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There are several of you out there that will understand this statement. In one day I feel like I have lived all the Mercy Ship videos in existence on fast forward! I toured the ship, met the Captain, visited the wards, saw the operating rooms (but I promise, I did not cross the red line), mixed with the crew, saw a VVF Dress Ceremony, went to the Hospitality Centre, I think I ate twice, took several telephone calls, walked down the pier, visited with a local official -- I think he was Port Authority folk, saw more faces that just wanted to be loved in one day that I can even begin to explain. Truly I am on sensory overload.
I have never seen so much poverty and so much joy in one day. Seems like it would be such an oxymoron.....but it is not. They are so happy because of the hope of being healed it is amazing.
You know many organizations have their vision, mission and goals --- But Mercy Ships lives them. "to provide hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor." And I am here to tell you that is what they do everyday. At the VVF ceremony I literally heard no less than 8 different languages and dialects all being spoken at the same time. Clementine, a MS volunteer, shared encouragement with them and celebrated their healing. VVF is a horrible condition and these women were literally given a second chance at life. And I was there to witness their joy. They hugged me like they knew me! They sang praises to God and if I heard Amen one time, I heard it 100 times.
For those of you reading this that are members of GABC -- you cannot imagine the impact our church has had half a world away. The love of our church, our pastor and the ones that came to visit are still the talk. Many remember you! I am so proud to say I am a member of GABC. Our church has truly made a mark on this part of the world.
More another day. I keep hoping that at any given moment they are going to knock on my door and tell me my luggage is here.
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Hey Mila! When I arrived at the Africa Mercy last year, my luggage did not either!!! I wore scrubs for the first few days and borrowed clothes (including Kevin Burdett's underwear ... but that's another story)... so cheer up, you're in the same lost luggage club that I am! My luggage did arrive about four days after I did, so maybe yours will too.
ReplyDeleteI love you and I 'm praying for you!!
Pastor David
Clyde Houston says
ReplyDeleteI was privileged to be a part of the first GABC team to the Mercy Ship in 2008.My role there included doing eye exams for the crew, going out into the field and treating eye diseases as people came to the screening areas away from the Ship and doing post op after Cataract surgery. Because of the wide variety of areas that I worked in I got to meet so many of the full time crew and also got a broad view of what the eye team did. This is one of the 4 main categories of medical services provided by Mercy Ship. O yes, I do remember seeing Dr. David in scrubs on the Ship.
We do have a very exceptionally blessed church and it is my feeling that the active role GABC takes in mission work is one of the major reasons God has blessed us with such a wonderful church.
Bottom line, I am very thankful and blessed to be a part of the GABC mission program. My plans are to return many times to the Mercy Ship, It is a life changing, unbelievably rewarding and exciting and experience.