By Ken Parker
COTONOU, Benin--I arrived in Benin, West Africa, in February for a three-week working adventure on the M.V. Anastasis, moored in the port city of Cotonou since December.
Mercy Ships has four hospital ships: Anastasis, Caribbean Mercy, Pacific Ruby and Island Mercy.
After visiting Caribbean Mercy last August in Buffalo, New York, I wanted to learn more of Mercy Ships' operation. Thus, I found myself in 94 percent humidity, paying to work as a deck hand on an old ship in extremely hot West Africa.
Anastasis has 350 Christian volunteers, including carpenters, doctors, dentists, electricians, nurses, office staff, plumbers and sailors, dedicated to serving Jesus. They work together under austere conditions for a few weeks or up to 20 years, paying their own transportation, room and board. Some have given up careers and sold homes.
During my stay, three offerings were collected ranging from $1,700 to $3,500. The money came from family, friends and home churches who catch the vision of extending mercy to the nations.
Volunteers send newsletters home, soliciting support so they can continue to serve these poor people and bring them the hope of the gospel.
Every department starts its workday singing God's praises, reading the Bible and praying. The West Africans (some day workers, some volunteers) made our "Deckie" devotionals lively and inspiring.
Small groups are active on board, and members participate in local church services and evangelistic activities.
I spent one day working in an onshore dental clinic run by Mercy Ship volunteers. People were lined up for treatment unavailable to the common folk except as freely offered by the Anastasis.
Volunteers faithfully follow God's admonition in the following verses: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" (1 John 3:16-18).
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
God is doing an amazing work through Mercy Ships.
You can read the story of Mercy Ships in Mandate for Mercy, by Don Stephens, YWAM Publishing, Box 55787, Seattle, Washington, 98155. For more information contact Mercy Ships, Box 2020, Lindale, Texas, 75771-2020.
Ken Parker is an elder in Toronto, Ontario.
May WN page 6
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