Mercy Ships Australian News

Giving something back - January 2012

"Put simply, it is thanks to Mercy Ships that my mother and I are alive today, and that alone makes me want to give something back," says Tina Conteh, a teenager from the Perth suburb of Girrawheen.

Tina has finished six weeks of voluntary service onboard the Africa Mercy, docked in her country of birth, Sierra Leone. After finishing school at the end of last year and applying for nursing courses at university, Tina offered to serve as a dining room steward on the ship.

To understand her desire to go to a ship in a poor West African nation to wash dishes and chop vegetables, it is necessary to go back to the early 1990s in Sierra Leone at the start of a decade-long civil war, back to a young couple just married, and back to a man now called affectionately ‘Uncle Keith'.

Catherine and Augustine Conteh were awaiting the birth of their first child, and some weeks before the baby was due Catherine experienced labour pains. Labour continued for a number of days and Catherine says her family's hopes vanished because there was no money to pay for a needed Caesarean section. It was expected that both mother and child would die.

Catherine trusted in God, but she did not know that God had touched the heart of a doctor onboard a hospital ship operated by Mercy Ships and docked a few kilometers away. Keith Thomson was touring the hospital and saw Catherine, but was told the family could not afford $100, the equivalent of about six months wages, needed for the operation. Keith decided on the spot to pay the fee, and a healthy baby, Tina Regina Conteh, was born.

The Conteh family is now living in Perth after moving through a number of African countries and coming to Australia under a refugee resettlement program. Tina says, "I believe God saved my life for a purpose and when I was younger that purpose was not really clear. But now after serving my time as a volunteer on the Africa Mercy I see that purpose more clearly, and that is to serve others."

A very different experience - December 2011

"Freetown is very different to our home town of Chinchilla in Queensland," say Russell and Robyn Porep, who have just finished six months of service as volunteers with Mercy Ships.

Robyn worked as a physiotherapist, and Russell, a marine engineer, served with the ship's engineering department.

"Walking to the centre of town from ship is quite an experience, very different to that at home," says Robyn. I was surprised how poor Sierra Leone is. The long civil war caused great damage to the country's infrastructure. You cannot go anywhere without being confronted by the extent of poverty and the desperate needs of the people. People who came to the ship's hospital and dental clinics had lived with deformities, disabilities, pain and often isolation from families for so long. It is difficult for our western minds to comprehend.

"There was another wonderful experience, that of being part of a team, part of a body functioning together providing quality medical care. We were playing a small, but significant part in allowing the light of Jesus to shine in Sierra Leone, bringing hope and healing to some of the world's poorest."

But it was the life-changing surgery and treatment for people Robyn worked on as a physiotherapist that provided the most lasting memories of the experience in Sierra Leone. Although Russell was not directly involved in providing such medical care as Robyn, he says there was great satisfaction knowing that maintaining good engineering and keeping the ship operating, is essential to ensure life changing surgery can be provided to the poor.

Giving love - November 2011

"Images of the hospital ship Africa Mercy, of such a poor nation as Sierra Leone and of the needs of these people can never prepare you for such an experience as I have had," says Claire Collins.

Claire, a nurse from Maroubra, NSW, is back from two months service as a volunteer with Mercy Ships. "The feeling when you first see the ship after such a long journey to get from Australia to West Africa is indescribable. To see patients before surgery and their changed lives following surgery is breathtaking. The ship is in a way so filled with love, that it was truly soul changing to be there," she says.

"I believe God put in my heart many years ago the desire to serve as a volunteer I Africa or Asia. "Volunteers serving with Mercy Ships, and there are more than 400 onboard at any one time from around the world, are doing something of utmost importance. They are showing love. This is what all come for, to show love and compassion, and to bring hope and healing. That is what Mercy Ships is about, following the example of Jesus in bringing hope and healing to the poor."

Doing rather than speaking - November 2011

"In Sierra Leone, most of the people are born into poverty, corruption is endemic, health care is unaffordable or unavailable and they simply have no chance of escaping their situation," says Margo Clerc, a nurse from Coffs Harbour, NSW.

"I believe that as a Christian I am called to help ‘the least of these', going out into the world and doing God's will by action and words. Since I am not a person of words, I try and do rather than speak," she says.

Margo is home after serving as a volunteer with Mercy Ships for the second time. She spent four months in the West African nation of Benin in 2009, and this year served for ten weeks in Sierra Leone. She worked as an admissions nurse in the onboard hospital.

"After spending that time in Benin on my first service with Mercy Ships, I found that I could serve the underprivileged in a constructive and lasting way, working with an organisation known for its effectiveness in making a difference in the lives of so many people. Medical volunteers provide free surgeries for a range conditions not available in Sierra Leone. When those people return to their homes and villages following successful surgery that has changed their lives, often whole communities are changed as a result."

Exactly where I should be - November 2011

"I was flying into Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone in West Africa," says Cairns physiotherapist Nick Veltjens, "when I looked down at the book I had been reading ... Don't Waste my Life."

"I could see the barren red earth, the kids who looked like ants playing soccer and the broken buildings. Around me on the aircraft were Africans with excited smiles on their faces showing they were going home. I realised something. I had the resounding feeling that I too was home again and exactly where God wanted me to be," he says.

Nick, who works at Royal Brisbane Hospital, is home after five months service as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone. In 2010, he spent more than six months in Togo, a time he describes as ‘absolutely amazing''.

"As a physiotherapist for the ship's hospital, with its six operating theatres, I was involved in post-operative rehabilitation for orthopaedic and burns/plastic surgery cases. This year in Sierra Leone I was also involved in setting up clubfoot clinics around the country. That work is part of what Mercy Ships does in empowering local clinicians to help themselves when the ship leaves."

"Seeing the whole journey of patients from admission to discharge is one of the great things. When you see young children taking their first steps on new straight legs, when you see a parent start crying when they see their little boy putting on his first pair of shoes, or when one of the little kids runs up to give you a warm hug, it is hard not to want to return to Africa and do it all again."

Choose to help others - October 2011

"It is important to see beyond ourselves and to understand how blessed we are to live in Australia," says NSW Central Coast anaesthetist Phil Owen, who spent three weeks as a volunteer with Mercy Ships Sierra Leone.

"To see others who are loved by God, but who have so little, helps me change my own selfish approach to life. We complain of waiting for medical care, while millions around the world will never get access to any significant health care. It is good to realise that while we cannot help everyone, we do have a choice of helping those we can. While our part is very small in the big picture, it could help change the life of someone."

‘This is what I am called to do. Each of us can choose to help those less fortunate than ourselves. It may not be in Africa, but that will depend on resources and skills. But for me, Africa was the place where I could help," he says.

"There are many in the world's poorest countries who have no other way of receiving basic medical care. The procedures being done by surgeons on the Africa Mercy have the potential to change lives. Sight is restored, painful hernias are repaired allowing patients to return to work, disfiguring facial deformities are corrected. Many people living with deformities and disabilities become outcasts in their society."

Valuing life's blessings more - October 2011

"The people I have met in Sierra Leone have little, they are happy, grateful and positive, and I have learned to value the blessings in my life more," says Bundaberg nurse, Ellen Venz, who spent nearly four months there as a volunteer with Mercy Ships.

With 13 years of nursing background, post-graduate qualifications in Intensive Care Nursing and work experience in Sweden, England and Alice Springs, Ellen says she wanted to share some of the blessings she has been given in life. "I also love to travel, meet people and experience life from different perspectives. When I saw an advertisement in a nursing publication for voluneers to serve with Mercy Ships I recognised it as an opportunity to volunteer overseas. A doctor I worked with encouraged me, and friends and family who had heard of Mercy Ships were also really supportive of the idea."

Ellen cannot think of any negatives about her decision to work in ICU and in the wards of the onboard hospital with its six operating theatres. "I have been blessed by God with the education and support needed to undertake this opportunity. There were several nudges in the direction of Mercy Ships as I originally had applied to work in India. I consider myself fortunate in being able to work one on one with people I could help directly. It was deeply satisfying."

More than the efforts of man - October 2011

"The work here is hard, but so fulfilling," say Doug and Sandy Castle of Hove in South Australia, nearing the end of their second period of service as volunteers with Mercy Ships in West Africa.

Doug, a dentist, with wife Sandy working as his assistant, served for five weeks in Benin during 2009, and offered themselves as members of the dental team in Sierra Leone this year for three weeks.

"As we get older," Doug says, "we will have to evaluate whether we have the energy to keep up the pace. It is 36 years since Sandy worked as a full time dental assistant and it has been a challenging time for her. She does very well, and acknowledges God's provision in this. Again, we have been very impressed with the way the whole of this outreach to the people of this nation, one of the world's poorest, is conducted. It is superior to that of other organisations we have worked with. This is obviously more than the efforts of man, and the working of God's spirit is very clear."

The couple say working and living onboard the Africa Mercy, the world's largest charity hospital ship, is also a time of personal spiritual growth. "The opportunities of sharing with other Christians from more than 30 nations and taking part in worship times are both uplifting and encouraging. We will take much with us into life after Mercy Ships as a result of the experience."

Seeing people with great needs - September 2011

"We have not been shocked by the images we have seen in Sierra Leone, but we have been reminded again that there are people with great needs because of no fault of their own. They deserve all the love and help we can give."

That is how Glen and Carmen Ryan of Shoalhaven Heads sum up the way their perspective on life has been affected by 10 weeks service as volunteer with Mercy Ships in the West African nation. "The needs are so immense that at times one thinks it is just no use. We can't make any significant changes. But it just takes seeing one person's life changed, seeing the joy on that person's face, to reassure us that we were in the right place and making a difference, one person at a time."

With ten years of ophthalmic nursing experience, Carmen worked with the Africa Mercy's eye team. Glen, a teacher at home, was part of a seven-member Information Services team involved in a range of tasks including helping to run a network of more than 200 computers and providing desktop assistance to users.

"Some of the things we were doing while onboard just seemed like work, but in bigger picture we knew God was being glorified and people were becoming followers of Jesus."

Doing something that mattered - September 2011

"I needed a change of direction and wanted to do something that mattered," says Sarah Ruddy of Clarence Town in NSW, home after ten weeks of service as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone.

Sarah spent her time working as a medical laboratory technician on the Africa Mercy.

She heard from a nursing friend about Mercy Ships and its volunteers, and organized her work life and flights for what she described as an exhausting trip. "A lot of changes have happened in my life over the last seven months, and I believed God has had a hand in every single one. Leading me to Sierra Leone was definitely part of his plan. It took a total of 56 hours with stops in five countries to reach Sierra Leone via Brussels. My family, friends and work colleagues were very encouraging with the decision I had made."

Sarah describes life on the hospital ship as something special. "Everybody plays an important part in the aim of Mercy Ships to bring hope and healing to the poor. All are volunteers, paying their way to be there and paying their way while onboard to help offset the ship's running costs. In that way free medical help can be given to those who cannot afford it or who are simply not able to get it. While free surgeries are carried out on the ship, other volunteers are at work in the community on a wide range of health, dental, educational and community development programs."

A love of all things African - September 2011

"I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. I wanted to grow professionally and personally, to meet interesting people and to get ideas for future volunteer work," says Melourne nurse Sarah Christensen, just back from a month's service as a volunteer in Sierra Leone.

"It's been a long term dream to serve God overseas, linked with a long term love of all things Africa."

Sarah first heard about Mercy Ships more than a decade ago, and started receiving newsletters from the Australian support office. With her nursing skills and previous experience on mission trips to Guatemala and Turkey, she says the doors opened for her to spend a month working as an operating theatre nurse on the Africa Mercy.

Sarah says her time onboard and what she saw in Sierra Leone did change her perspective on many things. "The things I saw and the experiences I had during my time there has made me more aware of how much I have in every sense of the word, and hopefully more thankful. I have a greater awareness of how people in much of the world live, and how that nothing is simple or straight forward. There are no easy fixes. The people in West Africa have so little and there is such a lack of what we consider to be basic services, particularly health services."

There were many highlights. "The country is beautiful. There were interesting people onboard the ship. It was wonderful to see the friendliness and thankfulness of the people, even in the face of their difficult lives and the medical conditions they were facing," she says.

Rugby fans all in the same boat - September 2011

With the World Cup series under way, there is one group of supporters who are all in the same boat, despite their differences on what colours to wear.

Onboard the Africa Mercy volunteers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other rugby nations gather to watch the games and cheer their teams on. But there are some problems and plenty of friendly rivalry.

Tim Benson (front right) of Brisbane, one of the long-term volunteers currently serving as the ship's purser, says watching sport onboard is like nowhere else in the world. "No matter what the sport or the country playing, there always seem to be avid supporters wanting to cheer their team on. We are all good friends and have to work together, but as soon as the Rugby is on, it's every man and woman for his own her country, and everyone else is the enemy. All of results in much cheering and jeering, laughing and crying. But at the end of the game, we all become friends again."

It is quite a scene in the ship's lounge when national patriotism is shown in a big way. Crew members on their national rugby jerseys, wave their national flags, paint their faces, sing their national anthems.

Gail in Africa again - September 2011

"I have always wanted to go to Africa," says Tamworth nurse Gail Wheeler, "and what better reason than to serve the people in some of the world's poorest nations."

Gail (pictured on the left) is at the end of four months of service as a volunteer in Sierra Leone with Mercy Ships on this her third trip with the international charity. She worked as an Anaesthetic Nurse onboard the Africa Mercy.

Gail knows how important the work being done by Mercy Ships is. "I was brought up knowing how fortunate I was and appreciating what I had. The people living in Sierra Leone and other nations of West Africa are among the world's poorest. So many live below the poverty line, and have no access to basic health care. At times I feel very humbled by the attitude of these people. They have so little, but still give you a smile, welcome you and look after you."

"There are always very special moments in the hospital. I was on duty as anaesthetic nurse when two children underwent surgery for bi-lateral cataracts. The next day I was in the ward when bandages covering their eyes were removed and they could see. It was pretty special. There was a 19-year-old man who received surgery to correct his cleft palate. The pleasure I saw in his face will stay with me always."

Captain Mike back on Mercy Ship - August 2011

Every so often Mike Hughes of Mooloolaba goes back to what he loves best ... the sea.

But that life at sea is not just on any ship. It is serving again as a volunteer with Mercy Ships.

Mike has just returned from his latest service, this time as Captain of the Africa Mercy.

"What is done by all of the volunteers working on a range of health and community development programs has a lasting effect on those who serve and those who are served," he says.

Now in his 70s, Captain Mike, as he is know locally, makes himself available to serve among volunteers from around the world on the world's largest charity hospital ship. "That has been the best decision I have ever made. There is such poverty in the nations of West Africa and a lack of health services. Without a doubt I feel I am now at the peak of my maritime career of more than 50 years, being able to use all of the skills and knowledge I have learned in the past."

"Every member of the crew is equal, from captain to deckhand. Each crew member sees his or her work as important. There is only one aim and that is to serve those who are in need. It is all very humbling. God is good. There are so many good things happening in the hospital and out in the community. It is a thrill to see patients come on to the ship, being admitted, treated and then return home healed and changed."

Being part of the change - August 2011

"I know I have had a privileged upbringing in Australia," says Cronulla nurse Zoe Whitehead, "and I wanted to be part of the change in the lives of others who are considerably worse off."

Zoe spent a fortnight as a volunteer nurse with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone. "The health care services and the opportunities we have in Australia are fantastic, and I sensed the need to use the skills I have learnt through those opportunities to serve others," she says.

"There were so many things I saw to convince me of the importance of the work being done by Mercy Ships volunteers. Such things as giving back a person's eyesight, restoring function of their legs, correcting disfigurement, repairing damaged cause during childbirth, or any of the many other procedures are priceless gifts, gifts that are a powerful expression of God's love and grace.

Zoe is hopeful of going again. "You cannot go out of your comfort zone into the unknown and have such a positive life changing experience without being in awe of God and his immense power and love. Since returning to Australia and talking to nursing colleagues, a few have indicated they would like to join me when I next serve. When talking to family members, friends and people at church, I have also received nothing but encouragement. I hope to be able to serve again next year for a few months."

Lives changed one at a time - August 2011

"I saw children drinking from puddles close to open ditches filled with sewage; I saw poverty; I heard frightening statistics about maternal and infant mortality; I felt the overwhelming sense of hopelessness among the people and the realisation that we could help only a relative few," says Sydney anaesthetist Ann Marie McCallum, who has just spent a month in Sierra Leone as a volunteer with Mercy Ships.

"But I was encouraged continually by the attitude of some of the volunteer surgeons who had worked in West Africa for a long time. They simply reminded me of the need to focus on the positives and to look at the things I could do, remembering that every person helped was one more life changed."

"It was also a great experience living and working in such a Christian community among people with common views. I was able to meet and work with people from around the world and with very different walks of life, yet all brought together to serve the people of Sierra Leone, one of the world's poorest nations. I feel I am privileged to have been given the opportunities and skills needed to help others, not just in the comfort of a private first world practice, but also in places where my level of training is not available to local people and in such areas of need."

Sisters serving in Sierra Leone - July 2011

"I was never interested in visiting Africa, and people always asked if my sister's regular visits there also inspired me to go and serve," says Melissa Huestis of Brisbane.

Melissa (pictured top) and sister Jacki have just returned from serving as volunteers with Mercy Ships on the Africa Mercy in Sierra Leone.

Jacki, a nurse, was on her third such trip, spending nearly five months this year onboard the world's largest charity hospital ship; while Melissa, a teacher, spent a month working with crew children who attend the onboard school. "I was never interested," says Melissa, "although I thought it was brave of Jacki to go. But now I think God woke me up to this being a fantastic experience for me, and one that would give me a different perspective on things."

"I have seen a very different way in which people live, both in the West African community and as part of the ship's community. I had not experienced anything like that before, and there were personal challenges for me to adapt. I am now grateful for a new awareness of things I have taken for granted, things for which I was thankful before, but of which I am now more appreciative.

Sister Jacki (pictured below) sums up her latest experience simply.

"I love nursing here. I really enjoy spending some of my time nursing people who, without Mercy Ships, would never have the opportunity for the surgeries they receive. These are life changing surgeries, and it's great to be a small part of that. In Australia and other places in the developed world we take good health care for granted."

"Some people in West Africa are so desperate to find treatment for themselves or for their children. When they finally receive treatment I can't imagine how it must feel to finally find what they have been searching for, especially for parents who try desperately to find help for their children. Much of my work this trip was with patients receiving surgery to correct major facial deformities. One of the leading volunteer surgeons onboard always says such people have a right to look human. It is such a basic right for us in Australia, but something that is just so difficult for people in countries like Sierra Leone to achieve."

Australians Onboard - July 2011

It‘s a busy year for Australian volunteers serving in Sierra Leone. Recently those onboard got together with the New Zealanders for this picture.

Pictured from back to front, from left to right -

R1: Alison Brieseman (NZ), Andrew Rothwell, Miriam Tillman (NZ), Juliet Murphy (NZ), Ken Anderson, Sarah Miller (NZ), Liz Irwin (NZ), Ellen Venz,

R2: Nick Veltjens, Tim Benson, Janine Boyes (NZ), Glen Ryan

R3: Jacki Huestis, Melissa Huestis, Gail Wheeler, Carmen Ryan,

R4: Jill Anderson, Glenys Gillingham (NZ)

R5: Robyn Porep, Caterina Scarazza, Kate Wilson, Deb Louden,

R6: Jessica Rothwell, Jodie Rothwell, Mike Hughes, Russell Porep

African experience humbling and uplifting - July 2011

"The joy evident in patients regaining their sight or being treated for medical conditions seldom seen in the developed world has been very humbling and uplifting," says Buderim, Queensland, nurse Karen Binns, who spent a month serving as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone.

"A highlight was being present when the dressings were removed following congenital cataract surgery, and to see the wonderment on the face of the child and the joy on the face of the mother. Tears were shed by all. It was also moving to be present for what is known onboard the hospital ship as the ‘Celebration of Sight' for patients ending their treatment and sharing their stories.

"I had long held a wish to work in a developing nation in a voluntary capacity. I have been a registered nurse for more than 30 years, with experience in a variety of fields, most recently in a day surgery setting. My experience with eye surgery provided the requirements for me to serve as an Eye Nurse onboard the Africa Mercy."

During the time in the West African nation of Sierra Leone, one of the world's poorest, she worked as a member of the eye team, preparing and caring for patients undergoing cataract surgery onboard the ship. The team also went out into the community screening possible candidates for surgery.

At school on a ship - July 2011

"When the ship is sailing we have to Blu Tack our books to our desks."

"I am 11 year old. My name is Jessica Rothwell, and I am from Tasmania. Earlier this year I moved to Africa to live on a hospital ship called the Africa Mercy, and I am now living onboard the ship docked in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone."

Jessica is the daughter of Andy and Jodie Rothwell of Launceston, who serve as long-term volunteers.

"The kids come from many different countries," says Jessica. "Most of the time we do our Physical Education on the deck. Sometimes we have to practice fire drill and have to wear our life jackets. I have only about eight in my class, so our teachers get to spend more quality time with us. Because the Mercy Ships Academy is a Christian school we start the day with Bible class and devotions. We get to eat lunch in the ship's dining room with our parents, and spend time with the teachers outside of school hours."

Jessica says there are good and bad things about going to school on a ship. "The worst things are not being able to go out on excursions and having small classrooms, but my classroom does have an ocean view. The best thing is that I don't have to go very far to get to school, although my cabin is the furthest away."

Watching lives being transformed - July 2011

"It was a privilege during my two months in Sierra Leone to watch lives being transformed ... watching their physical and emotional recovery," says Sarah Ong, a nurse from Perth.

Sarah served as a volunteer ward nurse with Mercy Ships onboard the Africa Mercy in the West African nation..

"The time was an important part of my professional development and another stepping stone to further cross-cultural nursing in the future. But in terms of working with Mercy Ships it was significant to be part of a team seeking to show actively the love of God to others," she says. "In my nursing work, I was able to spend time with patients who had undergone surgery for life debilitating facial tumours and deformities, as well as children who had serious burn injuries. It was rewarding to see the changes in them."

"I hope to be able to continue nursing cross-cultural outside of Australia as time and money allow. I have seen the great need of the world's poor, those to whom Mercy Ships seeks to bring hope and healing, and I am excited to have been a part of the solution."

Serving a people of hope - June 2011

"My time in Sierra Leone has made me more thankful for what we have in Australia, and for the privileged life I lead, but the people of this country are an inspiration to me," says Brisbane eye specialist Lindsay McGrath.

"The people of Sierra Leone, among the world's poorest, have a lot of hope and see a bright future, despite living in absolute poverty."

Lindsay spent a month onboard the Africa Mercy, serving as a volunteer with Mercy Ships. During that time she spent much of it travelling through Sierra Leone as a member of an eye team taking part in screening of potential patients to receive free surgery to restore sight to those with cataracts and other problems; testing others for glasses and those who would benefit from medication. Onboard the ship she also carried out follow-up checks after surgery to ensure good results and recovery.

There were many highlights. "The teamwork, friendship and support among nearly 450 volunteers onboard were stronger than I have experienced anywhere. There was a great level of satisfaction one morning to be part of a team which screened more than 300 people, and to see the smile on the faces of patients when their eye patches were removed after cataract surgery enabling them to see again."

A long journey to give blood - June 2011

On June 14 countries worldwide will celebrate World Blood Donor Day with events to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

For one potential donor it’s been a long journey to do just that. Karen Binns, a nurse from Buderim, is serving in Sierra Leone. She is working with the eye team on the Africa Mercy.

The hospital ship is on a ten-month assignment to Sierra Leone, and with six operating theatres there is often a big demand for supplies of blood. But where does the blood come from? The crew call it a ‘walking blood bank’. When crew members arrive onboard, they have the option to become blood donors. If they agree, they are screened and advised that when the need for blood arises, they could be asked to donate right away.

Something I should be involved in - June 2011

"I went on a mission trip to India in 2007 with people from my church," says Sandy Panomarenko, a nurse from Perth, "and that was very eye opening to learn what life is like for people in the poorer nations of the world."

"Then I heard on Sonshine FM 98.5 about the work being done by volunteers who serve with Mercy Ships. After learning more about the charity I became convinced it was something I should be involved in and use my nursing skills to help," she says.

Sandy is nearing the end of two months of service as a ward nurse on the Africa Mercy in Sierra Leone.

"Many mothers in Sierra Leone are told that their babies with physical defects are cursed, and must be abandoned. That is awful. Other such babies simply die because of malnutrition despite the best efforts of their parents. There was a seven-year-old girl named Memuna. She came for surgery to remove a massive tumour in her mouth. The girl's mother had spent a lot of time taking Memuna to traditional healers, without result. She did so well after surgery, and looked like a new girl. In fact, she was a new girl."

Serving as a volunteer with passion - May 2011

"I knew I wanted to be a nurse from my high school days," says Toowoomba nurse Deb Louden, one of the long-term volunteers currently serving with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone.

She had read about the work done by volunteers serving the world's poorest people in a brochure picked up at the city's annual Easter music festival known as Easterfest. "I still had to finish my nursing degree and gain two years experience before I could apply, but it was then I knew I had to serve on the Africa Mercy some day. My practical experience then followed during three years of nursing in a surgical ward and almost another year in a paediatric ward."

The opportunity to serve came in 2009 when Deb and her sister Sarah went to the ship which was docked for a ten-month assignment in the West African nation of Benin. Sarah served as a laboratory technician and Deb as a ward nurse.

"When I left the ship at the end of 2009 I felt as if I had left my heart behind. I knew God's call on my life to serve with Mercy Ships had not finished. I wanted to return for a longer term this year, so I completed the Gateway course at the charity's International Operations Centre in Texas, prior to heading for this year's assignment on the ship in Sierra Leone," she says.

An answer to prayer - May 2011

"My work colleagues wondered if I had suddenly turned into something like a saint - an insane saint at that," says Kathy Rossiter of Wollongong. She and husband Mike are back from serving as volunteers in Sierra Leone.

"Some could not understand why I would give away my annual leave and pay my own way to do it. But there were some who thought I had become a saint because I was prepared to use my skills to help others," she says.

Mike agreed that Mercy Ships seemed to offer an avenue of service that suited their desires. "Kathy had upgraded her pathology lab qualifications, so we felt there would be a position for her in the ship's hospital. I agreed to do whatever work was required onboard, and most of my time during the two months was spent keeping public areas of the ship clean and tidy, helping unload containers in the ship's hold and sorting out stores. Housekeeping is one of those necessary background jobs, just like people in the galley, the dining room, the deck crew and everyone else who may not be in the medical front line. We were the people doing what we could to support those who were doing what they could for the people."

Mike and Kathy have no immediate plans for the future. They say simply they will head back to normal employment, chew over the experience of serving in Africa, and wait for God to give directions for the future.

Mercy Monday in May - April 2011

Mercy Ships Australia has announced a new public awareness project and believes it will become a popular event on the Australian calendar.

Mercy Monday in May will be celebrated on Monday, May 9, a date to coincide with three important international and national events that are closely related to the aim of Mercy Ships in bringing hope and healing to people living in the world's poorest nations.

Gary Regazzoli, CEO of Mercy Australia, says the events are National Volunteers Week, running from May 9 to 15 this year, International Nurses Day on Thursday, May 12, and Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8.

"Now you can help Mercy Ships highlight the incredible work of the volunteers - teams of doctors, nurses and support staff - by hosting a Mercy Meal on Monday, May 9," says Mr Regazzoli. "You can make a difference and get involved. Register as a host for a morning tea, lunch or dinner on that day to raise funds."

Annual Conference - April 2011

Members of the Board of Mercy Ships Australia, staff and volunteers working with the Australian support office at Caloundra, Qld, representatives from around Australia, along with volunteers who have served with Mercy Ships as crew on the charity's hospital ships and elsewhere attended the annual conference over the weekend of April 9 and 10. Among speakers at the conference were two volunteers who told of their experiences while serving on the Africa Mercy and the Anastasis - Paula Smith (nurse) and PJ Hopkins (chaplain). Conference delegates are pictured.

The world outside my bubble - March 2011

"When I first thought about volunteering with Mercy Ships I thought it would be great to have a medical background to be able to help the people of Sierra Leone, instead of the job I signed up for," says Trish Wilson of Gosford on the NSW Central Coast.

Trish is working for two months in the dining room onboard the Africa Mercy.

"But since I arrived and started work among more than 400 volunteers from around the world, I have realised that we all need each other, no matter what our position is on the ship. Each is very important to ensure that we can reach out and bring hope and healing to the people of the nation, one of the world's poorest."

"To actually live in an environment that is exactly the opposite to that in which we live and to see at first hand the poverty and all that is associated with that is something that has opened my eyes to the world outside my bubble," she says.

Mercy Ships on Mighty Ships - March 2011

The work of volunteers serving with Mercy Ships on the Africa Mercy, the world's largest charity hospital ship, will be featured in an hour-long episode of the TV series Mighty Ships this week.

Mighty Ships will screen on the Seven Network's 7mate on Thursday, March the 31 at 7.30 pm. The program shows life onboard and the work being done by a crew of more than 400 people from around the world in West Africa.

Mighty Ships was produced for Discovery Channel Canada, and acquired by the Seven Network in Australia. The Emmy-award winning series is a behind the scenes look at some of the sea's most impressive vessels.

Chaplain PJ Hopkins returning home – January 2011

Senior Chaplain on the Africa Mercy, PJ Hopkins of New South Wales, has left the ship after five years of service.

He joined the long term crew in January 2006, and served in the Agriculture, Food Services and Crew Services departments.

He served as a Chaplain on the Anastasis and the Africa Mercy, focusing on teaching, counselling and administration, and has been Senior Chaplain since February 2009.

A two-year adventure ahead - January 2011

A family from Launceston, Tasmania, is joining the crew of volunteers onboard the Africa Mercy for what they describe as a two-year adventure.

Jodie and Andrew Rothwell, and their ten-year old daughter Jessica, join the ship in Durban.

Andrew, an auto mechanic and auto electrician, will work with the Engineering Department, Jodie will be in Human Resources, while Jessica will attend school at the onboard Academy.

Andrew served onboard as a motor mechanic in August and September last year.

The Africa Mercy sails shortly on assignment to Sierra Leone during the remainder of 2011.

(Launceston Examiner picture)

Long-serving volunteer home - November 2010

One of Australia's longest serving volunteers, Trevor Haylock of Brisbane, is home after spending 12 years on the Anastasis and the Africa Mercy.

Trevor has served as a member of the ship's Deck Department in a number of capacities, and wishes to upgrade his qualifications to that of Deck Officer.

He has completed some study towards his dream, but is now required to spend hundreds of hours on the Bridge with another officer before undertaking further training. Trevor will be seeking work onboard ships in Australia.

Christmas Catalogue out - November 2010

The Mercy Ships Christmas Catalogue provides a way of giving a gift that will provide the precious gift of new life to someone in the suffering world.

Purchase a gift from the catalogue for a loved one this Christmas. The impact of that gift on the life of a person or a community in West Africa cannot be measured.

Throughout 2011, Mercy Ships volunteers will be working in Sierra Leone, the third poorest country in the world, and your gift will help someone now living below the poverty line.

Go to our home page and take a look at the gifts you can give this Christmas.

Mercy Ships on Australian TV - September

The Africa Mercy features in one episode of a new television series being aired around Australia on the new Seven Network channel 7mate.

The series is also being shown on Discovery Channel Australia and New Zealand.

Gary Regazzoli, CEO Mercy Ships Australia, says the news is exciting as it will be the first time the work of volunteers serving with the charity will be seen on Australian television. “There are many thousands of Mercy Ships supporters around Australia who have not seen more than pictures of the Africa Mercy and crew at work in the poorest nations of West Africa. There are also hundreds of Australians who have served as volunteers on one of the ships operated by Mercy Ships over the years. The hour-long episode on the hospital ship will bring back many memories for them,” he says.

Mighty Ships is seen on 7mate on Saturdays at 6.30 pm. Seven has not yet scheduled a date for the Africa Mercy program. Three series have been produced, and it is not known in what sequence the episodes will be shown. Mr Regazzoli suggests viewers keep an eye on station program guides. “We will also provide further information on our website as well as on the linked Facebook when a screening date is scheduled.”

Discovery Channel Australia and New Zealand has advised that the Africa Mercy episode in the Mighty Ships series is scheduled for Friday, October 15, at 10 pm.

World Maritime Day recognised – September 2010

As World Maritime Day is recognised, Mercy Ships Australia pays tribute to the men and women, all volunteers, who keep the world’s largest charity ship Africa Mercy running. Among them is the only Australian maritime crew member, long-serving Trevor Haylock of Brisbane.

The volunteer crew includes both medical and non-medical personnel. The maritime crew members keep the engines and all vital equipment functioning properly so that the state-of-the-art hospital ship can fulfill its mission of transforming lives. World Maritime Day provides the perfect opportunity for Mercy Ships to highlight the vital importance of the Engineering Department onboard.
The Africa Mercy offers its crew and patients a comfortable environment with air-conditioning, lighting, hot water, bathrooms, and computers. But, below the deck, lies another world – the Engine Room. It is very hot, very noisy, and full of intimidating equipment – engines, compressors, generators, filters, dials, levers, pipes. It is home to a dedicated and talented group, the Engineering Team – the heart of the maritime crew.

Back in Africa to help women – September 2010

“A former colleague, Hannah, who came from Sierra Leone in West Africa, died a few years ago after an horrific domestic violence episode,” says Margery Roberts, a nurse from Atwell, WA.

“I cannot help Hannah, but I can help other African women who face challenges that are unheard of in the developed countries of our world.”

Margery is back from her second period of voluntary service onboard the world’s largest charity hospital ship Africa Mercy. “As a registered nurse I work in a busy surgical ward specialising in urology, gynaecology and vascular surgery. Aspects of that work are particularly relevant in assisting women who come to Mercy Ships for free surgery to repair obstetric fistulas resulting from prolonged or obstructed childbirth.”

She says there are many thousands of such women in Africa. “Women, who because of a cultural background of carrying heavy loads from a young age, marriage and childbirth while still young are more at risk of obstructed labour during childbirth. Without easy access to medical help, these women often lose their babies after prolonged labour and end up with a fistula causing permanent incontinence. Some women who come for surgery have lived with such conditions as outcasts for many years. To see the joy on the faces of women who are now ‘dry’ and able to return to live in their communities is indescribable.”

Waiting for the opportunity – September 2010

“It took quite a while to get to Togo in more ways than one,” says Launceston mechanic Andy Rothwell, back from serving as a volunteer onboard the Africa Mercy.

“My wife and I heard about the work being done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships five years ago, and in the following year we went with our daughter to the United States for some training in mission work. Since then, there had not been an opportunity to actually serve until the ship sailed to Togo this year for an extended assignment. I felt God calling me to make use of my gifts. I guess you could say that call started as a small feeling of what I should do, and that feeling grew and grew until I could ignore it no longer,” he says.

The hospital ship has its own fleet of Land Rovers and Nissan Patrols, and Andy’s month onboard was spent working as a vehicle mechanic. He did his apprenticeship with a service station in Launceston, learning how to repair anything from a lawn mower to a truck. “That time served me well for some of the things required as ship mechanic, working with limited manuals and equipment. For more than 15 years I worked in service department management. While onboard I was also able to provide some additional training for a local mechanic to help improve his skills.”

Giving something back to her ‘motherland’ – August 2010

“I have always wanted to use my nursing skills in charity work for as long as I can remember,” says Aseye Badu, a nurse from Melbourne, home after three months in Togo, West Africa.

But the time was more special than that for Aseye.

“I left Ghana, a neighbouring country to Togo, when I was 10. I am aware of the struggles people endure in Africa, and know that my life has been very blessed. So my ‘motherland’ Africa has also been a place I’ve desired to return to and give something back to my people,” she says.

“When I read about the work being done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships I knew it was an invitation from God, so I said ‘yes’ to the invitation. Being Ghanaian born, I felt I had enough exposure to African culture, and I was ready and excited about what lay ahead. There was also great support from family, friends and workmates. I think some may even have been a little jealous of my decision.”

Aseye says there were many highlights from the time spent onboard the Africa Mercy. “What a wonderful thing it was to see people who have nothing and who have gone through so much being so happy with what we consider to be the smallest things in life. They are so grateful for what they have, and they don’t worry about what they don’t have.”

A reminder about what is important – August 2010

“When family and friends hear about what Mercy Ships is doing, they say it changes their perspective on what really in important in their lives,” says Swan Hill nurse Jenny Adamthwaite.

Jenny is back from her third period of service as a volunteer operating theatre nurse on the Africa Mercy in Togo.

She says hearing about the medical problems people face in that part of world, the lack of health care services and the reality that many people simply cannot afford such services, can make you think. “There is no way you can travel to such places as Togo and work with all the amazing people onboard the ship without feeling changed by the end of your time, no matter how many times you have served. The experience challenges everything we consider of value in the developed world.”

“Working with Mercy Ships provided daily reminders that without God we can do nothing. There are times when medicine can do so much, and God needs to do the rest. We often forget that in our world. It was such an amazing experience again, being in Africa and seeing people from so many nations all working together for the poorest people in our world. Each time I have served as a volunteer I have felt that I have benefitted as much as those we are there to help. The best thing about such an experience is seeing the lives of people transformed. Helping an old woman to see again, giving a child back to its mother after repairing a cleft lip. These are the experiences that keep others and me going back.”

Mercy Ships benefits from fundraiser – August 2010

For the second year, Victorian board member of Mercy Ships Australia, Margo Hartley and husband Tom organized a major fund raising function in the Dandenong area.

More than 300 attended the function, and Mercy Ships was again one of the recipients of funds raised.

Pictured left is the dinner venue, with Margo’s pink-themed setting for the occasion.

Australian Board meets - August 2010

Coinciding with the fund raising dinner held in Victoria, members of the Australian Mercy Ships Board met for one of their regular meetings.

Pictured are board members with their spouses.

Also pictured (behind left) is media personality Glenn Ridge, well known as host of Sale of the Century. Glenn again acted as chairman for the fundraising dinner.

The most amazing thing I’ve done – August 2010

“I worked harder than ever before,” says Brisbane physiotherapist Nick Veltjens.

“But when you see God’s love been expressed in everything that happens you can’t help being encouraged.”

Nick spent nearly six months serving as a volunteer with Mercy Ships onboard the Africa Mercy in Togo. He says a friend had raved about Mercy Ships and what an amazing way it would be to demonstrate God’s love in a very practical way. “I looked into it, fell in love with the idea, and literally jumped onboard.”

“In the Word of God we read that when we feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked and care for the sick, we are doing it to God himself. Being in Togo and doing some of those kinds of things, I have experienced something amazing. When you do such things and see the smiles on the faces of those you help, you really do see God himself smiling back at you through such people.”

“I went with the expectation of seeing through the work of Mercy Ships hope and healing coming to some of the world’s poorest, and I was privileged to see God at work changing the lives of many. I hope to serve again with the charity.”

A long-term dream fulfilled – July 2010

“I think those around me have known about my dream to do this for a long time and were happy to see me doing it,” says Nerida Butcher who served as Assistant Surgeon in Togo.

Nerida, of Mona Vale in Sydney, is in her second year out of medical school and working as a resident doctor in the region from Taree to Belmont. She took a month’s leave to join more than 450 volunteers from around the world on the Africa Mercy.

“When I was in medical school I had what I thought was a crazy dream of having a small boat with an operating theatre, sailing to small islands and performing surgery for people who had no way of accessing health care. Then one day I was having one of those conversations and was asked what I would do if I could anything. I shared my secret dream, only to be told there actually was a ship with multiple operating theatres sailing to the poorest nations and providing free surgery,” she says.

“I was stunned. I could not believe that someone else had that same dream. I started to do some investigation into this hospital ship and almost fell off my chair when I saw what an incredible thing this was.”

“Then it just flowed from there. Everywhere I turned I would come across the Mercy Ship. I even found it in a book I was reading called Is that really you God. There was the whole story about how Mercy Ships was formed and about the founder, Don Stephens. On the last day before my final medical school examination, I was listening to the radio while studying and heard that Don Stephens was actually in Australia at the time and was to speak the Golf Club down the road from where I was. Call that God’s timing!

What a country we live in – July 2010

“My few weeks in Togo made me realise how fortunate we are to live in Australia,” says Fremantle nurse Jacqui Smith.

She spent three weeks in the West Africa nation, working among a crew of 450 onboard the Africa Mercy.

“The time I spent there reinforced two things for me,” she says. “One is my resolve to return to Africa to help the people who live in some of the world’s poorest nations. The other is the recognition of our living in a country where we never have to worry about the availability of healthcare services.”

Jacqui heard about the work being done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships from a presentation made at a nursing conference. “I have always felt that I wanted to do some kind of voluntary aid work. At the time of hearing about what goes on onboard the Africa Mercy with its six operating theatres and 78-bed hospital I sensed the opportunity was the right time to take advantage of it. I made contact through the charity’s website and filled in the application form. I have to admit I had never heard of Togo before making my application and had to look it up on a map.”

“Then it was off at my own expense, in keeping with all other volunteers, on the flight to Togo. After working for 30 years in operating theatres, I felt it would be a shame to let all that experience go to waste after I retired."

Long wait for Mercy Ships adventure – June 2010

“I first heard about the work of Mercy Ships when I was 17. I was interested then, but could not afford it,” says Darwin nurse Jenny Ward.

Now after 15 years of nursing, she has just returned from three weeks service as a volunteer nurse in Togo.

“The time was now right,” she says. “My work experience over the years covered a number of areas, I have worked on other missionary ships overseas, and Mercy Ships is interested in people able to serve for short-term periods as well as long-term, while other organisations expect periods of service for six months or longer.

“Those around me at home were very supportive of my decision, but many had never heard of Mercy Ships. I knew nothing about Togo. When I was accepted for service as a volunteer I had to look at a map of Africa to find where the ship was.”

Jenny describes the work being done by volunteers as very important. “The people of Togo and other West African nations have to live with poverty and famine, poor governance and a lack of educational opportunities. They also live with many traditional beliefs and superstitions that often result in people suffering from disability or disfigurement being regarded as cursed. That results in their being abandoned, rejected or isolated from family and the rest of society.”

Atlassian Community Award to Mercy Ships – June 2010

The Australian-based software developer Atlassian is giving something back to benefit the world’s poorest people served by Mercy Ships.

The company which specialises in software development and collaboration tools has announced that Mercy Ships is the recipient of its first ever Community Award. The award of $10,000 will benefit the people of Togo, West Africa, through the charity’s program of plastic reconstructive surgeries onboard the Africa Mercy.

Crew member Anne Barker, who coordinates the charity’s intranet which is supported by Atlassian’s Community Licence Program, submitted the winning entry. Since October 2005 Atlassian has been donating software through the program to Mercy Ships, a gift estimated by the charity to be worth $30,000. With such cost savings, volunteer surgeons can remove 60 facial tumours from patients ostracised by their communities, OR perform 120 cataract surgeries to restore sight to young or old, OR correct 120 cleft lip/palates in children seen as cursed, OR correct 60 obstetric fistulas for women usually abandoned by their husbands and families, OR offer 600 free dental procedures in areas where there is no dentist.

Daily, more than 400 crew members from 40 nations onboard the ship and hundreds of land-based support crew working internationally in remote locations benefit from Atlassian’s wiki program through interaction with the charity’s intranet. CIO Chris Gregg says Mercy Ships Information Services began using Atlassian Confluence as a wiki to enable information between the charity’s 15 offices and ship in Africa to be shared easily, commented upon and edited, regardless of different geographical locations and time zones.

Chopping veggies in Africa - June 2010

“I am a dental assistant,” says Joanne Lee of Brisbane.

“I love Africa and its people. I wanted to go and help them. I had heard about the work being done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships in the poorest nations of West Africa and decided to offer myself for service. But there were no vacancies for dental assistants at the time I could go, so I went to Togo and spent two months onboard the world’s largest charity hospital ship chopping vegetables,” she says.

Joanne heard of Mercy ships from one of Australia’s long serving volunteers, Trevor Haylock, who is a member of her church, Gateway Baptist. “So I put my stuff in storage, gave up my full-time job, and went. Those around me were very supportive of my plans. There were no fears or doubts, and no real expectations. It was my fourth trip to Africa. I really needed to see if this was something I would want to do longer-term.”

“During the two months onboard there were times I did think I was just chopping vegetables. But then I was reminded that there were more than 400 other volunteers onboard all doing their part, some small, some larger, towards the goal of Mercy Ships in bringing hope and healing to some of the world’s poor.”

Response to a nagging thought – May 2010

“A friend at work was talking about the work done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships, but I disregarded the thought of being involved until that thought kept nagging at the back of my mind,” says Townsville nurse Sarah George.

“So I looked up Mercy Ships on the internet. I had always wanted to do something like that,” she says. “But I found plenty of excuses until I discovered that Mercy Ships volunteers could go for any length of time from a few weeks to a lifetime. I had just finished doing some agency nursing and had money, so there were no excuses left.”

Sarah spent ten weeks in Togo, working as part of the ship’s eye team restoring sight through free cataract surgery to the people of that country.

“I thought I had a lot to offer, but God spoke to me through the people of Togo. It was really those people who actually gave something to me through their kindness, their faith, their joy and their love. I really wonder whether we or they have the better life despite their struggle to survive the pressures of daily life. There is such generosity. They seem to regard themselves as just part of one larger family. What a way to live! Here we have money and food, but still see so many in our community ending up isolated, struggling, alone and helpless.”

Territory Trio in Togo - May 2010

"The joy expressed by people when they see their new faces following surgery to correct gross disfigurement from huge tumours is something that cannot be imagined," says Marg Grey, one of three volunteers from Katherine, just back from two months service onboard the world's largest charity hospital ship in West Africa.

Work colleagues, Marg, Rita Anderson and Elaine McArthur, are back from two months service on the Africa Mercy in Togo. Marg and Rita served among the nursing crew, while Elaine worked as a housekeeper, helping to care for the needs of the crew.

The story of the decision of the three to go started a number of years ago, when Rita Anderson heard about the work done by Mercy Ships from a volunteer who was being interviewed on the ABC's Sunday morning radio program Australia All Over. She then read a book by Mercy Ships founder, Don Stephens, and applied for a position as ward nurse when the hospital ship was in Liberia during 2007. Rita returned to Katherine and told her friends about the amazing surgeries being performed to correct deformity, disability and blindness, the range of programs carried out to improve the lives of people in West Africa, and the way many lives were changed.

Togo experience keeps her grounded – May 2010

“I have been interested in mission work, particularly of a medical nature, since I was 16. I find that doing such work keeps me grounded and appreciate how blessed I am to be able to use the skills I have been given.”

Brisbane nurse Rachel Miller has just finished nearly two months of service as a volunteer on the Africa Mercy, in the West African nation of Togo.

Now in her fourth year of nursing she is currently working at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.

She says, “I heard of the work of Mercy Ships while in high school and kept the possibility of offering myself for voluntary service with the charity in the back of my mind for some future time.”

“There was a special moment when a patient who’d had a disfiguring facial tumour removed did a dance for joy in the ward after looking in a mirror and seeing his new face. That man had been an outcast for four years. He had lost his wife and family. Now his hope had been restored.”

Latest Australian Newsletter out – April 2010

The latest newsletter for Mercy Ships Australia is now out and should have arrived at your home.

You may also read the newsletter online, or download it by going to our Home page.

There is also a place there where you can subscribe to receive it on a regular basis.

Enjoy reading it.

Entitled to live as equals – April 2010

“It is my strong conviction that all God’s children are entitled to live as equals and in peace, wherever in the world they live. And Mercy Ships is working to help that happen.”

Jenny Darvas of West Pennant Hills in Sydney is nearing the end of two months service as a volunteer in Togo, West Africa. She serves as an Intensive Care Unit nurse.

“I am privileged to be part of an amazing team of volunteers seeking to bring hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor,” she says. “The people of Togo have nothing when compared to what we in the developed world consider necessary for everyday life, but they are incredibly strong, resilient and grateful for the help they are receiving. They are an inspiration to me. Mercy Ships volunteers are making real changes in the lives of many people.”

Australian volunteer recognised - April 2010

Long-serving Australian volunteer Trevor Haylock of Brisbane has been recognised for his long years of service as a volunteer with Mercy Ships.

Trevor has served as a member of the Deck Department onboard the Anastasis and the Africa Mercy, where he currently occupies the position of Assistant Bosun.

Trevor is pictured receiving the ten year clock from Deyon Stephens, in recognition of his years of service.

Changes to Australian Board – March 2010

Several changes have been announced to membership of the board of Mercy Ships Australia. Sonja Frischknecht has retired, and John Wagner of Caloundra, a former Regional Manager with the Commonwealth Bank, has been appointed.

Pictured are Gary Regazzoli (CEO), Margo Hartley, James Bird, Paul Burchell and John Wagner. International representatives on the Australian Board are Mercy Ships Founder, Don Stephens and Judy Polkinhorn.

First Annual General Meeting – March 2010

The first annual general meeting of Mercy Ships Australia since incorporation of the Australian support office took place at Caloundra over the weekend.

The meeting adopted annual reports, financial statements and auditor’s reports.

Pictured is Australian Board chairman, James Bird, presenting his report to the meeting.

Two months in Togo – March 2010

“I heard about Mercy Ships a few years ago, and felt led to apply to serve for a few months,” says Liz Inzitari, from Lithgow in NSW, who is spending two months as a volunteer onboard the Africa Mercy in Togo.

“I had previously done some mission work at medical clinics in Thailand, Cambodia and Haiti. So that, along with a medical background, helped prepare me for the trip to Togo,”

“The greatest reward is seeing how the lives of people are changed, physically, socially and spiritually.

“I am hopeful that God will open the door for me to return to the Africa Mercy and serve again in the future. Everyone one who does what I have done agrees it is a life changing experience and never comes home the same.”

Video from Screening Day in Togo - March 2010

Filmed during Screening Day in Lomé, Togo, this video highlights the urgent need for medical help in the West African nation.

Screening Days underway in Togo - February 2010

Due to upcoming elections in Togo very large gatherings are not permitted, so Mercy Ships is holding smaller Screening Days over several days. On the first day of Eye Screenings, over 1000 people lined up to be seen (as pictured). An Orthopaedic and Maxillo Facial Screening Day also took place, with other specialties to follow.

Mercy Ships begins fourth Field Service in Togo - Feburary 2010

At the invitation of the government, Mercy Ships is responding to the needs of the people of Togo by undertaking a six-month project in the capital city of Lomé, from February through August 2010. Mercy Ships previously visited Togo in 1990, 1995, and 2003, providing free surgeries and other humanitarian aid such as access to fresh water and sanitation, construction projects and training.

Mercy Ships at Maritime Expo - February 2010

Mercy Ships representatives were at the Pacific 2010 Maritime Conference/Exhibition at Darling Harbour in Sydney. There were 350 stands at the Expo. NSW Representative Hazel Budd says as usual there was a lot of interest in the work of Mercy Ships. One Naval Officer asked for a bunch of brochures ‘to give to my boys when they're leaving the Navy, so they can think about going to the Africa Mercy before they decide what they're going to do with the rest of their life'.

Among visitors to the Mercy Ships display was former Federal Transport Minister, Peter Morris (pictured on the right) with Mercy Ships Australia Chairman, Jim Bird.

Two months on a Mercy Ship - February 2010

‘Do it now!' were the words Laurel Dixon of Caloundra heard in her mind as she made the decision to apply for service as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in Benin, West Africa.

She says she had known about Mercy Ships for many years, since the Australian support office of the international Christian charity is based in Caloundra. "Each time I heard about the work being done by volunteers serving with the organisation my admiration was reinforced. When I became serious about making a decision I realised the hospital ship Africa Mercy would provide a place where I could live and be involved in a much safer environment among like-minded people. With a grown family and flexible business commitments I felt free to make the choice to ‘do it now'."

Laurel spent two months onboard working as a Hospitality Hostess, caring for the needs of more than 400 volunteers on the ship at any one time and for visiting dignitaries and guests. She also had opportunities to be involved in a number of medical, health care and community development programs aimed at bringing hope and healing to the people of Benin.

Volunteers get-together – January 2010

Six volunteers who spent time together during the recent assignment of the Africa Mercy in Benin held a mini-reunion at Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Pictured are Naomi Heal, Lab Technician, of Armidale; Toni Mitchell, Dentist, of Mission Beach; Dell Adams, Dental Assistant, of Tamworth; Margo Clerc, Nurse, of Coffs Harbour; and Mike Hughes, Second Officer, of Mooloolaba.

It was also a time to farewell Naomi who is returning later this month to join the assignment in Togo.

Two years on a hospital ship - January 2010

Karl Schmutter of Port Macquarie NSW has returned home after serving for two years as a volunteer on the Africa Mercy but for most of that time the ship has not been at sea. And he did not work in the hospital. The ship is docked for up to ten months at a time in a West African port.

When Karl first joined the crew he worked as a member of the ship's housekeeping department. "I did that for two months, but when I returned to Australia I decided to sell my earthmoving business and give two years to working with Mercy Ships on its building construction projects. During the ship's time in Liberia, I worked as an assistant site manager on construction of a medical clinic in Tenegar, a village 45 minutes from the Liberian capital Monrovia. My role changed last year in Benin to construction supervisor, overseeing various building projects, resulting in more paperwork and time in the office rather than on the job."

Mercy Monday in May 2012

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