were actually scheduled for surgery and given an appointment card. Many came to the two prayer stations also. Those not able to go through the whole process today were given cards to come back today - Friday, the 20th. Hospital crew and non-Hospital crew returned to the stadium to continue the process today. We would ask for your continued prayers. (statistics from: Keith Brinkman, Programs Administrator)

Screening in the North of Benin

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Africa Mercy North Benin Screening team, (Operation Access) saw over 200 potential patients in Parakou on Thursday. 57 persons were scheduled for surgery and an additional 18 individuals have been referred for orthopaedic and VVF screening in Cotonou. The team went to Natitingou on Friday and screened in the afternoon and Saturday before returning to the ship on Sunday. (Keith Brinkman, Programs Administrator)

We have arrived in Cotonou, Benin (West Africa)!

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Hello Friends, We have arrived safely in Cotonou, Benin West Africa after a nine day sail from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. We thank God for hearing our prayers and providing us safe passage! We had a very pleasant sail and at one point were in the Doldrums for a day or so. Thankfully we are a motor vessel and not dependent upon the wind in our sails for movement. Rob commented to the Chief Engineer on the calmness of the sea and then learned about the Doldrums. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doldrums) This is a picture of Oliver Glidja, one of our crew members from Benin, carrying the Republic of Benin flag down the gangway shortly after arrival. Our Managing Director, Ken Berry and his wife, Ann are following Oliver down for the Arrival Ceremony. Our arrival in Cotonou was not uneventful though. On Monday, 9 February, when the process began of going through the checklist prior to proceeding to the Pilot station a few technical difficulties presented themselves in systems that had been checked previously and had operated correctly. As the engineering and deck departments worked to resolve these challenges, a call went out for prayer. Crew met in the International Lounge and interceded in prayer. Our shipmates in Marine Operations, once advised of our situation, joined in prayer. The Advance Team and Mercy Team ashore at the Port of Cotonou waited with the many invited dignitaries and guests that had come for a 2:00 pm Arrival Ceremony. At 5:00 -6:00pm, they held a worship service on the dock and offered prayer. As daylight was giving way to nightfall the Captain advised the crew we would spend the evening at anchor just within sight of Cotonou on the horizon. The engineers would work through the evening into the night checking and repairing these issues and by early morning all was well. We weighted anchor around 0745 as the majority of the crew was in the International Lounge for Tuesday morning devotions. At 0800 we proceeded to the Pilot station for a 0830 rendezvous with the Pilot. The picture below is of the dock as we entered the port with the pilot onboard Tuesday morning about 9:00 AM. The welcoming party was smaller but very excited to see us come in! On the dock is our Advance Team (in Orange) and the Mercy Team (Green and White) as well as government officials and others. We arrived at our berth without incident docking to starboard side. We normally dock to port, but the Captain needed to ensure there was adequate depth of water under the ship to protect the propellers and rudder. As we go further into the port the depth of the water becomes shallower. So docking to port allows the aft (back) of the ship with the propellers and rudder to be in the deepest portion of water available. Next week, we may turn the ship around. The picture below was taken shortly after the Arrival Ceremony was finished. The dock looks quiet and peaceful now. Once the ships arrive on our bow (in front) and stern (behind) this will change alot! We were quite blessed in Monrovia, Liberia for our berth. We had the entire dock, pretty much to ourselves, allowing for a great deal of flexibility for crew in moving around on the dock and restriction of motor vehicles. In the evening, the children would play and ride bikes on the dock unrestricted for the most part. Here we are one of many ships berthed along the dock with working vessels both our bow (front) and stern (back). We’ve been advised by the Captain that our berth may change over the next several days…we may move forward, we may have to turn around, we may have to leave the port for a short period going a little out to sea and then returning. Not to worry…if we return from town and notice the ship sailing out of the port not to be alarmed. They’ll be right back. Denise and I had the pleasure of walking into town on Wednesday evening after dinner with Al and Betty Lou Bennett. The people of Cotonou are very friendly and warm; smiling at our efforts to communicate in French…”Bonsoir” (good evening). This picture is taken along the main road from the port into town. The Catholic Church is a landmark and can be seen in the red and white brick on the right hand side of the road. This is about 20 minutes walk from the ship. It is a blessing to be able to walk into town from the ship! We wanted to give you a little update on how we are and the events already starting to take place. Tuesday evening, the 10th of February crew was cleared by Immigrations to go ashore Wednesday afternoon, the 11th of February a Medical Team "Operation Access" leaves the Africa Mercy going north to Parakou and Natitingou for screening of potential patients Thursday, the 12th of February vehicles are off loaded from the Africa Mercy to the dock after only two days. We are still waiting for the vehicles to be registered and cleared to drive in Benin. Thursday morning, the 12th of February, a visit by the Minister of Health Thursday afternoon, the 12th of February, a visit by the US Ambassador Friday afternoon, the 13th of February, a reception for the Civic and Media, including the ambassadors from the US, South Africa, Germany and France Friday, 13th of February last day to sign up and volunteer for the Screening Days on the 19th and 20th of February - here in Cotonou! Oh....we wanted to include one picture from our last newsletter...we weren't sure if anyone was able to take a picture of the Killer Whales...well...Yes, of course someone did. Here is the picture of the Orca alongside the Africa Mercy! Denise actually saw it even more out of the water than this with its belly showing! We are excited to be here in Cotonou, Benin as we start the 2009 Field Service! Here are a few prayer points for this time: Please pray for the screening - for people that God has a purpose for will come and those that don't will not come to the screening (Dr. Gary put it this way as some people will come that we can't help in a physical way, but God may have a purpose for them to come) Please pray for those we will have to say no to at the screening Please pray that our actions will glorify God in all we say and do Please pray for our health and the health and strength of our crew Please pray for the many volunteers that will serve during this Field Service Please pray for the families, of all of the volunteers as they release their loved ones to service (including our family!) Would you allow us to pray for you? We do pray for each of you in general terms often, yet at times we know there are many more specific prayers we could be praying. Would you allow us to intercede on your behalf this year? We would consider it a privilege. You can email us or call any time. We love to hear from you. God’s Blessings, Rob and Denise Phone: (954) 538-6110 cabin ext. 4423 (this is a US number) email: mercywatch@gmail.com or just reply to this message!

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Oliver and the Flag of Benin

BED0902_SHIPARR_BENIN_EB74_L
Originally uploaded by MercyWatch.

One of our crew mates, Oliver, is from Benin. He was honored to bring the flag down the gangway and be a part of the Welcoming Ceremony.

Arrival in the port of Cotonou, Benin

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Originally uploaded by MercyWatch.

This is a picture of the dock where we will spend the next 10 months just as we are coming inside the port. The Advance Team, the Mercy Team and others to welcome us are waving on the end of the dock!

The Africa Mercy Arrives in Cotonou, Benin (West Africa)

As reported in the Christian Telegraph:

The world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, arrived in Cotounou, Benin, this week to begin 10 months of specialized partnership with the nation’s Ministry of Health, reports Peter Wooding, special to ASSIST News Service.

The hospital ship’s “Operation Access” screening team left Cotonou for two provincial capitals in North Benin shortly after docking with the goal of increasing access to health care services offered by the ship throughout the nation equitably. Posters and public service announcements were sent out ahead of the team appealing for family members to bring those with particular ailments to the North Benin screening sites this week. To read more...... CLICK HERE

Sailing on the Africa Mercy

written by Carmen Radley

Crew members enjoying a sunset from the top deck of the Africa Mercy.

A nine-day sail on the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship is different from others. It's not a regular working ship, where every crew member has traditional sailing duties, nor a vacation cruise, where people just relax and watch the blue waters of the Atlantic slide by.

Sailing on the Africa Mercy inhabits an interesting middle ground. On the voyage, crew members balance the pleasure of the ocean breezes with the anticipation and preparations for serving the poorest of the poor for the next 10 months in Benin.

Captain Tim Tretheway is responsible for getting the ship to its berth in Benin, and he praises his deck crew for their diligence and skill. "It's been a lot of fun on this sail to work with the other officers in doing some traditional navigation techniques," Captain Tim says.

While the deck officers and crew navigate the waters and keep watch for pirates and other safety concerns, the nurses are busy training new recruits in the procedures of the hospital, and the Health Care Development department is putting final plans into place for construction and agricultural projects in Benin.

But after work, the crew gets the unique experience of going to the upper decks and seeing the vast blue ocean, interesting marine life, and the bright stars, undiminished by manmade light.
"I love the sail," says Mary Lou Maulsby, manager of the dining room on the Africa Mercy. "Day and night, God's glory is in the skies, the waves, and the exhilaration He gives as we watch His dolphins."

Sailing to Benin!

Mercy Watch

Hello Friends,

We began our nine day sail from Tenerife, Canary Islands a week ago today (31 January 2009) enroute to Conotou, Benin. We will be sailing until about mid morning on Monday, for a total of about 9 days. It is exciting to be preparing for Field Service again. The picture below was taken as we left the port in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. The pilot boat is speeding away as the Africa Mercy sails into the open sea.

We were blessed by a little furlough time with family and friends over the Christmas and New Year holidays and continuing through the month of January. It was a very restful and rewarding time to catch up with our family and many of our friends. As with any visit you never seem to get to see everyone you hope to. We spent a week in a wonderful cabin in the North Georgia mountains with our 2 sons, their families and Denise’s sisters families. We had a wonderful time 19 of us altogether in the cabin (pictured below)! I wish I had thought to get a picture of all of us standing on the various levels. A picture of some of the family and most of the kids is included below at the movie theater. The guys and Denise were at the sports club watching an American Football game.

As we sail to Benin, there are not as many familiar faces amongst the crew as when we departed from Liberia. Many of our former crewmates have departed, and there seem to be so many new faces. What a wonderful blessing the Lord provides in each new crewmate. As we enjoy new opportunities to meet new friends, to hear their stories and in the retelling of our stories, we are reminded of the many ways God has and continues to bless our lives. We have had a New Crew Training while on the sail and of the new crew about 2/3 had never been to Africa before. It seems like not too long ago, we also had never been to Africa, now we have spent 16 months in Liberia! Benin will be different in many ways and also familiar in some ways. We are very much looking forward to spending the next 10 months in Benin. Tomorrow, we will have a workshop on Spiritual Warfare and Intercessory Prayer. We will also pray for Benin and what God has in His mind for us there!

This is a beautiful sunset as we are sailing! Also, lifeboat #1...our lifeboat! One of the crew members captured this sunset in this picture. We've had several drills since being at sea. We haven't had to use the lifeboats! Praise God!

We were reminded on a recent Thursday night of how sometimes life’s situations can cause us to harden our hearts. To set up protective (we think) barriers to hurtful events, and in so doing isolate ourselves and deny the Holy Spirit to use us. We were encouraged to place our trust constantly in Jesus and to allow Him to protect us and help us keep our heart soft and receptive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

During the sail, God supplies wonderful surprises along the way as we prepare our hearts and minds for His work Among God's surprises are "Dolpins off the bow!" over the intercom and we look out or sometimes are out on the bow and see the dolphins playing at the bow (shown below). Today we saw some orcas (killer whales) up close. We've seen some from a distance, but today they were right alongside the ship and one even came about half way out of the water so we could tell he was black and white (I don't know if anyone got a picture...I haven't seen one yet). It's amazing to see God's creatures as we are sailing!

So we pray for ourselves and for you, to keep your hearts soft and allow Jesus to mold our hearts. In so doing may we all see each person as Jesus does, may we be so filled with the love of Jesus that His love will flow forth from us into a hurting world; one person at a time. May we be open and ready for the opportunities that God supplies! When that opportunity comes may we behold it and jump to action as we do when the call "Dolphins on the port side" comes over the intercom.

As we prepare ourselves for this next season God has brought us to, can we ask you to continue your prayers for us and for the people of Benin? We are truly blessed by your prayers and we can testify to the difference they make in our daily lives. Thank you so much for all of your love and support!

God’s abundant blessings to each of you,

Rob and Denise

more pictures may be seen at www.flickr.com/photos/mercywatch and on our blog - http://mercywatch.blogspot.com

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3 crosses on a sunken ship

3 crosses on a sunken ship
Originally uploaded by MercyWatch.

This is a sunken ship in the harbor of Monrovia, Liberia.

Wishing you a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Mercy Watch

Hello Friends,

As we began to prepare this newsletter, it suddenly became apparent that this is the last day of 2008. We are in the North Georgia Mountains with our family vacationing and it has become easy to let the days pass by without realizing which day it is or the date. The cabin is about twelve miles out of the nearest town with no internet, so we are away from our email and calendars aside from looking at our watches. Kind of nice actually, and with all of the family members here we’ve plenty of catching up to do.

We sailed from Monrovia, Liberia on the twelfth of December for a six day sail to Tenerife, Canary Islands. As we actually released all of the mooring lines and the ship began to move away from the dock, we waved farewell to our friends with many emotions playing on our hearts all at the same time. We as a crew had finished well, many lives had been impacted, we have seen God move amongst His people bringing hope and healing. We pray as we sail away that the people of Liberia will continue on their road of recovery as a nation. We pray that through the love of Jesus they will continue to reconcile and heal the many wounds of their nation. We pray that as a nation they will continue to seek God and He will heal their land. We pray that President Ellen Johnson –Sirleaf will continue to guide her country with the vision she has, that through this vision the people of Liberia will prosper as a nation.

Our sail to Tenerife was pleasant, the technical crew managing all of the ship's systems and overcoming any technical difficulties with little of any impact to the crew. We praise God for the many skilled mariners He brings to Mercy Ships. Their skills and dedication provide a safe and comfortable home for our crew, and a stable platform from which life changing operations may be performed.

We travelled from Tenerife to St. Augustine, Florida via an overnight stay in Madrid, Spain to spend Christmas with our oldest son and his family. We were blessed to attend a cantata and candle light service on Christmas Eve at our home church. Denise especially enjoys the cantatas so it was an extra special treat for her.

We spent Christmas at our oldest son’s home and enjoyed being with him and his family to include our youngest granddaughter. It was very nice being Mom, Dad, Grammy and Poppy.

As planned on December 26^th we all (19 of us from Florida, Delaware and Tennesee) travelled to our current location at the “cabin” in the mountains of North Georgia, for a week. It has been great fun catching-up with all of the brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins and grand-children. Sharing meals together, playing games, shopping, bonfires at night, roasting marshmellows and making smores. Watching the sun finally make it over the mountains into the valley at 0900 is fun, wonderful sunsets too. If you’d like to know where this little piece of heaven is, send us an email and we’ll send you the details on how to contact the owners Phil and Teresa. Well this is about all for now, we think we hear one of our grand-daughters calling…gotta go be Grammy and Poppy J

God’s Blessings to you now and in the New Year,

Rob (Poppy) and Denise (Grammy)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mercy Watch

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Greetings from Monrovia, Liberia! Already a month has passed since our last newsletter. As we come closer to the final days of this Field Service, the pace seems to quicken and our busy days seem to find ways to become even busier. We are thankful for good health and the ability to be serving here in Liberia!

This month we celebrated Thanksgiving Day on November 6^th with our Liberian friends and crew. In Liberia, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the first Thursday in November in contrast to our United States celebration on the last Thursday of November. We had special services onboard along with a wonderfully prepared meal and we all (from 33 nations) gave thanks to God for His provisions and our many blessings!

So for our family and friends in the United States that have yet to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we pray it will be a wonderful day for you and your families! May you have time to enjoy a wonderful meal together and time to reflect upon the provisions of God and His many blessings poured out! And that you are able to watch some good ol’ American Football!

This picture is of our Thanksgiving Harvest in Liberia! Many of these fruits and vegetables were grown right here in Liberia. I think the apples though were imported (probably from Europe). The crew were invited after the service to help themselves to one of these fresh fruits and vegetables and the crew was very excited about that! Many of the crew are not able to get out to the markets to shop and even if they do, it's difficult to find the fresh produce. I've made a slideshow of some of the market sites and you can see it here. Market Photo Show

The children on board dressed up as fruit and vegetables ( a living cornucopia). The girls to the right are dressed up as bananas and were the stars of the night! The girls are (R-L) Anna Peet, Freida Tvedt and Joyce Everleens. It was a lot of fun and the kids enjoyed it too!

This month has found Denise very busy with Administrative training and continuing in her role as mentor. This past week was another Graduation for the Administrative trainees from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. (More about this in our next newsletter with pictures)

Also, she has been very busy for the past two weeks in her support role in Staff Development as we’ve had Dr. Andrew Clark from our International Operations Center, here conducting a training seminar to the ship's leadership team.

Dr. Clark had spent much time in preparation for the seminar and brought along many training aids, props and handouts to assist him during the week long seminar…unfortunately, his luggage didn’t make the trip with him. The luggage arrived Thursday evening just prior to the last day of the seminar so, needless to say many extra hours were devoted to recreating the material from notes and downloads from various sites. God is and was in control, so in the end He was glorified and the seminar was a success.

Many of our crew, including ourselves, are involved in a fun virtual walk to Benin and back! (See the picture above) It is 903 miles to Benin and the map above shows our teams and the other teams progress. There are 6 crew members on each walking team.

One of our team members, Yvonne, is actually leaving for Benin on Monday (November 24th)! She is on our advance team and will prepare for the Africa Mercy's arrival in February! In the picture to the right is our Benin Advance Team, during their Dedication Prayer on Thursday night (Melissa in blue shirt Anounchka in Green, Yvonne in Red and Brenda, the team leader in Black) Please pray for them as they go ahead of us!

We are starting to see, planning charts posted detailing the many varied activities which will have to take place in order for us to systematically prepare for sailing in a little less than four weeks. All departments have the responsibilities for various tasks and functions, all which must happen in a certain order. All thought out, laid out, and prepared. Systems are being checked and double checked. Watch bills are being prepared to shift to Sea Watches. We have begun doing Swimmer's Watch to keep the swimmers off the dock and ship at night. The crew is asked to serve a watch of two hours throughout the night for 4 watches each night until we sail. Safety procedures are being emphasized even more than usual, soon the At-Sea Drills will begin to remind us of the activities required of us as crew.

Simple things like, which lifeboat to muster at for the general crew instead of going on the dock looking for a placard with the letter representing your last name. Where is that life vest anyway? It sounds a little funny maybe, but in all seriousness the better we prepare the safer we will all be. Many of our crew have not been onboard during a sail. Our last sail was in February 2008...so we can all use a refresher!

Rob is busy as the final orders are being sent in to our Marine Operations Department for repairable and consumable items required prior to sail and for the work to be done in Tenerife for the technical departments, Deck and Engineering. Our Marine Operations Department in Texas at the International Operations Center will coordinate the logistics of sourcing, ordering and delivery to Tenerife. Rob helps to source and prepare the requisitions for these orders.

The church that we attend while here in Liberia is the New Georgia United Methodist Church. You can see it in the distance in this picture. If you look closely you can see Rob standing on the porch in his blue shirt! This pictures shows the progress on the new school project that the church has started in the last few months. It is quite an ambitious project, but the community is really excited about it and they are working very hard to make it a reality! A church in Indiana, Delphi United Methodist Church, is partnering with our church and a team of 9 (including their pastor) recently came to help with the project for a couple weeks. It is exciting to be a part of this future plan to help and improve the education of this community! We won't be here to see it's completion, but it is so good to know that we were able to come alongside these precious people for a time that the Lord arranged. We have seen them grow in the Lord, establish a vision and now the vision is at work!

As we come to completion of this Field Service, we are thankful to finish well, for the many lives (including ours) that have been forever changed. We are also thankful and prayerful that in a small way, we as a crew (collectively) have with God’s help enabled the citizens of Liberia to have hope and to have experienced some healing, both physical and spiritual as well as emotional. We pray that the impact of our community combining and interacting with their community will have a lasting impact.

They have touched our lives and we will never be the same for it, we leave Liberia with even more love in our hearts. A little tired for the journey, but very thankful we were able to be part of the healing and reconciliation of a nation. The journey to wholeness is a long one, but we see many, many of the people of Liberia on the path. May God continue to be their focus and as they seek Him, He will heal their land.

May God bless you as you seek and trust in Him! Thank you for being a significant part of our lives and for your prayers, support and encouragement! Happy Thanksgiving!

God’s Blessings to you,

Rob and Denise

Mercy Ships, M/V Africa Mercy

www.mercyships.org

Challenges Come...God is Faithful!

Mercy Watch

Subscribe Change E-mail View Archive Challenges Come...God is Faithful!

Good Morning Friends,

We just wanted to try and catch you up a little with some of the events in our lives. We’ve heard that there are seasons of your life…lately it seems as we are in more than one at the same time. The Lord continues his process of drawing us closer and deeper still in our relationship with Him. We’ve found this to be both challenging and rewarding.

This picture is of Rob standing just outside of the Port Gate...in the distance you can see the exhaust stacks (Dark blue) of the M/V Africa Mercy in the center of the picture. It's about 1/2 a mile to the port gates that are guarded by UN soldiers. We walk regularly to the gates and back several times for exercise.

We, as you also can, testify to a strong work ethic which seems to always keeps us busy and feeling like we’ve not done all that we should do… our To-do list is too long and the days to short. We feel concerned for not spending enough time nurturing our relationships. You’d believe that as we’ve grown older we are supposed to gain experience and wisdom in these areas; somehow lately it doesn’t feel that way.

This picture is of Denise and Mamadee during his Graduation from the Administrative Mentoring Program (a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships). Denise is a Mentor (Trainer) for the program and works one on one with an employee of the Ministry of Health, in addition to her job on the ship in Staff Development. Two days a week the trainee comes to the ship for training and then on Friday, Denise goes to their office at the Ministry of Health. Mamadee was an exceptional trainee, he works so diligently to learn about Microsoft Office programs, Typing, Customer Service, various administrative skills and Leadership Principles. It was a privilege to serve Liberia in this capacity.

Taking a look at our website, you’ll see our last update was in July…hmmm. We will soon be spending some time to update it!

Our last newsletter seemed to be in this same timeframe with a little blurb to remind you of the upcoming movie FireProof. We hope you’ve had an opportunity to see this movie or will shortly while it is at the theaters or as we will see the DVD when it comes out. Rob has read the book “FireProof” and he said it helped him to understand more about communication in our relationship! We’ve read that the movie is very well done and filmed in Albany, Georgia – we lived there for 3 years during Rob’s time in the Marine Corps!

We have been, since February 23, 2008, dealing with the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer for Rob’s younger brother Ken. This has been a harder time on us than we first imagined. Rob has gone through several different stages as we’ve interceded in prayer for Ken… expressing our most heartfelt concern and desires for Ken’s complete healing.

In the picture, you can see one of the road challenges that Rob encounters as he goes to the villages on Wednesdays to help our Water and Sanitation Team complete the water wells.

Our routine became praying and working, and then praying some more. Waking in the middle of the night and praying some more, we were just pouring our heart out to God. Praying for Ken’s wife, Kaye, and his daughters, Renee and Crystal, confident in God’s ability to miraculously heal Ken and restore his life.

Somewhere along the way in the midst of our prayers…the Holy Spirit captured our attention and convicted us that there was a second prayer that needed to be prayed…one which wasn’t as easy to pray…one which at first we didn’t really want to pray. This was more of a confession and submission type prayer…we needed to pray for the strength to accept God’s will concerning Ken’s healing and health, if God’s will wasn’t the same as ours.

During this time, we were able to speak with Ken, weekly and Kaye was so faithful and vulnerable to share this most private time with all of us, as family and friends, by her sometimes daily emails. She allowed us to be there in their joy and in their suffering.

The Africa Mercy can be seen at the top left center of this picture (big white ship) taken from the Ducor Hotel in Monrovia.

Our physical location being so far away from family in Liberia, West Africa played into our decision to send Rob back to Texas for Ken’s 53^rd birthday. We definitely wanted to celebrate with Ken and family, but more so our heart was heavy with the burden to pray for Ken. We wanted to talk with him about faith issues and just look into those beautiful blue eyes and see how his soul was doing. We very much felt the need to go and pray with Ken; anoint him with oil. Only once before had Rob felt so strongly the need to pray in this manner this was when Denise’ mom was also sick with cancer. This time also he struggled with his feelings and strong desire to pray for loved ones.

We are blessed to have a Christian family, so we are not the only members of our family praying. Still Rob couldn’t get away from this burden…so he went to Texas and visited with Ken and Kaye. They read the bible together, anointed Ken and prayed, and prayed. Tears seem to come easier the older Rob and I get, so yes there were many tears shed.

My brother Ken and I shared many early morning talks in the days that followed during the week of my visit. Our time together was a mixture of laughter, tears, and just moments of silence together. We parted in June at peace with God and realizing this was probably the last time we’d see each other this side of heaven. It’s OK…my buddy has gone home. He is with Jesus, he is without pain, and we will see each other again. As my brother told me last… “not any time soon though” .

So on 29 August 2008 at home in his bed holding the hand of his loving wife Kaye…Ken went home to Jesus.

I’m not an experienced man in many ways…Denise asked me if I was a little depressed as we communicated by email. She had previously scheduled a visit home to Maryland, USA to be part of a surprise eightieth birthday party for her father. So, I’d gone to Ken’s memorial service in Texas while she remained in Liberia. We met up in Baltimore as Denise flew in from Liberia for the party.

We were blessed by Dawn and Michael (Denise’s sister and her husband) with a surprise night at a lovely Bed and Breakfast in Chesapeake City. We spent a few days with their family, Donna (Denise’s sister – who flew in from Tennessee) and our eldest son, Jason (he flew in from Florida) before the surprise birthday party for their Dad. Then, a couple days after the party I left to come back to Liberia and Denise flew to Florida with Jason.

This is part of our family at our nephew, Sean’s restaurant, Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant in Wilmington, Delaware. Sean is an Assistant Manager there and we had an incredible meal! From left front around is: Sean, Michael, Dawn, Jason, Matthew, Bethany, Donna, Denise and Rob. Sean, Matthew and Bethany are Michael and Dawn’s children. We had a GREAT time!

As Denise asked the question about depression, I wasn’t sure. Now a little ways past that, I must confess that yes, I was a little. I didn’t have any motivation to do more than was actually required of me for several days and maybe a couple weeks. I didn’t want to put forth the energy to maintain relationships now that I was back on the ship.

My wife is very observant of me and my needs… this is a blessing from God. She encouraged me to go out to dinner and engage with the lovely people which form our crew. As a desire to be agreeable and do as she asked… I did. I actually had a good time and found this to be the balm to reenergize me again and to get back to living the life God has given us.

Our family, except for our youngest son, Jeff (he couldn't be at the party due to work duties). From left to right: Denise, Jason, Dad and Rob.

Do I miss my brother…most certainly…do I long to hear his voice…you’d better believe it…would I ask the Lord to send him back…nope, no way.

So as you’ve honored us by reading these long rambling words, thank you for your friendship, prayers and words of encouragement during our trying time. Thank you for keeping our shortcomings covered in love and forgiveness and allowing us to maintain the blessing the Lord has provided in your friendship.

Dad about to give me a ride in his 2003 Corvette. It still looks and smells new! As he would say...he is still a cool cat at 80!

We love each and every one of you and consider ourselves to be some of the richest people around as we count our blessings more valuable than any silver or gold.

One last photo of Rob, Paul and Boakai (Water and Sanitation Team) during the rescue of the Strategic Health Initiatives Program Team (SHIPS). During the rainy season (June-Sept), it rains an average of 7 feet! Needless to say….it is a challenge to navigate the muddy roads during this time and many times…vehicles get stuck in the mud and need a bit of help!

May God bless you abundantly as you trust in Him through all the joys and challenges in your life!

God’s blessings,

Denise and Rob

Currently serving in Monrovia, Liberia with the M/V Africa Mercy

Please see....FIREPROOF .... the movie!

Denise in Fort Worth with Big Jake!

DSC06606
Originally uploaded by MercyWatch.

During my visit with our friends, Pink and Angie.... Pink took me to the stockyards in Fort Worth! I've always been intriqued with the long horn cattle, but I've never been this close to one! This longhorn's name is Big Jake and he is very gentle and loves to pose! We had a great time!

Hello from Rob and Denise

Mercy Watch

Subscribe Change E-mail View Archive Hello from Rob and Denise

Hello Friends,

We've been following the news about a new movie coming out. The name of the movie is FIREPROOF.

On Friday, September 26,2008 FIREPROOF will open in more than 800 theaters. The new movie from the creators of Facing the Giants is an action-packed love story about a firefighter, his wife ... and a marriage worth rescuing!

While this faith-based film is flying under the Hollywood radar screen,real people in real communities are rallying behind it.

In fact, it will open in 95 more cities than originally planned thanks to local people buying 1,000 tickets to bring it there!

I don't know when I've been more excited about the opening of a movie. I hope you will see FIREPROOF on its opening weekend.

If you want more information, go to www.FireprooftheMovie.com.

God's Blessings,
Rob and Denise

An Article on our Good Friend, Sharon Walls!

Hospital Ship's Window on Poor

By BLUNDELL, Kay

WORKING on hospital ships for 25 years and visiting the world's poorest countries has changed a Kiwi woman's perception of poverty.

Returning to her homeland after serving on the ship Africa Mercy, Sharon Walls said the most frustrating thing was hearing people talk about poverty in New Zealand.

"We have the 14th highest standard of living in the world. Coming back from places like Liberia, which is right off the bottom of the chart, it is a shock hearing people talk about poverty.

"They may mean they only have one TV when their neighbour has two. I realise people do have personal struggles here, but rather than compare ourselves to Australia, we should compare ourselves with the rest of the world. If you have spare change in your pocket you are in the top 5 per cent of the world in terms of financial security."

One of her many heart-warming tasks on Africa Mercy was helping Peace, a young woman from Ghana.

Peace had a tumour growing from her mouth which was slowly suffocating her and starving her to death. Hospital staff removed the tumour and carried out a bone graft and plastic surgery for her facial reconstruction.

"My experiences on board enabled me to look beyond the exterior into the true person, the heart of someone," said Mrs Walls, originally from Kapiti.

The Africa Mercy, a rail ferry converted to a state-of-the-art floating hospital, is the biggest non-government hospital ship. It provides free surgery and health services to people with little or no access to healthcare.

As high as an eight-storey building, it has crew capacity of up to 484 -- surgeons, nurses, water engineers, agriculturalists, mariners and others who volunteer their time to serve the poor.
Crew working for Mercy Ships, a Christian charity, have treated at least 1.9 million people in more than 70 ports.

Mrs Walls (nee Jason-Smith) and her husband Graeme met, married and raised their three children aboard Mercy Ships vessels.

They now live in Auckland, where they head a new Mercy Ships support office in Penrose.
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(c) 2008 Dominion Post. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved. The link to the article on line may be reached by clicking on the title of this post.

Just a day on the Africa Mercy and lives changed as we serve!

Thanks to Moody Radio for this short story from Prime Time America. Just click on this link to listen to the short story that they recorded while on the ship. A look at a day on the Africa Mercy. Three patients and three lives changed incredibly. Because God loves us first...we serve and love these special people!

A few months ago, some folks came from Moody Radio to the M/V Africa Mercy. They came to see what we do and how we do it here in Monrovia, Liberia. We enjoyed their visit and hope their experiences here were good. Today our interim CEO, Sam Smith, shared a radio broadcast with us that they made while they were here visiting the ship. They tried to capture in sound the experience of being here, what you see, what you hear, and what you feel. This is very difficult to do using sound or even video.

There is no experience like actually being here and interacting with the various patients, crew and people that you meet every single day here on the ship and in Liberia. We appreciate that they took the time, effort and expense to come and see for themselves what God is doing with this incredible tool, the M/V Africa Mercy and it's crew. We also commend them for trying to capture it through sound in this radio program, Prime Time America. Click on this to hear: Prime Time America aired June 25, 2008. Then click on Listen Now.

We are very privileged to be here and serving on the M/V Africa Mercy and hope that by listening to the radio show, you too will experience a little of life here in Liberia. Thank you to all who support us with prayers, encouragement, by email and snail mail and by generous financial donations. You are a blessing to us!

Good News in Liberia!

Today as we were catching up on emails and news.... the following three articles were written and published yesterday. Three articles showing how things are changing here in Liberia for the better! We are so encouraged as we are here and able to witness changes that are making an improvement for life here in Liberia! So...we wanted to share them with you...