mercyships.org.uk | Spring 2021 | Issue 12
hope Creating ripples of
Onboard magazine Welcome
Creating ripples of hope together Thank you for being a vital member of our Mercy Ships family in these difficult times. Together we are providing life-changing surgeries and enabling thousands of patients to break free from pain, shame and suffering. In 2020, thanks to your generosity, our amazing volunteers onboard the Africa Mercy provided 869 free life-changing surgeries. They removed debilitating life-threatening tumours, straightened bowed legs, gave sight to those blinded by cataracts, and freed limbs that were fused by burns. But this is not the whole story, because we are not just restoring lives. Together we are doing so much more. We are helping to change the healthcare landscape in every country we visit. One way we do this is by training local healthcare professionals and building enduring partnerships with African Governments. This is why in Senegal we trained 748 local medical professionals and mentored 38 local nurses and surgeons who will continue to train others and save more lives in the years to come. As we look ahead to 2021, we have new reasons to be hopeful and to celebrate. In the coming months, our second ship the Global Mercy will be joining in our mission to bring hope and healing to some of the poorest nations in Africa. The Global Mercy is the largest purpose-built hospital ship of its kind in the world. With this new ship we are going to more than double our capacity to provide life-changing surgeries. More importantly, onboard this new ship we will be training the next generation of African healthcare workers, who will train others and save countless lives for decades to come. What we will be doing is creating what Robert F Kennedy described as “ripples of hope,” the kind of hope that each saved life sets in motion. You create these ripples of hope by giving generously, enabling our volunteers to save lives. Then those whose lives have been impacted through lifesaving operations or training bring hope to others through their actions and gratitude. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships is a faith-based organisation that follows the 2,000-year old model of Jesus to bring hope and healing to those suffering from disability, disfigurement, and disease. We deploy hospital ships to low and middleincome countries (LMICs) in the African continent, delivering free surgical care and medical training to those in need.
Mercy Ships UK, The Lighthouse, 12 Meadway Court, Stevenage SG1 2EF mercyships.org.uk 01438 727800 info@mercyships.org.uk
So, it continues. Ripples of hope creating waves of mercy, people free from pain and a changed healthcare landscape. My vision for the future is to grow our global family of volunteers from many nations, including some of our former patients and caring friends like you. So that together we’ll create ripples of hope and impact lives all over Africa. I am glad that you are a part of our Mercy Ships global family. And I hope that, as you read the stories and news in this edition of our Onboard magazine you will know that you are one of our Mercy Ships heroes whose kindness and mercy has made great things happen even in the midst of a pandemic. Rosa Whitaker, Global President of Mercy Ships
Registered Charity No: 1053055. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC039743. 02 Company mercyships.org.uk No: 3147724 (England and Wales)
Onboard magazine Interview
Meet Mercy Ships new Chief Executive Officer, Joanne Balaam In October 2020 Mercy Ships appointed Joanne Balaam as its new CEO. Intelligent, kind, talented, and dynamic. These are just a few of the words that describe Joanne and make her the kind of leader that other people want to follow. Joanne joined Mercy Ships UK in 2016 to support Finance and Operations in the UK and US. To introduce her to you properly we caught up with her via Zoom and asked her a few questions. Q: Tell us three things about yourself? Joanne: I am a proud mother of four beautiful children, two boys, and two girls. I love spending time with my family and going on long walks on the beach. I enjoy listening to leadership podcasts that expand my horizons and give me insights I can apply in strengthening our team at Mercy Ships. Q: What excites you the most about being the new Chief Executive of Mercy Ships? Joanne: A chance to look at new opportunities, open new doors and bring new perspectives. As I already know the organisation I’m able to jump straight in and move us even further forward. We’ve got a brilliant team of experts in the staff team, so I will be focused on empowering them to remove the barriers and dream for even better things. Q: As we step into 2021 what are the key challenges you see ahead of you? Joanne: Same as everyone else, really – we will continue working remotely, so we are all learning new online tools and managing the work life balance. Without being able to visit our faithful supporters, we will continue to learn how to engage them in different ways. And this year we have the incredible honour
and privilege of launching our new ship – the Global Mercy, which will enable us to double our capacity to perform medical procedures, support training in developing countries and see even more precious lives transformed. Q: Suppose you had a virtual meeting with one of Mercy Ships supporters what would you say to them? Joanne: I would share Maurinho’s story. This bright little boy was football mad, just like his famous name sake. But because of his severely bowed legs, he was unable to stand up straight, or go to school, let alone play the sport he loved. Because of the extravagant kindness and generosity of Mercy Ships supporters we were able to perform free surgery on Maurinho and straighten his legs. He’s now able to go to school and join in games with the other children. As a mum to two boys who love football, I know how heart-warming it is to see your children flourishing in the thing they love doing, so I would thank our supporters from the bottom of my heart for creating many beautiful moments of mercy for patients like Maurinho, and hundreds more.
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Onboard magazine Djimby
hope Finding
in
unexpected places
Today I want to introduce you to little Djimby. Just take a look at her smiling face and her shining eyes. Djimby may be smaller than other kids her age, but she is nothing short of amazing. This 6-year-old’s strong will and determination comes from her grandmother, Ndeye, who has instilled these values into her granddaughter. But Djimby’s smile and beautiful personality can’t hide the painful condition that this little girl has had to endure most of her life. When Djimby was a toddler, her parents and her grandmother noticed that her legs weren’t straight like those of other children. She had developed a condition called windswept knees, which made standing and walking difficult. One day, while visiting family, Ndeye noticed a distinct difference between Djimby and her siblings and cousins —not only in physicality but also in ability. This troubled her deeply. “I couldn’t watch one of my grandchildren suffer without doing something,” Ndeye said. So, she took Djimby in and vowed to find a doctor who could heal her granddaughter. Over the next three years, Ndeye tried to find healing for
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Djimby but seemed only to reach dead ends. As Djimby got older, Ndeye knew that the time for Djimby to attend school was approaching. She also knew that unless Djimby’s legs were straightened, she wouldn’t be able to go to school or earn money to eat when she grew up. Often Djimby would wake up in a great deal of pain, and since the school was far away from their home, the walk would have been too long and painful.
“ I couldn’t watch one of my grandchildren suffer without doing something,” Despite the setbacks that the two faced, Ndeye vowed to continue her quest saying, “I am healthy, and I can walk. So as long as I am alive, I will keep looking for a solution.” This perseverance fuelled her, even when all seemed hopeless. Neighbours, friends, and even family members urged her to quit, sincerely doubting that there would ever be a solution. But Ndeye refused to stop believing that one day little Djimby would be healed. The breakthrough Ndeye had been looking for came in the most unexpected way at the beginning of last year. One afternoon, a neighbour stopped by Ndeye’s place with some
Onboard magazine Djimby
Djimby takes her first steps after surgery looked on by her grandmother Ndeye.
incredible news. “A hospital ship is coming to Senegal soon,” - she said. “Doctors and nurses are coming to operate on people with complicated problems. I heard this on the radio, and you must take Djimby to them.” A short while later, Djimby and her grandmother began the long journey to Dakar, where the Africa Mercy was docked. The capital sits roughly 135 miles southwest of their home, but the journey was well worth it. After Djimby was screened for surgery, she was given a date for the operation. With healing finally in sight after so many years of searching, Ndeye felt more hope than ever! The free surgery onboard the Africa Mercy was just the first step in Djimby’s road to healing and wholeness. The little girl needed months of rehabilitation to ensure the success of her operation. Once again, following the example set by her grandmother, Djimby’s focus and determination were unrelenting. Day by day, this tenacious 6-year-old willed her new legs to move forward, one foot in front of the other, until the
Want to share Mercy Ships stories with the world?
At Mercy Ships UK we have a growing network of volunteer Speakers who we train and support to share our stories in unique and fun ways with Rotary clubs, WI groups, schools, community groups and local church congregations.
“ ...thank you for making me forget the years of suffering. I hope that when she grows up Djimby will transform people’s lives the way Mercy Ships transformed hers.” day finally arrived for Djimby and her grandmother to return home. Today, following successful surgery and time of rehabilitation, Ndeye now believes that her granddaughter will have a bright future. Soon, Djimby will be able to attend school, fully healed, and standing tall and without pain for the first time in her life!
If you believe that growing up free from crippling deformities, tumours and other treatable conditions should not be just a dream or a hope but a reality for other children like Djimby please send a special gift to Mercy Ships today using the response form provided. Or give securely online at: www.mercyships.org.uk/hope
Peter Montgomery is one of them. Peter has been involved with Mercy Ships since 2011 when he heard a talk at his local Rotary club. He was so impressed by what he heard that he later got involved as a Speaker. ‘ For me volunteering as a Speaker for Mercy Ships gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I show the videos it’s really gratifying to see that people understand what the Africa Mercy does. The talks are easy to do, and the support I’ve received from the Mercy Ships team has been second to none.’ Over the last 6 months Peter has presented more than 60 talks to different groups across the country. So if you’re interested in sharing Mercy Ships stories with others, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with Christine, by emailing christine.brown@mercyships.org.uk or visiting our website: mercyships.org.uk/speaker-registration
Please note: Speakers are currently giving all talks using Zoom video calls. mercyships.org.uk 05
Onboard magazine A year in pictures
Thank you for changing lives with us in 2020
The year in review January Tragically, little Aliou was severely burnt in a fire. But thanks to your generous support in January, he was able to receive extensive surgery and therapy to regain full use of his arm.
February
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March
Mercy Ships h it w r e e t n Volu
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Your gifts are creating a lasting legacy. In February, our Medical Capacity Building team worked to strengthen the local medical infrastructure of the countries we serve, creating lasting impact, long after the ship has departed.
Can you imagine spending 5 months with a toothache? This is what Maissa had to go through because there was no dentist in her village, but through your gifts, in March, she was finally able to receive treatment at the Mercy Ships dental clinic. Thank you so much!
Thank you for chang ing lives
April Apr
From Marie's smile, you would never guess that rehabilitation could be painful. Your support, in April meant our volunteer physical therapists were able to support her healing.
May In May, you helped to transform the lives of hundreds of women in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa who live with obstetric fistulas. Because of you our Women's Health Program, can treat this condition and train local healthcare professionals to do the same.
Mar
May
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Be inspired by stories you have made possible everyday. Follow us on Instagram @mercyshipsuk
Onboard magazine A year in pictures
Jun
June Like you, John Seddon, our photographer on board the Africa Mercy, is incredible. He is always willing to step in and donate blood when our patients need it, just like your gifts to Mercy Ships, helping to bring hope and healing to many.
Jul
the Why not join
July The Galley Team volunteers, make an incredible contribution to the life of the ship all year round, making sure our 400 crew, volunteers and patients receive healthy meals.
team?
August
Thank you fo r being amaz ing!
August might be a holiday month, but not for our volunteer surgeons on board the Africa Mercy. Your gifts and their skills mean we're able to provide world class surgery on board the ship.
Aug
September It's the start of a new academic year. Did you know we have a fully accredited kindergarten to Grade 12 school onboard the Africa Mercy? Our volunteer teachers help to educate the next generation of world changers while their parents help run our hospital ship.
Oct
October
Oct Sep
Davida’s joy is infectious! And thanks to you she can fully embrace her future without pain or restriction.
November In November, our new ship - the Global Mercy - took one step closer to being seaworthy. This vessel will allow us to double the capacity and impact of our work across Africa. We couldn't have got here without you.
December We are so grateful for the many different ways people support Mercy Ships. Some will volunteer their time and skills on the Africa Mercy like lab technician, Julie Ghere. While you may support us with a financial gift. Both are vital to seeing lives transformed and futures restored. Thank you so much!
Nov
Look at what your support has
made possible !
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Onboard magazine News Djimby
R ik u S ug
i mo
to ,T
h
ird f i ce Of
r
Getting ready to serve Right now, our volunteer crew onboard the Africa Mercy are working hard to get the ship ready for the upcoming medical field service in a few weeks time.
Meet Kathryn Dungworth, a UK teacher onboard the Africa Mercy Kathryn is one of our UK volunteers who is teaching the youngest members of our Mercy Ships community. She told us that The Academy onboard the Africa Mercy is now in full swing. Here is a glimpse into the lives of some of our youngest crew members!
For members of this team every minute matters. Right now we are grateful for volunteers like Owen Owusu-Ansah (above) who works hard to keep track of every detail and make sure we have all we need for our upcoming free surgeries.
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Life and work onboard the Africa Mercy without the support of our supply team would be hard to imagine. They are the ones who are responsible for ordering a wide range of medical and everyday supplies that enable our volunteers to bring hope and healing.
‘The school days are shorter and children and young people are focusing on key subjects like Maths, Language, Arts, Science, Social Studies and Life Skills. They are doing PE out on the deck in the sunshine. Also, they are learning how to play the handbells in music class and enjoying discovering new books in the Library.’
Min G
ka
Thank you to our supply team volunteers!
It takes an expert eye to keep our ship running safely and smoothly. That is where our maritime crew and deck crew come in. Volunteers like Riku Sugimoto, a Third Officer from Japan, make sure every detail of the Africa Mercy engine room ticks all the boxes before the sea journey.
ur
Owen Owusu-Ansah
‘Right now, all the classrooms are located on deck 7 of the Africa Mercy. Classes are smaller because some of our volunteers and their families will be arriving in the next few months.’
Getting ready to sail
Our smiling Gurkhas Did you know that our Gurkha volunteers are stationed at the top of the gangway every day at the entrance to the ship? While they look after security, they are also the friendliest and most welcoming team, who greet you as you step onboard. They are always smiling!
Find your place onboard at Kathryn Dungworth with her students
mercyships.org.uk/ beahero
Onboard magazine Lent
A Lent reflection
really does begin at forty....
In a few days’ time we will enter the forty day season known as Lent. For many Christians in the UK and around the world this is an important time for reflection and for remembering Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. For most of us, Lent probably means enjoying pancakes on Shove Tuesday, before settling into the familiar routine of ‘giving something up’ - like social media, coffee, chocolate or maybe our favourite tipple. And many use the extra time to take up a new sport or pastime.
The last few months have been a roller coaster for us all, so perhaps this Lent could offer you a chance to reflect, reset, and start some new good habits over forty days as we look ahead with hope to the future. Even if that’s going for a walk and getting some fresh air at the same time every day.
For the Mercy Ships family, the number forty has added significance. Forty is the number of steps on the gangway to the Africa Mercy. It is a short distance to walk, but for patients like 12-year-old, Justine those forty steps represent the final walk of pain and hopelessness. She went up those steps slowly filled with both hope and trepidation. Then a few weeks later she walked down the gangway unaided, each step taking her closer to a brighter, more hopeful future. As a Mercy Ships supporter, you are part of the team that made Justine’s incredible transformation possible. This Lent be a kindness ambassador and do something every day to brighten up someone’s life. Check out our Lent Kindness calendar for new ideas.
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17 February – 3 April 2021
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
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Ask for sponsorship to give something up for Lent and save up the money for Mercy Ships!
Can you think of something nice to do for someone for each day this week?
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS WEEK
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The Africa Mercy wouldn’t sail without our trusty engineers! We’re so grateful for each one of them.
The Africa Mercy is invited to each country it visits by its President!
One week down in the Lent calendar… how are you doing? Let us know using the hashtag #mercyacts
Because of supporters like you, more than 860 operations were performed in Senegal!
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Good nutrition is vital and malnourishment is directly related to some of the conditions we see. That’s why we run the food for life programme!
Ask a friend how they’re feeling today and make sure they’re doing okay!
ENGINEERS WEEK
#DIDYOUKNOW
ST DAVID’S DAY
Bore da (Boh-reh dah) - Good morning in Welsh. Try it out!
“ Act as if what you do makes a difference. IT DOES.” William James
THANK YOU!
#THOUGHTFULNESS THURSDAY
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Every day we celebrate the remarkable women who come through our women’s health programme.
Well done on getting this far – you’re practically half way there! Tell us how you’re doing #mercyacts
Who loves getting post?! Why not write a letter to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while and tell them all about Mercy Ships!
Thanks to supporters like you, 748 local medical professionals were trained in Senegal during the last field service!
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Your fundraising helps patients get the surgery they need thank you!
Are you up for the challenge of turning off the TV to play a board game? Get other members of your household involved too!
Can you wear an all-green outfit today to celebrate the Irish Saint?!
What can you offer to do for someone today to help them out?
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Mercy Ships wouldn’t exist without supporters like you! Thank you!
Every Friday is Waffle Day on the Africa Mercy as various departments come together for a sweet treat at the 10 o’clock break to kick start the weekend!
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1 APRIL
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
#MOTIVATIONALMONDAY
#MOTIVATIONALMONDAY
Can you find an encouraging quote to send to someone this #motivationalmonday?
29 “ Sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge” William Shakespeare
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“ Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Martin Luther King Jr.
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#DIDYOUKNOW
More people die from a lack of safe surgery each year than HIV, Malaria and TB combined?
ST PATRICK’S DAY
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
#THOUGHTFULNESS THURSDAY
APRIL FOOLS DAY Easter weekend starts tomorrow with Maundy Thursday! You’re almost there! How has it been going?! #mercyacts
How does the Africa Mercy know the oceans she sails are friendly? They wave! #aprilfools
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
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Two days in… how much are you hoping to raise?
Why not bake some muffins to sell for Mercy Ships!
“ Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Mother Teresa
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Set yourself a challenge this weekend to go without your screens for a day! No TV, tablets or social media!
Cataract surgery takes around 20 minutes. That’s 1,200 seconds that can transform years of blindness for some of our patients!
Why not send a text to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while?
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What’s your favourite book? Could you find time to read a chapter or two today?
In 2019 our dentists treated 7,063 people!
Willing members of the crew onboard the Africa Mercy are a walking blood bank and could be called on to donate blood for a surgery at any hour of the day!
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#FUNDRAISING FRIDAY
WORLD BOOK DAY
NATIONAL MUFFIN DAY
SATURDAY STATS
NATIONAL DENTISTS DAY
kindness
calendar 2021
#DIDYOUKNOW
MOTHERING SUNDAY
The all-new purpose-built Global Mercy will more than double our capacity to help change lives!
Let your mum (or a special lady in your life) know you’re thinking about her!
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The Africa Mercy has a dive team that ensure all the vents are clean and working.
There are lots of reasons to be happy when you get involved with Mercy Ships!
Over 400 volunteers are onboard the Africa Mercy. Why not browse some of our available roles - maybe one has your name on!
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Why not try a sponsored silence today and see how long you can go without talking to raise money for Mercy Ships!
18 million people die every year from lack of access to safe, timely and affordable surgery.
Don’t forget - Clocks go forward tonight!
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“ Act justly, Love Mercy, walk humbly”
You’ve done it! Visit www. mercyships.org.uk/lent to donate the money you’ve raised!
“ He is not here; He has risen”
“ Be the change you wish to see in the world” Ghandi
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#DIDYOUKNOW
#FUNDRAISING FRIDAY
GOOD FRIDAY
Micah 6:8
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS
#SATURDAYSTATS
THANK YOU!
EASTER SUNDAY
Matthew 28:6
mercyships.org.uk/lent
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School onboard the Africa Mercy is in full swing, thanks to our volunteer Academy teachers From pre-school up to sixth form, children and young people get a world-class education thanks to the dedication and passion of volunteers onboard
Think teaching onboard a hospital ship sounds like a nice change of pace?
Join our volunteer team at
mercyships.org.uk/beahero Registered Charity No: 1053055. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC039743. Company No: 3147724 (England and Wales)
UKMG2102
Yes, I want to transform lives today Step 1. Your gift Single gift I would like to give a single gift of: £ _____________________________ By cheque/charity voucher made payable to Mercy Ships UK Or please debit my CAF Card
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Step 2. Your details Title
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If you would like to update your details at any time, please contact donor.care@mercyships.org.uk or call 01438 727800
Tick this box if you would not like an acknowledgement. We will never share your details with another charity for fundraising and marketing purposes.
Step 3. Gift Aid Make every £1 you give worth 25p more, at no extra cost to you. I ’d like Mercy Ships to claim Gift Aid on this donation along with everything I’ve given in the last four years and all my future donations. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. I am not a UK taxpayer.
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Please notify Mercy Ships if you want to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address or no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains.
Step 4. Legacies I would like to find out more about leaving a legacy gift in my will.
Please complete and return this form to: Mercy Ships UK, The Lighthouse, 12 Meadway Court, Stevenage SG1 2EF Registered Charity No: 1053055. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC039743. Company No: 3147724 (England and Wales)