Surely there will be more to come . . .

In the last week, there have been suspected cases of Ebola in Benin and Nigeria that are being monitored.  Since Ebola has symptoms that are similar to a few other virus/bacteria/parasites that people can get in this part of the world, suspected cases must be confirmed before it is known that Ebola has indeed migrated to a new country or not.

In light of this news, the ship will now remain in the Canary Islands until the end of the month.  Tentatively, they are schedules to sail out within 2-3 weeks, but the destination is now uncertain.  Nigeria and Benin are being given a little time to show if there is a cause for concern or any further spread of Ebola to those areas.  Leadership is actively discussing the situation and Mercy Ships' best response to it.

The ship is not set up to treat Ebola.  It is not a medical hospital, it is a surgical hospital.  So they are waiting and considering contingency plans and countries.  Life is now a little uncertain, where will we sail?

 

There is no doubt that they will be where they are needed, and where God wants them, no matter where they go.  The change in dates, though, causes upheaval.  Plane tickets for those starting or ending their time with the ship are being changed, plans modified.  

Pray for wisdom and guidance for those that make the final decisions for the ship.  Pray for those dealing with the Ebola epidemic, and for the health and safety of the people of West Africa.  Pray for those struggling with the uncertainty of this season, and for unity on the ship as they look to the future.