Mercy Ships Australian News

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."

They come with hope - December 2009

"What a joy it was for me as I shared the joy of patients who had been given hope and healing through the work of volunteers serving with Mercy Ships."

Perth nurse, Margery Roberts, spent two months onboard the Africa Mercy in Benin.

Margery says she had been thinking about volunteering for about 18 years, even before she had done her nurse training in more recent times. "I was unaware of the existence of Mercy Ships until three years ago when Mercy Ships had an information booth at a Nursing Expo in Perth. I spoke to the person handling inquiries, and she suggested I should apply as the experience would be enriching."

"From there it took quite some time preparing and working extra shifts to save the money needed to pay my own way to Benin and back, as well as paying crew fees while onboard the Africa Mercy. My adult children were apprehensive initially, and I don't think my work colleagues thought I would go through with my plans because I had talked about them for so long. But as the time of my departure drew closer, those around me became infected by my excitement, and several have expressed the wish that they could go too. Some around me raised funds for me to use as I saw fit for people being helped in Africa."

A moral responsibility to help the poor – December 2009

“The demand for dental work among the people of Benin is enormous, and we will never get to the end of it,” says semi-retired South Australian dentist Doug Castle.

Doug and wife Sandy have just finished five weeks of service as volunteers onboard the Africa Mercy, in the West African nation of Benin. Doug worked as a dentist with Sandy, a nurse, who served as dental assistant.

“Life onboard, sharing with people from all over the world is a wonderful experience in itself. This, coupled with the knowledge that we were a part of a very special outreach, made it something more. We understand why some volunteers keep coming back year after year, while others have chosen to serve in a long-term capacity. Benin is just one of a number of West African nations where there is an absence of adequate medical services and huge needs. I believe we have a moral responsibility to help the poor nations of our world, and as Christians we must follow the example of Jesus.”

Give a gift and change a life – December 2009

As you sit down to decide what to give your loved ones and friends this year for Christmas, please consider the possibility of giving a life-changing gift of a smile to someone suffering on the other side of the world by choosing a gift from the Mercy Ships Christmas Gift Catalogue. Click here to view the catalogue.

A surgeon in training – November 2009

“I was running beside Chitra and suddenly I saw a motorbike coming at full speed towards us. I jumped out of the way, but it threw my running partner into the air. I saw bleeding. He was very pale and I thought the worst.”

Bega surgeon, Jeffrey van Gangelen, was anxious to get in some training while serving recently as a volunteer in Benin. He is preparing for a marathon swim on the NSW South Coast, and plans to go to a mission hospital in Uganda next year.

Dr van Gangelen was on a morning run with one of the Ghurkas from Nepal engaged by Mercy Ships as security guards and had to use his medical skills in the middle of a busy street before organizing transport for the guard back to the ship, where he recovered from head injuries.

He says many memories of his time in Benin will remain with him. “At an orphanage, staff told of why some of the children are there – some abandoned in the market, dumped on a street corner, or left in a box. One was found tied to a tree with a sign saying ‘HIV’ around the neck. At a local jail, children had been locked up until their parents paid debts or paid the guards. At a mental hospital 100 men, women and children were herded together in an enclosure with one person supervising. But there some real times of rejoicing onboard as lives were changed; patients sang, clapped, danced and praised God.”

A reminder of the needs – November 2009

Mercy Ships Australia volunteers, speakers, staff and Board members attending the annual conference in Caloundra received a challenging reminder of the way lives are being changed and hope and healing is reaching the world’s poor.

Brisbane urogynaecologist Dr Hannah Krause spoke of her time in Benin this year performing corrective surgery on women who had become incontinent, shunned and ostracised because of an obstetric fistula resulting from prolonged or obstructed labour during childbirth.

Many of the women were under 20 years of age, while others had suffered for more than 30 years. The fistula surgery program is one to benefit substantially each year because of financial support through the Mercy Ships Australia Relief Fund.

Mercy Ships Australia annual conference - 2009

The 3rd annual conference of Mercy Ships Australia took place at Caloundra over the weekend. It was attended by members of the Board of Mercy Ships Australia, representatives, speakers, staff and volunteers, many of whom have served, or continue to serve, in a variety of ways onboard a Mercy Ship or with the Australian support office.

It was time of inspiration and challenge, listening to progress reports and looking towards the future.

The good news - a touch, a hug and love – November 2009

“The lack of medical care here breaks my heart. We could only do so much and some had to be turned away. If help had been available earlier, much more could have been done for so many,” says Robyn Walton of Toronto, NSW.

Robyn spent three months serving as a volunteer with Mercy Ships onboard the Africa Mercy, during the current assignment to Benin.

“I always thought of missionaries as those who preached the gospel, people with skills I don’t have along with a lack of Bible knowledge. But I now know a missionary is also someone who just shows love to someone else, someone who gives a smile, a touch, a hug and love to such as these wonderful people. I hope to be able to return to West Africa with Mercy Ships.”

When can I come again? – November 2009

It was almost to the end of three months of voluntary service as a nurse onboard the Africa Mercy in Benin, and Brisbane nurse Jacki Huestis was reflecting on how quickly the time had gone.

“I am already thinking of when I can come again,” she thought. “And it is exciting to keep that prospect in my mind.”

Jacki has returned from her latest service on the hospital ship. She spent five months with Mercy Ships in Liberia two years ago.

“I feet very blessed to have been able to go. It was wonderful to be back in Africa and have another opportunity of working so closely with the people who serve with Mercy Ships and the patients and their families. I love being a nurse at home, but being a nurse in such a needy country as Benin adds another dimension that is difficult to put into words.”

A big ship among the small boats – November 2009

The Putt Putt Regatta and Wooden Boat Festival at Davistown on the NSW Central Coast attracted plenty of small boat enthusiasts, but there was also interest in the big ship, the Africa Mercy. Mercy Ships was there.

While the annual regatta showcased the craftsmanship and maintenance of Putt Putt boats especially, long-serving Mercy Ships volunteer Alan Budd could not resist the opportunity of showing off the world’s largest charity hospital ship and talk about more than 400 volunteer required to crew the ship during service in the world’s poorest nations of West Africa.

Alan is pictured discussing with regatta visitors Ron and Grace Thorpe how a former rail ferry was converted to become the Africa Mercy.

The more you give – the more you get – November 2009

“I read about the work of Mercy Ships a number of years ago, and made my first trip as a volunteer last year,” says West Australian nurse, Debbi Wilson (pictured top left).

“I read in the local newspaper about the experiences of Debbi Wilson as a volunteer nurse with Mercy Ships, and decided to go,” says WA nurse Sheila Porter (pictured below left).

Debbi spent more than two months onboard the Africa Mercy in Liberia last year, and spent another month onboard the ship during this year’s assignment to Benin. Sheila has returned from nearly six weeks serving as Admissions Nurse in Benin.

“I encourage anyone interested in doing some volunteer work, of any description, skill or trade, to give it a go. The more willing and joyful you are about serving others, the more you get out of the experience. Just be willing to go,” she says.

Sheila Porter also describes her time onboard as a privilege. “Such a time changes the perspective on the way you see things,” she says. “It was only a short time I was able to serve some of the people of West Africa, but in that time I saw miracles happen and lives changed. I came briefly into their lives and they came into mine.”

Mercy Ships Australia joins social networking sites - October 2009

Mercy Ships Australia has recently joined Facebook and Twitter. We hope to use these social networking tools to further spread the message of Mercy Ships and to raise support. We will regularly update our pages with information regarding Mercy Ships operations in Australia, Benin and around the world and share stories, photos and videos from the ship and those involved with Mercy Ships. To become a fan of Mercy Ships Australia click here, or to follow us on Twitter click here.

Resigned from law practice to wash dishes – October 2009

“I had been considering my future when a friend asked when I was planning to go overseas and work,” says former Sunshine Coast solicitor Kate Irwin, who left her job and is spending six months as a volunteer helping those in need overseas.

For two months of that time away she served as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in Benin, West Africa. From working as a solicitor in a commercial law practice she did not use her legal skills, but worked as a dining room steward. “Much of that time I spent washing dishes,” she says.

“Sometimes I felt that I was not doing very much to reach out to the poor or having very little impact on their lives. But then I realised that every person onboard the ship has a role to play, and a huge range of skills and talents is involved. The eventual outcome of what is being done is, without doubt, very important. To see the joy in the lives of people changed through surgery and hope given to communities through many practical projects makes it all worthwhile.”

A heart for Africa and its people – October 2009

Coffs Harbour nurse Margo Clerc has returned from serving as a volunteer for four months with Mercy Ships in Benin.

“I have long had a strong desire to help others in need, and a heart for Africa and its people,” she says. I heard about the work being done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships through a Christian radio station and in a nursing journal and began the process of offering to serve using the skills I have gained through a long nursing career.”

“In Benin there are no such things as Medicare or social security. People die from diseases that are fully preventable or curable simply because they can’t afford to pay for the most basic of medical care or medicines. Many who have conditions that are curable or at least manageable in the developed world face a lifetime of being shunned by society, ostracised, utterly lonely, and totally dependent on charity. That is one of the reasons why it has been such a privilege to be involved. To see the joy on the faces of mothers when their children come out of successful surgery and now with hope of a future. The wonder in the eyes of the elderly when they can see again following simple cataract surgery. Such memories are absolutely priceless.”

Seeing lives changed in Africa – October 2009

“If it weren’t for Mercy Ships, a lot of people in Benin and in other poor nations of West Africa would be suffering needlessly from deformities and diseases that are corrected so easily in the developed world.”

That is how Cairns nurse Diana Bush sums up her experiences as a volunteer on the Africa Mercy in Benin for more than two months.

“I always knew I was well off, but it is difficult to realise just how well off we are in Australia until you see the poverty in West Africa where many of the world’s poorest nations are located. These are people who have to work very hard just to survive sometimes. But it was interesting to see that what they lack in the material things we take for granted, they make up for in their enthusiasm, their joy and their grace.”

“Combined with the poverty and the problems arising from malnourishment, I saw medical conditions resulting from a lack of medical help, lack of clean drinking water, and diseases that are preventable through immunization.”

On show in Newcastle – October 2009

Mercy Ships was on show in Newcastle this month

NSW Representatives Hazel and Alan Budd had a stand at the National Maritime Festival 2009 on the Newcastle Harbour foreshore.

They report good interest from people visiting the Festival and a number of inquiries about volunteering with Mercy Ships.

Urgent positions available - October 2009

Mercy Ships is seeking urgently a number of volunteers to fill positions on the Africa Mercy. Some of the long term positions include team leaders and senior nursing positions in the hospital. Other short term positions currently needing to be filled include assistant cooks, a baker, several marine operations staff, welders and electricians. Please contact the Australian office if you're interested.

Toowoomba Nurse One - October 2009

“There is such a great need here for work that is changing people’s live,” says Deb Louden.

From Toowoomba in Queensland, Deb has been onboard since early April working as a ward nurse and is not due home until November. She first read of the work in a brochure she picked up from a Mercy Ship stand at Easterfest (formerly the Australian Gospel Music Festival). “That was a number of years ago,” she says. “I had to complete my nursing degree first and gain two years of work experience before I was accepted,”

“I grew up loving everything medical, after spending a month in hospital as a patient. It was then I decided that nursing was the profession for me. To serve as a volunteer on the hospital ship Africa Mercy with its six operating theatres and 78-bed hospital was something I had wanted to do for so many years.”

Toowoomba Nurse Two – October 2009

“I hope to return to Africa,” says Andrea Bailey.

Andrea, also from Toowoomba, Queensland, has returned from six weeks service as a volunteer working in intensive care, the ward and post-anaesthetic care unit on the Africa Mercy in Benin.

She heard about Mercy Ships from the family of friends who had served with Mercy Ships.

“In Benin it doesn’t much matter how sick you are or what your needs for surgery are. Or whether you are dying or having a baby. If you don’t have money, you are not able to get medical care. That is why the work being done by Mercy Ships is so important. Volunteers from around the world provide a range of medical and community development services, all aimed at bringing hope and healing to the needy poor.”

Taking holidays to volunteer – September 2009

“My workmates were surprised at first that I would use my holidays to go and serve as a volunteer on a hospital ship in Africa,” says Brisbane nurse, Merryl Hoey. “But once those around me heard of the life changing surgeries and the stories of healing taking place in these countries, which are among the world’s poorest, they were extremely encouraging and supportive.”

Merryl has returned from Benin, West Africa, after three weeks of voluntary service onboard the Africa Mercy. It was her third such time of service. She spent three weeks in Ghana in 2007 with Mercy Ships, and nearly a month last year in Liberia.

“Despite the long and tiring trip to Benin, all of that is worth it once you have seen the smiles on the faces of patients and their families following a range of surgeries to correct disability, deformity and blindness.”

When can you come? – September 2009

"I had wanted for a long time to use my work skills to serve others in a less fortunate country and looked at many areas where I felt I could go," says Lab Technician, Naomi Heal of Armidale NSW.
"A friend suggested I investigate offering to serve with Mercy Ships. I looked at the website and made contact with the laboratory manager who responded immediately ‘I'm recruiting. When can you come?' I am sure that was the very direct push I needed to make my decision."
Naomi is just back from two months service as a volunteer on the Africa Mercy, on assignment in Benin. "There was positive response to my decision to go from those around me," she says. "I had talked about doing something like this for a number of years and I think everyone was glad to see me stop talking and start doing."
"Onboard, it was difficult sometimes to remember I was in Africa providing pathology services as part of what was being done to provide specialist surgery for people with such great needs. The first class laboratory made me feel like I was working in a lab at home. But when I went out into the wards it became very clear that without such laboratory facilities many of the surgeries could simply not take place safely. For me, it was very much working behind the scenes."

What would happen to these people - August 2009

"I saw one man coming to the ship for surgery with a hernia so big he was carrying it in a wheelbarrow," says Canberra Hospital operating theatre nurse Helen Boyd.

She has just returned from a months service as a volunteer on the Africa Mercy, currently on assignment to Benin in West Africa.

"With more than 30 years experience in operating theatres, I am fortunate to have a skill to offer and pleased I have had the opportunity to offer that skill to serve in Benin, one of the world's poorest nations where there is such a great need. The work being done by Mercy Ships in Africa is absolutely amazing. In Australia we are sheltered from the afflictions and diseases these people suffer. We read about the conditions but can really only appreciate if by seeing it for ourselves. To be able to help in some small way has been a privilege," she says.

Sometimes we need a helping hand - August 2009

"My mother's great compassion and care for others instilled in me from a young age that we are all children of God, and sometimes we just need a helping hand on the journey through life."

That is what Catherine Kelly of Melbourne believes gave her the desire to offer herself for service among volunteers with Mercy Ships in the West African nation of Benin. "I don't think it has anything to do with what skills we possess. It is more about how deeply we feel for those around us less fortunate than we are. I am simply a mum wanting to reach out and touch the lives of those who need help in whatever way God wants me to."

Catherine spent more than a month working as a dining room steward onboard the Africa Mercy, docked in the port of Cotonou for ten months.

My most interesting, meaningful and satisfying job - August 2009

With almost 20 years of nursing experience, working in more than 15 countries, Cairns nurse Lee Ann Kostelnik describes her most recent time of voluntary service with Mercy Ships in Benin as the most interesting, meaningful, satisfying ... and the most fun job she has had.

It was Lee Anns's second time of service ... the last was with Mercy Ships during 2007 in Ghana.

As well as working as a paediatric nurse, she was involved in screening of possible patients for surgery in one of the ship's six operating theatres, visited local orphanages and worked with local pastors establishing new village churches.

Lee Ann says there were no bad things about her decision to serve for a second time with Mercy Ships in Africa. But there were plenty of good things. "It was simply wonderful so see people healed, and their lives changed physically and spiritually.

Victorian reps visit Benin - July 2009

Tom and Margo Hartley, Victorian representatives for Mercy Ships (pictured with Founder/President Don Stephens), recently spent time onboard the Africa Mercy in Benin, and described their experience as awesome, inspirational and life-changing.

They said, "It was great meeting the Aussie volunteers and to witness such hope and healing in the operating theatres and recovery wards. How amazing it was to see the lame walk and the blind see, all because of the Africa Mercy and the 400 volunteers onboard."

"Doctors and nurses, cooks, telephone operators and trades people from all around the world are doing exactly what our Lord requires of us ... to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God."

"Our lives have been forever changed by our time during the Vision Tour on the Africa Mercy."

Food for Life in West Africa - July 2009

A Port Macquarie man serving as a volunteer with Mercy Ships is playing a big part in a project aimed at increasing food security and agricultural production in Benin.

Karl Schmutter serves as a construction supervisor in a long-term capacity.

Food For Life is the name of one of the projects being undertaken during the current ten-month assignment to Benin. Mercy Ships is working with a local faith-based organization engaged in health and social development programs. Volunteers are working with local people to develop an agricultural training centre to provide teaching in farming skills. Schmutter's role with the project is supervising construction of an on-site dormitory to house up to 30 people while they are receiving training.

Schmutter says, "I go out to the construction site 35 kilometres from the port of Cotonou where the Africa Mercy is docked to make sure the site managers have everything they need and that things are running smoothly. I also do a bit of financial bookwork and make sure that the bills are paid."

It's up to us to obey - July 2009

"If God calls you to go somewhere or do something, it is up to us to obey his calling," says Tamworth Dental Assistant Dell Adams, who has just finished two months of service as a volunteer in Benin.

Dell heard that call through a nurse working in the operating theatre at Tamworth Hospital. "I was attending the hospital with a patient who required dental surgery at a hospital instead of in the dentist's chair. I listened to that nurse telling of her experience with Mercy Ships, and was struck by her excitement and enthusiasm. All of that captured me, and I had a longing to go as a volunteer with the global charity and help the people of Africa."

"That was seven years ago. Now I have done it, having served as a Dental Assistant and Therapist as one of the 400 volunteer crew onboard the Africa Mercy. She says God guided her through the years of waiting. "I learnt more about Mercy ships through a friend. I listened to the Mercy Minute on radio, met Mercy Ships representatives and read the history of the charity. All of that helped keep the dream alive of one day serving in Africa."

More Aussies onboard - July 2009

More and more Australians are joining the volunteer crew onboard the Africa Mercy.

They come and go, some serving short-term and some long-term.

Pictured is a group of Australian volunteers getting together in Benin during the current field assignment.

(Back) Sarah Louden, Amy-Ruth Ward, Tim Benson, Margo Clerc, Olivia Bigham, Helen Boyd, Lee Ann Kostelnik and Mike Hughes. (Middle) Trevor Haylock, Karl Schmutter, Marie Whitehead, PJ Hopkins and Catherine Kelly (Melbourne). (Front) Andrea Bailey, Dell Adams, Diana Bush and Naomi Heal.

Vice President National Offices visits Australia - July 2009

Judy Polkinhorn, Vice President for National Offices and Executive Director Mercy Ships UK, has been away from home for a few weeks visiting some of the 13 national offices under her care.

In Australia, she attended a meeting of the Mercy Ships Australia Board and visited the Australian support office at Caloundra. Judy is pictured with members of the Australian staff at Caloundra. (Back) John, Bruce, Gary and Amos (Front) Margaret, Judy and Melissa.

A dream that kept coming back - June 2009

"For as long as I can remember I've wanted to spend my life helping people."

Gold Coast medical scientist Sarah Louden, who is serving six months as a volunteer in the hospital lab onboard the Africa Mercy in Benin, remembers telling her parents when she was in primary school she wanted to move to the middle of the African jungle when older to teach poor children.

I am challenged by how materialistic society is in the developed world. But when you see poverty as it is in Benin, yet still see kids playing and laughing in the midst of their ‘nothingness' you realise how useless is all the stuff we run after. These are people who are happy in the simplicity of life, a relationship with God and with people. I am sure these are the things that bring fulfillment, and not the material possessions that western society deems so important.

Obstetric Fistula Screening in Benin - June 2009

NSW nurse Sarah Young is pictured taking the medical history of an obstetric fistula patient at a screening prior to corrective surgery onboard the Africa Mercy in Benin. Often the process is emotional and arduous, requiring one or two translators.

The youngest woman at the screening was 21 and had suffered with her condition for 5 years. Her husband abandoned her after the traumatic childbirth, so she now lives with her parents and carries an oppressive burden far too heavy for her young years. The oldest woman - who does not know her own age - had been incontinent for 40 years.

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 2 million women have fistulas and that about 100,000 women develop fistulas each year. It is most common in sub-Saharan African and Asia, though fistulas can and do occur anywhere there is inadequate emergency obstetric care.

A train ride decision - June 2009

"We were on a train between Gosford and Sydney, and by the time we reached Sydney I had made up my mind to volunteer with Mercy Ships."

Marie Whitehead from Adelaide says she has always had a desire to serve the poor for as long as she can remember, and has been actively associated with the St Vincent De Paul Society and as a member of Co Workers of Mother Teresa. "There was also an ambition to serve in some missionary field, but it was that train journey a year ago which provided the opportunity of the short-term service with Mercy Ships in Benin," she says.

"I was given a copy of War Cry by a Salvation Army Officer at Gosford in New South Wales. The magazine contained a feature article on the work done by volunteers serving with Mercy Ships, and my mind was made up as I read that story during the trip."

Marie is serving two months as an Admissions Nurse on the Africa Mercy

Marie and a deserted baby - June 2009

Marie Whitehead, Admissions Nurse from Adelaide, recently spent a weekend with a missionary family in Benin. In their family is a fostered baby who was left on their doorstep. The mother died after giving birth. A doctor refused to come saying the woman was over-reacting and turned away an ambulance ordered by the husband.

Marie, pictured here with the baby, says some of the stories the crew hear daily onboard would turn your hair grey.

Australians onboard - June 2009

Showing the flag

When they get the chance, Australians serving as volunteers on the Africa Mercy try to get together.

Sometimes there is no other reason than to show the flag. For this informal occasion they chose a Kangaroo flag.

Anzac Biscuits

For more formal occasions, such as Anzac Day, the Australian flag is brought out, along with Anzac Biscuits.

Pictured here are (back) PJ Hopkins, Karl Schmutter, Trevor Haylock, Tim Benson and Deb Louden (front) Terri Moore, Kate Dobbie and Sarah Louden

A floating walking Blood Bank - June 2009

As Australia hosts this year's World Blood Donor Day on June 14, several Australians are associated with one of the world's more unusual blood banks. It's a floating and walking blood bank onboard the Africa Mercy, currently on assignment to Benin in West Africa.

Here the blood is not stored in a refrigerator, it does not stay in neatly labeled packages for days or weeks. The blood bank is the 400 member crew who sign up to give blood to help patients in ship's hospital with its six operating theatres.

"The blood bank onboard is unique in that it is a ‘walking' blood bank," says Lab Technician Sarah Louden of the Queensland Gold Coast. "We usually have about 30 potential donors for each blood type. The laboratory onboard compares the patient blood samples taken and tested upon admission with potential crew donors and then we make calls to crew donors as needed."

One of the blood donors is Tim Benson of Brisbane, who works in the ship's shop and Starbucks Café. He was previously a cook in the galley for a year. Tim has been a blood donor on the ship for almost a year and a half, and in that time says he has had two different opportunities to give the gift of life through blood donation.

"I signed up to be a blood donor because I thought it was a cool opportunity where I could help out without much effort on my part. And it's cool because you actually get to meet the person that you donate to. If you donate back home, you don't get to meet the person you donate to."

The silent tragedy in Africa - June 2009

"Even in countries where obstetric fistula is common, many in the general public remain unaware of its cause and therefore its prevention. It really is a silent tragedy."

Those are the words of Brisbane urogynaecologist, Dr Hannah Krause, who has returned from West Africa again as a volunteer with Mercy Ships performing corrective surgery on a small number of the millions of women still suffering silently.

"I have a lot of compassion for these women. I usually go about twice a year for a few weeks each time during my holidays. It is hard work, but the results are so worthwhile when you see women's lives restored. My patients are so amazing and resilient. I learn so much from them. God has given me my skills and training, enabling me to do this work. When I operate I pray that these women will be healed physically, spiritually and emotionally."

Bringing back memories - May 2009

For one delegate at Physicians Week 2009, held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, the display by Mercy Ships brought back many memories.

Dr Peter Lucas, Director of Internal Medicine and Director of Clinic Training for Queensland Health at Hervey Bay, served with his wife and three children onboard the Anastasis from 1983 to 1987.

Dr Lucas shared many stories of the early days of Mercy Ships with NSW Representatives, Hazel and Alan Budd, who attended Physicians Week to display the work being done by volunteers in West Africa.

Ship’s cabin is their first home – May 2009

“We met on the Mercy Ship Anastasis. We married and set up our first home in a small but comfortable cabin on the new Mercy Ship Africa Mercy,” says nurse Sarah Young of the Sydney suburb of Illawong.

Sarah says she and American husband Michael felt God calling them back to serve as volunteers with Mercy Ships following their marriage instead of going out to buy all the whitegoods that seem to go with newly married life. “It’s not the same for everyone, but for us it also meant selling the car, forgetting the need for possessions, saying goodbye to a number of comforts and doing what God told us.”

“God has used all of these experiences to change and refine me. My view of what poverty is has changed. I have met the most amazing people who have nothing financially, but who are rich spiritually. They praise God for waking up each day. While performing surgery on people is good, the true result of what is being done is often simply showing how God loves them.” Read the full story here

Liberian reunion for five – April 2009

Five of the hospital volunteers who served in Liberia last year have shared stories and experiences during a visit by four from the United States to meet Perth nurse Debbi Wilson.

During their brief Australian tour, the five also took time to meet Australian staff members at the support office in Caloundra.

Pictured left to right are: Becky Azer, nurse of California; Debbi Wilson, nurse, Perth WA; Jody Stanton, Physician Assistant, Florida; Carol Wingate, nurse, Arkansas, and Patti Brigham, nurse, of Vermont. All served for periods two to three months on the Africa Mercy in 2008.

My life was a bit dull – April 2009

“For some years it had been in my mind to do some voluntary aid work abroad but I had not been able to come across a program where I thought my primary skills as an operating room nurse could be well utilized,” says Perth nurse Terri Moore who has spent three months on the Africa Mercy in Benin.

“But while working at a day surgery hospital in Perth one of my nursing colleagues talked about her work with Mercy Ships and I felt that was for me.”

“While I am far from ‘well off’ financially by western standards, I do not consider what I am doing to be particularly altruistic. I have a philosophy that money is best spent on gaining experiences and not material possessions. In fact, my motives are quite selfish. I have the opportunity to experience a far-off exotic culture, work with people from all different countries in a unique environment and observe a dynamic Christian community in action.”

Mercy Ships on show at Toowoomba – April 2009

Visitors to the annual Easterfest at Toowoomba, Queensland, again had the opportunity to learn more of the work done by volunteers serving with the charity.

Formerly known as the Gospel Music Festival over the Easter weekend, Easterfest brought together many thousands of people from across Australia, and Mercy Ships representatives were there to talk to interested visitors.

Pictured is Susan Regazzoli talking with two of the many people who stopped by the display during the weekend.

Volunteers needed urgently – April 2009

There are a number of positions onboard the Africa Mercy needing to be filled by volunteers in the coming months.

The needs include: Anaesthesia Providers, Operating Theatre nurses and team leaders, an Operating Theatre nurse educator, Ophthalmic nurses, Medical Technologists, Patient Care Services Co-ordinator, Finance Director, Bookkeeper/Accountant.

Contact the Australian Office on (07) 5437 2992 for more information.

Tamworth sends more volunteers - March 2009

In recent years, the northern NSW city of Tamworth has sent a number of volunteers to serve with Mercy Ships in West Africa.

Now at least two more will soon be on their way.

During a visit to Tamworth Baptist Church, Mercy Ships Representatives Hazel and Alan Budd met two of the latest recruits, dental nurse Dell Adams, and pathologist Namoi Heal from nearby Armidale. Pictured are Naomi (left), Dell (right) and Lyn McCluand a nurse who has served in the past on the Anastasis.

There is currently a need for more volunteers with a wide range of skills to fill positions onboard during the current field assignment to Benin.

A ten-year wait for Mercy Mission - February 2009

"I was about 15 when I heard of Mercy Ships at a missionary conference … and ten years later the time was right to go to Africa to bring hope and healing to the poor."

"At the time I became aware of the work being done by volunteers from around the world serving short-term and long-term with the organisation I had already decided I wanted to be a nurse," says Brisbane nurse Mandy Krueger. She served four months as a volunteer onboard the Africa Mercy in Liberia.

"I had an idea that the people of West Africa liked the people serving with Mercy Ships, but not loved as I have seen. Children run after our vehicles in the street calling ‘Mercy Ship, Mercy Ship’. I felt proud, honoured and blessed to be a part of it. I believe I received far more from the people of Africa than what I gave. I guess I would have to say I felt my four months in Liberia was important, not because of what I was able to contribute, but because my hands helped fit together another piece of the puzzle that is the goal of Mercy Ships to follow the example of Jesus. People came to receive hope and healing, and I felt honoured to be a part of that."

Nurses needed urgently - January 2009

An urgent call has gone out from Mercy Ships for Operating Theatre Nurses for the hospital ship’s 2009 assignment to Benin in West Africa.

Gary Regazzoli, CEO of Mercy Ships Australia, says the pay is not good … in fact there is no pay … but the rewards will be very satisfying. "It’s the same story for each of the 450 volunteers from around the world who will find their own way to Benin and pay crew fees while onboard to help defray the ship’s running costs, thus ensuring that Mercy Ships can provide free medical and community development services to people in one of the world’s poorest nations."

"There is a special need for Operating Theatre nurses willing to spend a few weeks or longer during the entire Benin assignment from February to November. Each year more and more Australians are serving with us in West Africa where the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest private hospital ship concentrates efforts to bring hope and healing to the forgotten poor. We would love to hear from anyone interested in serving as a volunteer in any of a wide range of skills," he says.

Giving people hope – December 2008

"I think the work being done by volunteers with Mercy Ships is giving the people hope."That is how Townville nurse Amy Cassidy sums up her ten-week experience among 450 volunteers from around the world on the world’s largest private hospital ship in West Africa. Amy worked as a Ward Nurse, caring for post-operative patients recovering from free surgery for a range of conditions related to disability and disfigurement, as well as women recovering from surgery to correct obstetric fistula problems.

"As I walked down the streets of the capital Monrovia I rarely saw people smiling. There are the very obvious signs of poverty, a lack of social welfare, an inconsistent system of justice, and a general lack of happiness among the people who have suffered so much from a very long and hurtful war. It is easy to read of such things and see the images on television. In some ways it is just the way we have seen it, but when you are there it is almost surreal in many ways. After ten weeks working the people of Liberia I now feel more a part of their lives and their struggles

Mercy trip changed my perspectives – January 2009

"My time in Liberia has made me appreciate the blessings we enjoy in Australia, and has changed my perspective on how we can use that blessing to help others."

That is how Sunshine Coast nurse Katelyn Echter sums up her three months of service as a volunteer with Mercy Ships in Liberia, one of the world’s poorest countries.

"Seeing such incredible conditions under which the people of Liberia live following many years of civil war, the poverty, lack of facilities and absence of medical help makes me more appreciative of the life we have in this great country. My desire to help others as a nurse has also benefited from this time away as I learnt more about being attentive and patient."

"It was something of a challenge being out of my comfort zone. I looked after children following massive surgical procedures that were completely foreign to me. I nursed some who were recovering from surgery to remove huge tumours, skin grafts, contractures, cleft lips and palates, and other surgical conditions I had never encountered in Australia," she says.

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