We are so excited to be working with the incredible, floating hospital, Mercy Ships. They’ve been sharing on their great work and new projects in a series of fantastic shows here in the TBN UK studios. We’ve got the ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘what next’, to give you insight into what fantastic charity does. Plus, don’t forget to catch up with the Mercy Ships episodes On Demand if you missed it!
Why?
In the UK, we have experienced a fleeting glimpse of what it feels like to have access to essential medical services restricted or unobtainable over the past few months. Around the world, this is the reality regardless of additional pressure. Two in three people around the world cannot access surgery that is safe, affordable or timely. In low-income and lower-middle-income countries, nine out of ten people have no access to basic surgical care. “17 million people a year are dying needlessly, simply because they can’t get the help that they need,” explained Darren Richards, team member and presenter of the new Mercy Ships UK series.
How?
The Mercy Ships charity hospitals sail directly to these people to offer the medical care they need – for free! Following the model of Jesus, Mercy Ships has been tackling global surgery injustice by building and running the world’s largest charity-run hospital ships, since 1978. This ‘floating’ healthcare places a huge emphasis on hope and healing – as they follow Jesus’ example. Mercy Ships functions on four core values, that are rooted in the Bible:
- Love God
(Taken from Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 22:36-40) - Love your neighbour
(Taken from Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 22:36-40) - Be a people of excellence
As founder Don Stephens explained: “No one wants to have a surgery from a surgeon who would say: ‘Oops!’ You want the highest quality that’s possible.” - Be a people of integrity
Where?
Since 1978, Mercy Ships have carried out medical missions in more than 56 nations, providing services worth over £1.2 billion that have helped more than 2.8 million people. The team are currently focussing in on sub-Saharan Africa. Don Stephens, founder of Mercy Ships, explained that while Africa has so much wealth in its people, the culture, food, nature and more, the nation homes the poorest billion people in the world. These people have the lowest life expectancy, and highest infant mortality. They can’t access safe healthcare or support where it is needed. This is why Mercy Ships are focussing in on tackling the injustice in these areas.
What next?
This amazing charity let us in on some exciting news! Mercy Ships announced the latest addition to the fleet and the next chapter in this story of faith: The Global Mercy. Scheduled to set sail to West Africa in late 2021, The Global Mercy will be the world’s largest purpose-built hospital ship. The ship will not only treat people but train people!
“African heads of state, when they’ve talked to me, every one of them has said almost the same thing: ‘can you train?’. Teach my people in my country. Well, that’s what the next ship will do – the Global Mercy – she’s a training centre as well as a surgery centre,” Don Stephens, Founder of Mercy Ships explained.
Rosa Whitaker, the president of Mercy Ships said: “The Global Mercy will be a true modern marvel – a fully custom-built hospital ship with customised instruments, state-of-the-art technology and the highly-trained talent of a modern hospital”. She continued, “It also represents a unique call-to-action for anyone called to serve, and it presents the opportunity for people to use their skill set to positively impact global healthcare.”
If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting the work of Mercy Ships, please visit: https://www.mercyships.org.uk/
