A Mercy Ships Update . . .

. . . via New Zealand's Graeme Walls who was our supervisor on the ship one summer!

The COVID-19 disruptions that we’ve felt here in New Zealand have made dramatic measures necessary in our Senegal field service. Out of concern for the patients and crew, the Africa Mercy was forced to suspend our services ahead of schedule. Thankfully, I can share that there are no cases onboard. This has made us even more grateful for our experience in Senegal. Even though our stay was cut short, we miraculously met our programmatic goals—treating more patients, training more professionals, and building more capacity than we should have been able to. None of that would have been possible without miraculous intervention. And, it’s one more reason to be grateful. We are grateful that so many, like the rascally twins Assane and Ousseynou received desperately needed surgery that will forever change their lives and their legacy.

I wish you could have seen this little family as Kiwi physiotherapist Katie Burton and her Senegalese assistant/translator helped these boys take their first tentative steps. They are now walking with confidence into their new lives. Mum’s eyes were filled with gratitude, while her boys’ eyes were filled with wonder…and perhaps a wee bit of mischief. So, where are we today?  The Africa Mercy has entered annual maintenance a bit ahead of schedule, and the remaining crew onboard is expected to be released from ship-bound quarantine soon. Busy, even during quarantine in a first-world port, our medical crew continues to equip and assist our Senegal healthcare colleagues in this difficult time. We’re mentoring health care workers caring for critically ill patients and providing training in vital care skills for surgical patients and COVID -19 infections. Our Medical Capacity Building programs are transitioning to tele-health and online collaboration. In Guinea, the Gamal Dental School students continue to be supported by remote learning, and we are honoured to been able to provide modest financial support for the COVID-19 Fund in Senegal. One of the core values permeating every part of Mercy Ships is our commitment to love and serve others.  During these difficult times, that commitment grows stronger, and our circle is stretched to embrace even more people. So, yes. We are grateful for many things—including you. Your faithful prayers and gifts have made transformation possible in Senegal. It continues to change lives in Guinea.