Land Ho!

The Africa Mercy will be arriving in Conakry, Guinea tomorrow (or maybe that's just later tonight for those of us here in the States)!

A few facts about the nation of Guinea:

• United Nations Human Development Index:  Ranked #178 out of 187 countries listed.  The only country lower that Mercy Ships has visited was Sierra Leone in 2011 at #180;
• Independent from France since 1958 – currently a Republic;
• President:  Alpha Conde since 2010;
• Life Expectancy: 58 years;
• Population:  over 10 million people with over 1.5 million living in the capital and port city of Conakry;
• Area:  245,857 square kilometers (size of Oregon);
• Income:  $863 per year;
• Population under the age of 15 years: 43%;
• Religion:  Muslim 85%, Christian 8% and Indigenous Beliefs 7%;

People's Palace

As you read this, pray for the upcoming surgical screening – to be held on Monday, September 3rd.  Pray that those who could be helped would hear about the screening and be able to attend.  Mercy Ships will be using the People’s Palace, a three-story building that should provide good protection from rain (as they are in the rainy season) or sun during the day.  All of the crew (both medical and non-medical) will be involved in this event as well as more than 100 local day workers who are essential in the translation process.  Set up and around the clock security will begin the afternoon prior.  Crowds of 3,000-5,000 are anticipated, and a secondary day of screening will be held if necessary to attend to all those waiting for care.  This is Mercy Ships first visit to Guinea since 1999 when the Anastasis visited.