MaritimeMercy.com

The Anastasis sailed from Le Havre, France on the first venture of a Mercy Ships to West Africa. In 1990 Europe was experiencing the magnitudes of the fall of the Berlin wall and material support to our new venture in Africa was high. The cargo holds were full with medical supplies, construction material and other goods. The crew in expectation counted the days when they would help people in one of the neediest places in the world. The cool European air soon began to give place to warmer breezes as the vessel sailed south. Built in 1953, the Anastasis carried the design of the old cruise liners who were projected for smooth sailing. With the engines at full steam she moved forward, her bow piercing the Atlantic waters as a plow pierces the ground in preparation for a new planting season. Structurally she was built to last forever, but after almost forty years of service it was necessary five crew members on the engine room to operate her when she was sailing; one engineer, one Jr. En...

Volunteers are a main pillar on Mercy Ships’ mandate to bring Hope and Healing to the forgotten poor. Often those who want to join cherish their desire for a long time before it becomes a reality. Some have to ask a leave from their work, others have to quit their job, and the list goes on. It is clear that God uses the difficult of making those hard decisions and delayed gratification to build up strength and resolve in preparation for the mission.  This was not different for Amber Batson who had a desire to volunteer with Mercy Ships since she was a 13 years old. Despite the long wait her dream came through last November after she became a nurse. Her patience and perseverance paid off. Click here to see the full article .

During the next ten months after her arrival in Conakry, the Africa Mercy offered direct medical services and capacity building assistance including education, renovations, equipment and donations benefiting over 30,000 individuals and the entire nation of Guinea. ·    1,617 eye surgeries (cataracts, pterygium, strabismus, and other) were performed for adults and children. 13,483 eye evaluations performed at various sites in and around Conakry. In addition, 1,341 UV blocking sunglasses, 2,221 reading glasses and 144 prescription glasses distributed. ·    The ships’ volunteer surgeons performed 666 maxillofacial surgeries including 176 cleft lip and/or palate repairs for children and adults. ·    84 patients (51 adults and 33 children) received 99 specialized plastics reconstructive surgeries. 451 physical therapy sessions, 813 hand therapy sessions and 169 occupational therapy sessions provided. ·    General surgery was provide...

The King was exasperated; the battle against his enemies was going nowhere. His generals’ surprise attacks encountered an enemy prepared and not surprised at all. There was a leak somewhere, it was impossible for their enemies to know every move they planned without an infiltrator telling them. Furious he summed his offices demanding the source of the leak and who was the mole. One of his officers explained that there was no leak, there was no mole and his plans were perfectly good. The problem was a prophet on the enemy camp with spiritual powers who knew their very moves and advised them to be ready for the attacks. To solve the quandary the king ordered his army to take care of the source of his frustrations, eliminate the prophet.    At this point of the story in II Kings 6:8-23 , we have one of those moments when the intercession of heaven and earth are tangible. The prophet Elisha had a servant who took care of his daily needs. Early one morning he saw this gre...

In one of those nights when is almost impossible to distinguish where the water ends and the sky began the M/V Serra Verde sailed quiet the south Atlantic. The gentle sculling of the ship in a perfect admiral sea contrasted only to the steady ramming of the engines. I step out of my cabin only to be confronted by a spectacular full moon that brightened anything from east to west. The gently row of the ship gave the impression that the stars were in motion. Struck by the convergence of sea, sky, moon and stars, the universe in perfect harmony demanding me to join the symphony; I got my guitar and played as the soloist of this startling orchestra. I sang, sang and sang as I experienced the heavens declaring the glory of God. I felt an overwhelming feeling, it was His presence, and I have no doubt, I was in the intercession of heaven and earth like Jacob at Bethel . A mix of joy and fear came upon me and I did not dare to move my eyes to look afraid to see the presence of the Lord. ...

Last night I watched the IndyCar race on TV. Helio Castroneves led the last 132 laps to win at the Texas Motor Speedway. As expected, the Brazilian climbed the frontstretch fence to revel the victory. Nicknamed Spiderman for the unusual way of climb the fence to celebrate his victories closer to the fans, Helio is known for his enthusiasm and high energy positive attitude. The modern usage of the word enthusiasm refers to an intense enjoyment, interest, or approval. However, the Greek/Latin origin points to a motivation or possession of a divine inspiration. The original meaning of enthusiasm fits well with Moses command to the children of Israel to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5). God is to be loved with the motivation of a divine inspiration. A Divine inspiration, enthusiasm, is synergetic. It motivates and inspires others to love and serve God. The Psalmist commands us to serve the Lor...

According to scientists, brain fatigue leads to memory loss, distraction, forgetfulness, and lack of concentration. Especially in urban areas, a hectic way of living leaves no space for brain recovery. In a New York Times article entitled “Easing Brain Fatigue With a Walk in the Park” , Gretchen Reynolds, says that “With brain fatigue, you are easily distracted, forgetful and mentally flighty.” She comments that recent study suggests that calm and focus can be restored by spending time with nature, even a walk in the park. The study points out that trees and green have a calming effect in contrast to fatigue and lack of concentration produced by busy urban scenery. Jesus knew about the restoring power of trees and green as he left the chaotic pace of Jerusalem to spend the night in a mountain ridge covered with olive groves east of Jerusalem called Mount of Olive. Luke says in his Gospel that: “Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night ...