You can access it at the following URL:
http://alumni.mercyships.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=307&Itemid=9
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Pilot Webisode - April 2009 Video Report
This is the first of a new video report from the Alumni Team at Mercy Ships. In this webisode, our host, Dr. Andy Rosson, interviews Mercy Ships veteran Peggy Cummings. Join us as she shares her mission to change the lives of former child soldiers living in the Freetown cemetery by revealing a few simple truths from the most powerful book ever written.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Mercy Vision
Photo Credit: Mercy Ships, Photo of the Day 2009-04-24
Mother with her three blind children: son Alexis 7 yrs, daughter Adej 3 yr and yr old son Ricardo, will receive eye surgery by Dr Strauss on the AFM. Picture taken before Surgery.
Between February and December 2009, the Mercy Vision Team will return sight to 3,000 Beninese people suffering from blindness. On the ship, ophthalmologists perform free surgeries to remove cataracts and provide other specialized eye procedures.
Off the ship, Mercy Ships runs four remote eye clinics, in a different area each day, primarily to find candidates for surgery. The eye team also educates the patients in basic eye health.
Over these 10 months, the eye team will see approximately 200 people each day. They will evaluate and treat 20,000 patients for basic eye disease, as well as distributing 5,000 pairs of sunglasses and 5,000 pairs of reading glasses.
To ensure that people are healed more widely and for years to come, Dr. Glenn Strauss of the
Friday, April 10, 2009
Happy Easter!
| |||||
| Hello Friends and Family, Happy Easter! We have a 4 day holiday – Good Friday to Easter Monday. So we thought we’d start off with an update for you!
When we last wrote to you in February we were preparing to have our large screening day here in Cotonou, Benin. As we prayed and prepared to go to the screening, we asked God to prepare our hearts for His people, to give us grace, a peaceful spirit and to help us show His love in each opportunity. As we arrived at the screening at just about dawn, the people were already there waiting. Some people had been waiting since the day before. Many people in Benin had hopes of being helped by the free Mercy Ships specialized surgeries. This is a picture of about the middle of the line going past the Arts and Crafts Market to the Hall des Arts in the distance (upper right hand corner). Over 2,500 people came to be seen (not counting the caregivers and relatives) during the two day screening in February. We were able to give appointments for surgery to 423 people. We were able to refer 600 people to screening at the Mercy Ships Eye Clinics held 4 days every week throughout the Benin Field Service. We were also able to refer another 263 people for a later specialty screening. We will hold another screening day for specialty surgeries on June 8th. The Beninese people waited patiently in line as the screening began, moving slowly towards the Hall des Arts entrance gate.
The line of potential patients winds around as it comes in the gates of the Halls des Arts. The pre-screening was just in front (outside) of the stadium and in the line are the potential patients and usually a caregiver or relative. The Eye Screening team set up a pre-screening just off to the side of this line.
Rob worked with the security team to help keep the long lines orderly. Rob was positioned at the very end of the line which began from the entrance gate and went down the block in front of the Hall des Arts and around the corner for about another block.
There were many curious “Zemidjan” (pronounced zemi john) drivers who would stop to enquire about the screening. Fortunately Marcus, another team member working in security spoke a little French and could communicate with the drivers. As one “Zemidjan” driver would stop to talk, soon there was a small crowd of drivers setting on their motorcycles all wanting to get the latest word. Several times we had to walk away from them as they seemed to have their own understanding of what was happening.
As the line became shorter in the afternoon, he came closer and closer to the Halls des Artes.
In the picture - Rob has on the tan hat, black slacks and bright yellow vest with orange shirt. The colorful wall behind the people in line is the wall around the Central Arts and Crafts Market in Cotonou. The heat was incredible and the people didn't want to get out of line for food or water. Some brought food and water with them, others didn't. Mercy Ships crew go up and down the line with water and then about lunch time handed out bread and butter to the people waiting. Most of the people waited for hours and hours in the heat. A friendly face and a cup of water was a welcome sight.
Denise worked inside of the Hall des Arts compound, at the beginning of the screening line, to escort those selected for further screening into the Hall des Arts to the appropriate station or to escort those we couldn’t help to take them to the prayer team or out of the compound to return to their home. A video of the screening day can be seen here (Click this link). We can't view the video from the ship...but we think you may see Denise in a bright yellow shirt and green and white long skirt near the end escorting a patient (if this is the right video).
This is a view of the pre-screening under the tent. The people come through pre-screening after standing in the lines for hours. This is the first place they meet with some medical personnel that will give them entry into the Hall des Arts to meet with a Doctor or they find out that theirs is a condition that we cannot help them with. The patient escorts met them here and walked with them into the stadium to wait for the next step (patient history) or if we couldn't help, a walk to the prayer station (shown in the picture below) or to the gate if they didn't want prayer. It was difficult to take many people to the prayer station or to the gate! It was a blessing to be able to take them into the Hall for further screening!
We spoke with Dr. James, one of the Orthopedic Surgeons and Mercy Ships Orthopedic Coordinator, about all the bowed legs we saw in children and in adults as well. He said it was not due to the moms carrying the babies on the back and they couldn't determine a vitamin deficiency for the cause either. He said this condition seems to be more common here in Benin than in other African Countries. There hasn't been a study on this condition, so they just don't yet know what causes the condition.
While standing outside the Hall des Arts along the line of people, the hardest point for Rob was when a young girl and her mother came to the line for screening and the young girl was unable to stand with her back straightened up. As she stood, unable to straighten up, she was bent over at the waist, and her legs were also bent partially. If she could have straightened all of the way she may well have been 4 ½ to 5 foot tall.
In her condition her head was only about three feet high in a constantly looking down position. Both she and her mother were in the same color dress, appearing to be new. As the line moved the mother stayed in line to maintain their place for screening and the daughter sat down leaning against the wall. Slowly the lined moved forward and the young girl was left by herself leaning against the wall. It was not possible for her to walk forward to the position of her mother in line, but it seemed so unkind that she was being left behind. Unsure of the cultural acceptance of my thoughts to assist her, I hesitated. Finally as she was about 50 yards behind the line, I had to act. Going forward in the line I found the mother…fortunately they were wearing the same color outfit. I returned to the daughter as she sat leaning against the wall, unable to speak to her in French, gesturing to pick her up.
I’m very thankful God has made me a strong man. She accepted my offer, so I carried her forward to be with her mother. I wasn’t thinking of the impact this would have on the people standing in line…I just didn’t want this young girl to be left behind. As I gently put her down next to her mother, she smiled saying “merci beaucoup” (thank you very much).
As I returned to my spot at the end of the line, the people still standing in line smiled at me, some giving me the thumbs up sign. I thought the attitude of those standing in line became a little gentler, more considerate of each other. As the morning progressed the line eventually shortened until the end of the line was inside of the compound of the Hall des Arts. So I now had a new job, I got to go inside of the Hall des Arts and escort patients who had finished screening and received an appointment card to the front gate. As I was returning from one of these trips, the young girl I mentioned earlier was trying to make her way out of the Hall des Arts after screening. She and her mother looked a little overwhelmed at the task. Again I gestured towards her and she allowed me to pick her up. As I carried her, the tears ran freely down my face. Whether we are able to treat her or not I’m unsure. I pray we are and I’ll look for her and her mother. Dr. Glenn set up a pre-screening for the eyes. Normally, our eye surgery screening is done at the eye clinics offered 4 days a week - every week throughout the field service. There were 660 people at screening for eye issues. So, Dr. Glenn pre-screened and referred 600 people to the eye clinics as they waited in the line, before they reached the pre-screening tent. Dr. Glenn is one of the Eye Surgeons and Mercy Ships Senior Vice President Health Care Initiatives. He has developed a technique that is great for the larger and harder cataracts seen here in Africa. This little girl is patiently waiting on her mama's back. Mama has hopes for her little girl to have a life changing surgery and spends the day waiting through the line, testings,etc. prior to receiving the long awaited appointment card. We see the physical deformities here and feel great compassion. We wonder at times how our spiritual deformities must grieve our Lord and how He has compassion for us.
As we are adjusting to Benin after being in Liberia the biggest difference here seems to be the spiritual warfare we are experiencing. So we ask that you would put on the full armor of God and pray with us and for us for protection and the strength to accomplish the task God has set before us. Denise and I have been reading several books lately one we just finished is called Beyond Surrender by Barbara J. Singerman which speaks of her experiences along with those of her family ministering in
One story she shares, especially highlights the benefit of prayer; to the point that their very lives were spared because of faithful prayer for them.
Admittedly, we don’t live in the villages; we are very safe and secure onboard the ship.
However, Denise will be going out once a week to Calavi to help teach computer software to a couple men with a foundation that teaches children about computers. (More about this in the next newsletter) We are reminded of Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. As you pray, please do remember Ephesians 6:10 Finally be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Just in case your wondering about our spiritual armor - Ephesians 6:14 to 18b Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request. One prayer request we just heard of today is for one of our Mercy Ships doctors. His name is Dr. James McDaniel (mentioned above) and he had a heart attack last night. He was here with us on the ship a few weeks ago, but is back in Texas now. He is the Orthopedic Coordinator and one of our Orthopedic Surgeons. He is having a triple by-pass on Monday in Texas. Please keep him in your prayers. He is a good friend of ours and his wife’s name is Nikki, she is a prayer warrior! This picture was taken of Dr. James at the screening in February. In addition, please pray for the health of the crew. We have had many crew come down with a flu that lasts for about 2 weeks! We have been blessed (thanks to your prayers!) and have not been sick. We value each of you and appreciate the prayers you offer on our behalf! We will continue to pray for you. We would consider it a privilege to pray for any specific prayer needs you would like to share with us. Please call, email or write ... we love to hear from you! May your Easter be blessed as you celebrate what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus! God’s blessings, Rob and Denise currently serving in Cotonou, Benin (West Africa) | |||||
|
Sunday, April 05, 2009
In the Stillness... There is Mercy
This poem was written and the pictures were taken by Esther Biney, Mercy Ships Photo-Journalist. Esther is from Ghana and has lived much of her life on a ship, the Anastasis and now the Africa Mercy. She also sings and writes her own songs. Her parents (Faithful and Mary) were on the Anastasis when she was a child and then they went back to Ghana and founded a YWAM base in Accra. They also run a school for children. Esther will soon be going back to Ghana and she will be very much missed here on the ship!
She has a way to put her feelings into words so well. As you read her poem you will get the feeling of what it was like to be at the screening day. It is so hard to put that feeling into words. I appreciate that Esther has given it a good try!
If you double click on the photo you will be taken to where our pictures are stored, you will be able to read the poem about our medical screening day. You can also see this file by clicking here. Please write your comments and encouragements and I will pass them on to Esther.
She has a way to put her feelings into words so well. As you read her poem you will get the feeling of what it was like to be at the screening day. It is so hard to put that feeling into words. I appreciate that Esther has given it a good try!
If you double click on the photo you will be taken to where our pictures are stored, you will be able to read the poem about our medical screening day. You can also see this file by clicking here. Please write your comments and encouragements and I will pass them on to Esther.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Along the road to Calavi - bread and oranges for sale!
We went for a drive to get out of the city last weekend. We drove a total of 72 kilometers so only about 36 kilometers from the port. The traffic was horrible just about the entire drive. We did see some interesting sites - although I didn't bring my camera...I found these on the transfer drive and we passed these same sights!
Down the road to Calavi
On our drive, we saw lots of red clay....this will soon be a mess during the rainy season. Rainy season is just about upon us, last night there was quite a big storm.
Bread stand along the road to Calavi
This was the best stand of bread that we saw! The bread is carefully wrapped in plastic bags. Many of the bread stands along the way did not wrap the bread and I'm sure the red clay dust must land on it! Some were covered by a paper like doily. Oh...I forgot to tell you that although we drove only 72 Kilometers...we were on the road for about 3.5 hours...that should tell you about the traffic! Most of it due to construction most of the way!
The Africa Mercy Docked in Cotonou, Benin
This is my favorite photo of the ship (thus far into the outreach) The credit for this photo goes to Arnold who is serving in the dining room. Thanks, Arnold!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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.
Friday, February 20, 2009
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)
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)
Monday, February 16, 2009
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)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
We have arrived in Cotonou, Benin (West Africa)!
| |||||
Hello Friends, We have arrived safely in 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 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
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.
 We are excited to be here in
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!
| |||||
|
Oliver and the Flag of Benin
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
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!
Friday, February 13, 2009
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
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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."
"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."
Saturday, February 07, 2009
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.
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
| |
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
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 26th 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)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
