“Seeing the struggle of people in the world’s poorest nations of Africa changes my perspective of many things,” says medical scientist from Brisbane, Kathryn Evans, who is serving her third term as a volunteer with Mercy Ships.
“The people of Liberia struggle with poverty and have to deal with issues that most of us are never likely to know anything about.  They certainly don’t worry about having the latest fashion trend in clothes, acquiring the latest gadget, or where to go for dinner.   Many don’t even get dinner.  Somehow, in the face of all that, our concerns seem a little petty,” she says.
Kathryn, a medical scientist, did not expect to return to West Africa so soon.  She was among the volunteer crew of more than 450 earlier this year, and had been considering returning in a year or two, but received word the hospital ship urgently needed another laboratory technologist.  “That was much sooner than I had been anticipating.   I prayed and thought about it, and was certain the decision to return to Africa was a ‘God thing’,” she says.

Mercy Ships was on show at the Putt Putt Regatta held at Davistown on the Brisbane Water in NSW recently.  It’s estimated that the event attracted a crowd of about 10,000.  
The event provided another opportunity for NSW Mercy Ships representative, Hazel Budd (pictured) with the help of other supporters to get the message of the work being done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships out to people in the community.

Australian CEO visits crew volunteers – Nov 2007

CEO of Mercy Ships Australia Gary Regazzoli (pictured second row, second from left) with his wife Susan (third from left) have just returned from a visit to West Africa to inspect projects being undertaken with financial support from Australia in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
They spent time with current Australian volunteers serving on the Africa Mercy in Liberia.2007 has been the biggest year for involvement of Australian volunteers, with more than 40 spending time onboard, from a few weeks to long-term, during the year

Seeing the God of the supernatural at work – October 2007

Julie McGaw, of Merewether NSW, a volunteer who has just returned home from serving as a volunteer in Liberia.
She had heard about the work of the international Christian charity 18 months previously, and says her heart was stirred.  After working in a solicitor’s office for 13 years, she took what she describes as a ‘leap of faith’ and began temp work.  “That was preparation for what was to follow, and the freedom to think about heading out to Africa.   I finally began to understand what it’s like to listen to God’s still small voice, and to act upon His command.”
She spent the six months as a member of the ship’s housekeeping crew.            “I have been privileged to see lives transformed.  Lives of those who come for surgery, lives of those out in the communities where development projects are carried out, and lives of those who spend time onboard as volunteers.  It has been a time when I have come to understand what God would have us do.  I have been privileged to see something of the work of the God of the supernatural,” 

An experience she won’t forget – September 2007

“I held little malnourished toddlers at an orphanage … cried when I heard women in prison singing … visited the village home of a patient I had ‘adopted’ while she was onboard … bought chickens to help make an orphanage self-sufficient … went out into the country with an eye clinic team … taught women how to knit … did a lot of hugging and a lot of laughing.”
On and on come the experiences of self-confessed people person, Heather New of Brisbane, serving six weeks as a volunteer in Liberia.
“I am retired after being in business most of my life, and was looking for something meaningful to do,” Heather says.              Heather worked in the laundry on the Africa Mercy.   “I didn’t see that as a thankless job.   It takes a whole team of more than 450 people from around the world with a range of skills to keep the work of Mercy Ships going in such a desperate nation as Liberia,” she says.  She hopes to return next year.

Nurse brings hope and healing Liberia – September 07

“I always wanted to help people in some tangible way,” says NSW nurse Prisca Chen, “and really believe I could help bring hope and healing to the poor and needy.  That is exactly what Mercy Ships is doing.”
Prisca is close to the end of three months service as a volunteer in Liberia.
 “I just love what the volunteers who serve with Mercy Ships are doing.  It is not just the provision of free surgeries for those suffering from disability, deformity and blindness.   It is through a whole range of community development projects aimed at helping the Liberian people to find a way out of poverty.”
           

Pictured (top) Dr Judith Goh of Gold Coast celebrating with fistula patients following surgery at the Aberdeen Fistula Hospital in Sierra Leone. (below) Dr Hanna Krause of Brisbane, who assisted Dr Goh during their latest term of services as volunteers with Mercy Ships.
“If I had been born in a village in Africa, I may well now be the patient rather than the doctor,” Judith says.
“Probably the only difference in my circumstances, that of doctor treating the women and that of the countless thousands of women in Africa with fistulae, is simply the geographical location in which I was born.
“Fistulae are very uncommon in Australia and I never imagined myself as a fistula surgeon. Opportunities arose over the years, and I took those opportunities, viewing them as ‘adventures’ during that time. Looking back, I can see God’s guidance in shaping my career. I am thankful God has given me surgical skills I am able to use to serve women in Australia and in developing countries.”

In the war torn West African nation of Liberia, children who were forced to serve as soldiers during the 14-year civil war are being offered an opportunity to replace the ruthless skills of war with a Christian education.
Mercy Ships is raising funds to support a Christian school in the capital Monrovia, and Christian schools across Australia are being invited to participate in the project, known as Operation Plowshare.   ‘They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore’ (Isaiah 2:4).
Chief Executive Officer for Mercy Ships Australia, Gary Regazzoli, has written to the principals of every Christian school in Australia.   He says, “If every Christian school were to participate, we would be looking at a reasonable average of $250 per school, an amount that could be raised easily with a simple gold coin collection from each student.”

“I wasn’t scared when we entered the prison in Monrovia,” says Buderim dental assistant Jenna Sym, serving for two months as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in the West African nation of Liberia.
“It was really full on that day when we saw 97 patients.   There was no electricity, so the dental team was limited to what we could do by torchlight, and for most patients that meant extracting two or three teeth.  
When I learnt a little more about life in the world’s poorest nations in West Africa, it made me take a step backwards and look at life in Australia with all the emphasis on materialism, and what I have always taken for granted.
“I didn’t know much about Liberia, but I am certain that if I can help just help one person and relieve the pain that will make a difference in that person’s life.  That’s what is most important.   Just helping one person at a time.”  

We can make a difference – August 2007

“It was an amazing experience to see the difference that can be made to not only in the lives of people, but also to the country itself,” says Jenny Adamthwaite, who spent two months working as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in the West African nation of Liberia.
Jenny works as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Swan Hill District Hospital. .
She heard about the work of the charity through a friend who had served with Mercy Ships previously, and decided to offer her services to work in the Operating Theatres onboard the charity’s hospital ship in Liberia during long service leave.
 “It has been fantastic to be a part of that, and I now hope I can encourage more people to support Mercy Ships and the work being done by volunteers from around the world. It makes you realise how blessed our country is, despite the problems we have.”

Mission Beach dentist in Liberia – August 2007

“It’s a country with a population of three million, but with only three registered dentists,” says Mission Beach dentist Toni Mitchell, who is home after a month’s service as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in the West African nation of Liberia.
“Nothing you have heard about this country which has been devastated by 14 years of civil war can really prepare you for the reality of the poverty, injustice and human suffering.  It was almost overwhelming at times, and many times I felt discouraged.   But, I became aware that it is possible to help change the lives of Liberians one at a time, and that can make a small difference in those lives.   That must be better than doing nothing at all.”

Liberian adventure for Bomaderry nurse – August 2007

“I am not an adventurer,” says Bomaderry nurse Paula Smith. 
“I am an ordinary 45-year-old mother with three children aged between 12 and 17 and a wonderful husband who is held the fort at home while I went to Liberia in West Africa for a month as a volunteer with Mercy Ships.”
She describes the blessings from the experience as far outweighing what she gave to do it.
“At my age you tend to wonder why God has placed me in Australia and others in places like Liberia.  I think most of us would like to help people in such places as Liberia, described as one of the world’s poorest nations.   But we are so busy in our western culture that we may never get around to it.  I don’t mean everyone has to go to Liberia, but we can help in our own small way.”

Hospital officials hear the Mercy Ships story – July 2007

Alan and Hazel Budd of Newcastle were guest speakers at the Director of Nursing Luncheon held at the CWA Auditorium, Potts Point.  Pictured are Hazel (left), Joan Dewberry, Secretary of the Hospital Visiting Committee (centre) and Noeleen Brown, Chairman.  Present were Directors of Nursing or their representatives from 15 hospitals in the Sydney Metropolitan area together with CWA members who visit the hospitals.

Gift for Mercy Ships from Inner Wheel – July 2007

NSW Representative of Mercy Ships, Hazel Budd (pictured right) received a cheque for $2270 from Helen Dowling, International Service Officer of the No.52A Inner Wheel District Committee.  Mercy Ships was chosen as their project for 2006/7 after Alan and Hazel Budd had spoken at their Inner Wheel District Conference in 2005.

Australians involved in first surgeries on Africa Mercy – July 2007

Fiona Fraser (fourth from right), NSW, Assistant Theatre Supervisor, was a member of the team who performed the first surgery on the new hospital ship in Liberia.
Ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Glenn Strauss (centre) says the 90-year-old woman with blinding cataracts, reported being able to see again before she even left his operating table.  Patient Suah Paye was so overjoyed she literally danced around the operating theatre, singing and praising God for her restored sight.

Judith Anderson, a ward nurse from Queensland, (pictured right) is doing the rounds following the first obstetric fistula surgery onboard.
Thirty-five year old Mamie Paye of North-Central Liberia was one of the patients selected to undergo the procedure.  Mamie has leaked urine constantly since she suffered a birth injury in 1995.  She was abandoned by her husband as a result of the incontinence, a tragically common occurrence. “Everyday I cry,” Mamie says.  “When you have this problem you don’t have friends. You don’t have nobody. People gossip the whole day about you. People abandon you. But God doesn’t ever abandon nobody.”

“I pray that I will never be the same again,” says Sarah Creighton, a nurse from NSW, returning from 12 months service as a volunteer nurse with the international charity Mercy Ships in West Africa.
“You cannot see what I have been privileged to witness during the past year and not be touched.  You cannot sit with patients who haven’t even been touched for years and have them thank you for that touch without yourself being broken.  Or sit with a woman whom no one will go near, because she has been incontinent since childbirth, and see her respond to the healing touch of doctors and nurses.”
Sarah’s calling by God to become a nurse in Africa came when she was 17.  Two years ago she heard the challenge to full time mission work and knew it was time to go.  “I was finding my heart moved with compassion for the suffering people of Africa, and I could no longer remain where I was.  I discovered Mercy Ships by accident while searching on the internet, and started receiving the charity’s newsletters.  I read them and was moved to tears, telling God I would go if He was sending me.”

Helping to make a difference – June 2007

“I hope that during my short time in Sierra Leone I have helped in some small way to make a difference in the lives of some people.”            Melissa Rogers, a physiotherapist from Adelaide, is back from voluntary service with Mercy Ships, working the New Steps Centre in Sierra Leone, helps people with physical disabilities, most arising from polio and war injuries. 
“As a Christian, I believe God genuinely cares about each and every human being.  I also believe we are called to show much God cares for the rich and the poor, the old and the young.  I had long wanted to be able to do more about that belief, and during my time in Africa I was privileged to do that,” she says.

Farewell to the Borrow family – June 2007

Pictured is Timmy Borrow celebrating his second birthday last month onboard the Anastasis.
John, Lee-Anne and Timothy of NSW leave Mercy Ships this month after more than three years of service on the Island Mercy, Caribbean Mercy and Anastasis.
In their latest newsletter John and Lee-Anne say, “Thank you to all of you who have supported us in our time with Mercy Ships.  We are so grateful, and we simply could not have done it without you.   In no small way, you have all played a part in every surgery that has taken place, every well that has been dug, and every orphanage and school built.  Thanks.”

Moving from the old to the new – June 2007

Fiona Fraser of NSW, Assistant Operating Theatre Supervisor, has been involved in the move of equipment and crew from the Anastasis to the new Africa Mercy in Liberia.   With Supervisor, Kylie Bentham of New Zealand, Fiona toured the new ship and wrote of her impressions of their new working environment.
“Kylie and I went on a self guided tour of the Operating Theatres. They are well equipped and as I walked through I was reminded of Concord Hospital where I worked for 7 years and Lingard Private Hospital where I worked for 15 months. The Operating Theatres are great, just like a real hospital where we can give excellent care to the people of West Africa. We know they are God’s theatres and He is in charge.”

A privilege to serve – May 2007

“For every person we operated on, there are still countless numbers of others out there waiting,” says Fiona Lanting, a Victorian theatre nurse who has just completed her second term as a volunteer.  “Many will never have the chance to receive treatment.   It is sometimes hard to think of that, but then I remember all that has been done and is being done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships, which is a vessel of hope and healing.   It has been an honour and privilege that God has chosen me and all who serve with Mercy Ships to help bring that hope and healing.”

Nurses learn about Mercy Ships – May 2007

Mercy Ships Australia Director, Sonja Frischknecht (left) caught up with a volunteer nurse, Catherine Stoll, who served on the Anastasis in Gambia during 2000. Sonja, who served for more than a decade onboard, and Catherine were at the Royal College of Nursing Australia Expo in Brisbane recently.  The Mercy Ships display was the only one at the Expo offering a volunteer experience in nursing.  Similar displays are planned for RCNA Expos in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

Mercy Ships Director retires – May 2007

The Board of Mercy Ships Australia has reported the retirement of Director Alan Budd who has served on the Board of for many years.  Alan and his wife Hazel have served tirelessly for Mercy Ships since the early 90’s.  Chief Executive Officer, Gary Regazzoli, says, “Fortunately for us, Alan is only retiring from the Board and will continue to serve as a roving “Ambassador” for Mercy Ships. Thank you Alan for your faithful service over many years and we look forward to your continued contribution in another capacity.”   Pictured are Hazel and Alan Budd of Newcastle NSW.

A small part of God’s work – May 2007

“What I am doing as Chaplain to crew members is no more or nor less important than the work of those using knives to peel potatoes or those using scalpels to perform life-saving surgeries.”  That is how Peter-John Hopkins of NSW sums up his two-year term as a volunteer Chaplain onboard one of the Mercy Ships. PJ, as most people call him, is responsible for the spiritual welfare of 400 volunteers onboard the Anastasis, currently on assignment to Liberia.  When that ship is retired soon, he will take up a similar position as one of the crew chaplains on the Africa Mercy.

Acting Theatre Supervisor – April 2007

Fiona Fraser, long-term volunteer from NSW on the Anastasis acted as Operating Theatre Supervisor for eight weeks, during the absence of New Zealander, Kylie Bentham.
Fiona describes the time as a good experience, working with a team of motivated people to finish the surgery list during the ship’s stay in Ghana, and preparing the Operating Theatre for the sail to Liberia.  Fiona is on her third period of service as a volunteer, and is currently onboard for two years.

Mercy Ships on show at Gospel Music Festival
April 2007

Mercy Ships Australia was again represented at the annual Australian Gospel Music Festival in Toowoomba over Easter, providing information on the work of short-term and long-term volunteers to the many thousands of visitors who attended.
Pictured are Mercy Ships representatives from the Sunshine Coast where the Australian office is located.
(left to right) Dennis and Margaret Casement, John and Pat Wagner, and Susan and Gary Regazzoli.

A long time coming – April 2007

It took some years for Gold Coast doctor Dr Stephanie Meyer and husband Nathan to fulfill a vision held since she heard about Mercy Ships when she was 15 from a representative visiting her church.
Now they are back after serving for two months as volunteers onboard the Anastasis in Ghana.
Stephanie worked as a ward doctor and also assisted the crew doctor, responsible for the health needs of volunteers.   Nathan worked as a member of the ship’s deck crew.  Stephanie and Nathan say the best thing about their decision to go is ‘the whole experience’, while the worst thing is ‘being unable to stay longer’.

Borrow family’s on being back in Liberia – April 2007

South Aust physiotherapist in Sierra Leone – April 2007

Melissa Rogers is a member of a New Steps rehabilitation team increasing its focus on treating patients with cerebral palsy in Sierra Leone.  Such patients require more regular and intensive therapy than patients with mobility disabilities, the core beneficiaries of New Steps services since the permanent centre was established in the West African nation in 2000.
Melissa says cerebral palsy seems to be an emerging disability in the country.  Volunteer staff will perform more home and community visits, and train caregivers in provision of regular therapy aimed at increasing greatly patient function and quality of life.

Helping you to make a lasting difference – March 2007

Mercy Ships Australia has a new brochure designed to help in the process of remembering the ongoing work of Mercy Ships as it seeks to bring hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through your will.
The brochure answers the questions on how to ensure your desires in leaving a gift are ensured.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the office and ask for a copy.  Simply phone 07 5437 2992, or email msaust@mercyships.org.         

That was the theme chosen by Mercy Ships Australia board member Sonja Frischknecht when speaking to people from a wide area attending the annual International Outlook at Mt Tamborine, Queensland.
Sonja served for more than a decade as a volunteer in a wide range of capacities within the Health Services department onboard the hospital ship Anastasis.  She is now working as a nurse educator in New South Wales.  Representatives of Mercy Ships were on hand throughout the weekend conference to tell visitors how they can be involved.

Missions in the blood – March 2007

Brisbane nurse, Kathryn Stout, has always been interested in missions.  Her grandparents were missionaries in Kenya, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea, and her parents and sister work as missionaries in China.
Kat has taken leave without pay from her work at the Mater Hospital to serve as a volunteer with the Mercy Ship in Ghana and Liberia.
She works as a ward nurse, and has had opportunities to be involved in free time off the ship on community development projects, teaching maternal health, and visiting prisons and orphanages.
Kat said she needed to step out of her comfort zone and be open for use by God.  Her experiences in West Africa have changed her life forever.

Maggie and George Face (pictured centre) serve as volunteer representatives in the UK taking the message of Mercy Ships out to the community.  On a recent visit to the NSW Central Coast, they met up with NSW Representatives Alan (left) and Hazel (right) Budd to talk about common aspects of their involvement.

Julia McGaw is preparing to spend time as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in West Africa.  She is pictured here in Newcastle NSW with Mercy Ships Australia board member, Paul Burchell (centre), and Mercy Ships Chaplain, PJ Hopkins (right), who was spending three weeks on leave in his home Australia from duties onboard the Anastasis at the end of the hospital ship’s assignment to Ghana.

Latest Australian Newsletter now out – February 2007

Pictured is Melissa Rogers of South Australia, being farewelled at the airport on the way to Sierra Leone.
Melissa is on extended leave from Novita Children’s Services working with children with disabilies.
She will spend nine months at the New Steps Centre at Freetown, Sierra Leone.  New Steps is a permanent land-based project aimed at helping those affected by polio and those suffering injuries from the decade long war.

National Office farewell – February 2007

Sherrie Trezise, one of the original staff members of the Australian National Office of Mercy Ships Australia, is moving from Caloundra and heading further north.
Sherrie first offered her services as a volunteer when Mercy Ships Australia was re-activated four years ago, working with the former National Director, Brian Ross, and Administrative Officer, Lynn Ross.  She became a full-time staff member shortly afterwards.
Sherrie is pictured receiving a farewell gift from National Director Gary Regazzoli during a gathering of a number of local volunteers.

Moving dirt on a hospital ship – February 2007

Karl Schmutter of Port Macquarie, NSW, is an earthmover at home, and went as a volunteer to serve on the Anastasis in Ghana.  His earthmoving skills, along with a willing and teachable heart, found him a job as a cleaner for five of his seven weeks onboard.  He worked a further two weeks on construction of a new polyclinic in Tema.
” I am saying to those around me that experiences like this short one I have been privileged to have only happen if you do something about making them happen.  Time is short.  Don’t procrastinate, he says”

The Australian flag, one large and numerous small versions, flew proudly on the deck of the Anastasis in Ghana as Australian volunteer crew members gathered to celebrate Australia Day.
There’s a big contingent of Australians onboard, some short-term and some long-term.
On present indications, Australia will continue to be well represented among the international crew as the current assignment to Ghana ends, and the next to Liberia commences.