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| 24-January-2011
A New Year: What Will It Bring?
Psalm 23 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
There will be storms in life. But it is how we trust Him
-- before, during, and after --
that will reflect how our anchor is secured!
We must trust Him to see us through each situation.
We have certainly started this new year with a BANG! Our parking lot, in December and January looked more like a truck stop then a ministry. We had big rigs lined up waiting to receive our cargo. Even though transit time is 24 days verses 6 weeks to Sierra Leone, we will still ship once per month to ensure the Africa Mercy has enough materials to keep scheduled surgeries moving forward. From 28 December 2010 through 19 January 2011 we shipped a total of six containers to Sierra Leone, which calculates out to 53.28 tons of material. The Africa Mercy will be sailing from South Africa to Sierra Leone sometime in February. They will have to unload this material before the first day of surgery. In addition to moving this material out of our warehouse, we had to do an end-of-the-year inventory count of all remaining materials; box by box and pallet by pallet. So, if you think we are tired, you would be right.
We did get some time off for good-behavior with family during Christmas and New Year. The day before Christmas we spent in Dallas celebrating with most of the kids and grandkids. Josh, Natalie, Ronnie, and Tori officially transferred to Whidbey Island, WA, between Christmas and New Year. They arrived safe and sound just in time for a snow storm.
We are involved with a truck ministry on weekends and have seen several come to the Lord and many answered prayers during 21-day revival tent meetings and our Christmas caroling events. We can see God's handy work in changed lives that stop by our exit. We look forward to what He has planned for this year in the growth of this ministry.
I have now completed additional training through Transport For Christ (a truck ministry in PA) allowing me to use the word "Chaplain" behind my name. Ruth completed half of her degree from the Christian Living Bible Institute in theology and was ordained in December. She is now trying to finish her degree.
All is well, even during the storm. The song above is done by Casting Crowns; many of us have gone through storms or maybe in one right now! We just need to pray through them--for ourselves and each other. God is meeting our needs and will give us the strength to accomplish the task at hand. Remember, we are in this together... we need to pray that way...for each other!
Until next time, John and Ruth
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Him!
Thank you for being there for us...
May God Bless you and keep you always!
12-25-2010
11-19-2010 SPIRITUAL THANKSGIVING
The Thanksgiving Season is a wonderful time that should heighten our sensitivity to the blessings bestowed by God.
It should grab our attention and allow us to shake the cobwebs loose, and rekindle our gratitude to what God has given to us all -- The ability to love one another!
As we come in to this thankful season, let us all set our hearts and minds to the things we love so dear -- starting with God, then to family, and then to our closes friends. Someone once said:
"Friends in our life are like pillars on our porch. Sometimes they hold us up, and sometimes they lean on us. Sometimes it's just enough to know they are standing by." Friends are family…to us there are no difference!
I would like to encourage you all to not allow this Thanksgiving Season to come and go without taking "personal inventory." Biblical and personal gratitude isn’t something that should pass from our minds...like the passing of seasons. It’s an attitude, a God-Focused-Response to our circumstances that should pervade each moment of each day…all throughout the year.
Here are some Scriptures to help:
Oh give thank to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. -Psalms 105:1
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. -Psalms 100:4
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High; to declare Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night... For Thou, O Lord, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done, I will sing for joy at the work of Thy hands. How great are Thy works, O Lord! -Psalm 92:1, 4-5
Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father... -Ephesians 5:19-20
Giving thanks is but one aspect of praise and worship. I believe that when we praise Him, when we lift Him up, we bless Him...and He in turn blesses us.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with loving-kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. -Psalm 103:1-5
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH A SPECIAL BLESSING DURING THIS THANKSGIVING SEASON
From all of us here in East Texas, thank you for this year and years past. We can only do what we do here at Mercy Ships through your support and prayers. In Christ, John and Ruth PS -- On Tuesday (11/23/2010) Natalie and Josh, has brought our 8th grandchild into our world. Victoria Elaine (Tori) PRAISE GOD FOR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. 8-20-2010
Date Line: Loma, Togo - The M/V Africa Mercy has now left Togo; sailing for Durban, South Africa, where she will undergo 4 months in a shipyard upgrade. During her stay in Togo, many very special events where accomplished...this is just one program of many! We hope you enjoy this video from Mercy Ships and continue to support our efforts to supply materials to our field operations.
We're helping the blind to see - To date, we have touched the lives of nearly 30,000 people with both eye procedures and evaluations.
We're making a lasting impact - In the recent months we taught seven surgeons and two nurses in Togo how to use innovative medical techniques to treat cataracts and other vision issues in West Africa. Because of their training, they will be able to serve hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of people who live in this region for years to come. We're caring for the forgotten poor - On the vision team alone (over 50 volunteers - mainly professionals), brought care and compassion to each Mercy Ships' patient. From the initial eye screening appointments held weekly throughout Togo, to guiding the patients on the ship for surgery, to the Celebration of Sight ceremonies where patients often engage in African dancing and song, our patients feel the love they deserve.Mercy's on its way, Don Stephens
Founder/President
Mercy Ships Watch this short video to share our experiences in Togo
Additional videos can be viewed after this video by
activating the next play button...
4-20-2010 Each time I sit down to write, I want to bring you something that hasn't been offered before. Mercy Ships is "Not just a job - It is a Mission" and without everyone doing their job, God's grace, mercy, and love would not be shown to those most in need. With that in mind - there is a condition that is seldom discussed in mixed company but soon becomes very noticeable when you are in its presence; we are talking about vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). Two million women experience this condition each year, in a third world environment. This story below is just one example. (WARNING -- the following is very graph) Suzanna's Story
Today is Suzanna’s day of celebration. “The sickness” was gone. As the preparations continue, the joy in her smile becomes palpable.
Six years ago, Suzanna became pregnant with her first child. For nine months, she and her husband had lived in a state of joy as they anticipated their child’s arrival. But the joy of a new life was replaced by the sorrow of death’s sting. After painfully laboring for days, Suzanna delivered a dead baby. There was another serious problem. The prolonged pressure from the baby’s head during the abnormally long labor left Suzanna with “the sickness” – a vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). VVF leave women completely incontinent. Suzanna had become one of approximately 2 million women who are living with this situation. For six years, urine continually poured from her body. Her clothes were always wet, and the foul stench alerted others to her presence. Disgusted and ashamed, her husband let her. Other rejected her as well. Suzanna was alone. She thought her life would always be that way – until she me Nicolas, a man from her village. He knew of her painful story and decided to love her, even with her fistula. They were married, and to Suzanna’s delight, she again became pregnant.
Two months into the pregnancy, Suzanna went to the hospital for a check up.  Upon seeing her fistula, the doctor contacted Mercy Ships. Arrangements were made for her to come the Africa Mercy after the birth of the baby. Baby Nicolas was born on July 31st. In early October, Suzanna, with her husband and son, travelled to the Africa Mercy, where she received a free surgery. Two weeks later, her catheter was removed; she was dry and it was time to celebrate! 
A crowd of onlookers had gathered to rejoice as the women sang and danced. Wearing her beautiful new dress, Suzanna looked like a queen as she testified of God’s faithfulness to her. “I am happy, very happy. I never thought the sickness would ever end. But now it is finished.”
Many of us who work here at Mercy Ships' campus are considered "behind the seines staff." What we do here may not sound very interesting. For me - shipping containers to the Africa Mercy to resupply them with medical materials seems like a job unbecoming a full-time missionary verses those who serve in frontline positions. But without such a task, people like Suzanna would not receive her loving touch from God. Suzanna, like so may others, have but one hope for healing through God’s mercy and grace...the Africa Mercy. We are very proud to be apart of this ministry and what we are doing to meet the need of each outreach into Western Africa and around the world. The Africa Mercy will be leaving Lome, Togo, in August 2010, but our work will never be completed. There will always be another country in need of help, another Suzanna requiring a life-saving, very personal procedure. Help us to help them. Please continue to pray and support our efforts. Thank you and may God bless you all... Until next time, John and Ruth Serving Mercy Ships from East Texas PS: Everyone is doing well and looking towards summer time. Ruth and I will be celebrating our 40th Wedding Anniversary in November, but due to the fact that Josh, Natalie, and Ronnie will be relocating to Washington state at the end of this year (coming through Van), we decided to celebrate early. So we picked July for our time away. Dottie (Ruth's sister) will be coming to Van to visit with Dad while we are away. PSS: On April 30th I need to have a YAG Posterior Capsulotomy. That may sound bad, but apparently it is no big deal. The capsule, behind my cataract implant in my left eye, has developed some fibers known as "pearls" on the len. When these pearls accumulate, they cause a blurring of vision...similar to that of a cataract. Correction - the doctor uses a YAG Laser (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) to break up these pearls, thus restoring my vision. The whole thing takes a few minutes... apparently absolutely no pain involved with the procedure...and I can resume normal activities immediately. I am a little nervous...just pray for me. Thanks...
Story and Photos by: Megan Petock, Africa Mercy
It has taken me 60-years...On Sunday February 21st, I became a licensed minister through Garden Valley Bible Church. God has been leading me forward to a new season of life. I am waiting patiently for all the details, but thought it would be a good step to acquire my ministry license. In May, I will be performing my very first wedding.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 5:5-6 Closer to the home front; we would like to share with all our Mercy Ships’ Family – we have become Grandparents for the 7th time. John III and Elly are the proud parents of a BABY BOY, February 12th; 8 lbs/14oz, 21” long, going by the name of Wyatt Allen. As for Ruth and I, we can't wait to visit; to hold this new arrival. The rest of the family is doing well; growing in the Lord daily. We all look to the summer and some warmer weather. Having snow in Texas is strange, but we have had two storms in two weeks, bringing 5-8 inches. We realize that is nothing to the + 40" in the Northeast, but you need to remember -- Texans don't know how to drive in the snow! As we look towards this year, we remain open (as always) to God's leading. 40' High Cube Containers continue to be loaded, shipped, and cleared on a regular basis (monthly) to support the Africa Mercy; presently serving the Country of Togo. As a ministry, we are also shipping to Haiti through several Mission Partners (as a combined effort) to bring Hope and Healing to this Nation. We have dispatched several Disaster Response Teams to work alongside some well established partners that will offer security and an effective combined effort for Haiti. Our teams, both Medical and non-Medical will be there long-term (well after the first responders have left); much like we have done in the past with other disasters that have occurred in the USA (i.e. Hurricane Rita, we sent over 60 different teams in response to the damage caused and still continue to do so). The situation in Haiti is significant and it would not be surprising to see Mercy Ships Teams in this area for several years. God has called us to this time and place; only He can offer any future Change of Season. We started off our Newsletter with a certification, which is certainly a change; but is it? We are called to serve in any capacity we can. Maybe, just maybe, having been Certified as a Minister could allow me to serve at yet a higher level. We leave it all in God's hands for where He leads. By the way -- the Scripture verse in my life's verse; so now you know the rest of the story! God is not threw with me yet and I look to what He wants me to do tomorrow and the day after. Until next time, John and Ruth PS - I just posted the February's Higher Ground...so look down the page through the tab.
2010 will be a "Great Year in Christ" It will be a YEAR OF CHANGE! To set the stage for 2010, we have developed a "new tab" -- Higher Ground. There are many concerns all around us; but together, and with God's help, we can climb over every mountain and go through every valley together. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?" Psalm 24:3 It is my hope and prayer that at the end of 2010, we will be able to look back over the year at what has been accomplished in Him and see His handy work in ever situtation. We all need encouragement to allow us to climbed to yet a higher level in the Lord. There are three things to consider during our journey together: - It is never crowded on the top. Jesus tells us..."Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
- It may be a difficult at times, but we are assured -- "You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn" (Psalm 18:36).
- Our Lord is already there waiting and encouraging us to stay the course because He has already made the journey. "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?" (Psalms 121:1 - NASB).
As we climb these mountains and cross through the valleys, it is a Walk by Faith and we can be assured that He hears our prayers and will offer much grace and mercy. "The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer" (Psalm 6:9). So...get ready and buckle up...we are going to have a Great Year Together in Him! We will be soon posting our 1st Newsletter for 2010 and adding more thoughts to Higher Ground...so please check back... Until next time, John and Ruth I mentioned above -- "Get ready and buckle up." I have already started the process by becoming a Licensed Minister. It is something I have been praying about for the past 1-1/2 years . It feels very natural to offer this concept of obtaining HIGHER GROUND with God. I hope you feel the same.
Achieve Newsletters from 2009 What Christ did in 2009 Just a quick update (9-21-09): September will always represent a very important month for us. Seven-years ago today, we began our Faith-Walk-Forward with Mercy Ships. On this day, we started our training to serve as fully time staff. Below is our CrossRoads Class Picture. Out of all shown, many are still serving, whether with a different mission, here on campus or on The Africa Mercy. We praise God for each shown here and want to personally thank the PARTNERS that stand faithfully behind those families represented, which include yours truly! 
We haven't changed much, just got a little older.
Can you find us in this picture? We will give you a hint - left side near the top!
From my desk to yours: 8/17/2009
"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
September 2009 will symbolize 7-years for us with Mercy Ships. Time flies by when you take great pleasure in what you have been called to do! It seems like only yesterday that we were preparing to fly out of Dallas for our month of service in Leon, Nicaragua. And yes, I remember those days; we discovered just two days before leaving that Josh’s passport had expired. So I threw Josh in the car and raced down to Houston to try to get it renewed. Since our itinerary had us transferring in Houston, we met Ruth there for the final flight. Have you ever tried to push government officials through a process that normally takes 3-4 weeks in just a 24-hour period? Needless to say, God worked it all out and we where able to meet Ruth, but it wasn’t an easy task.
You might wonder why I started our news letter with this Scripture in Matthew! I believe it is the very heart of what we have done together over the last 7-years. Love the Lord your God and Love your neighbor.
Walking in faith certainly brings great challenges, but with those challenges we received great rewards. Relationships with you that started on trust have grown into love; giving us the assurance we are not doing this alone. Your prayers have allowed us to continue to serve, and our life at Mercy Ships has been so richly blessed through you all.
Mercy Ships has served more than 9 countries in the past 7-years, through the Anastasis, Caribbean Mercy, and the Africa Mercy (Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Liberia, Togo, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, and the US after Katrina and Rita). Seven years ago we didn’t know half those places existed or had to look very hard to find them on a map.
So far this year in Benin, Mercy Ships has done more surgical procedures then ever before.
PROCEDURES THROUGH JULY-2009
Dental – 10,663 procedures | Vision – 2,603 surgeries | VVF Surgeries – 128 procedures | Eye Evaluations/Treatment – 19,516 | Orthopaedic – 230 surgeries | Decisions for Christ – 1,184 | Maxillofacial/Plastic – 1,282 surgeries | Pastors/Leadership Conf – 602 |
Since we arrived to serve in East Texas, we have also been involved with the design and expansion our warehouse facility, increasing our square footage by an additional 8,000 feet and adding another 450 pallet positions to our exiting 350. With this expansion, it has allowed us to support the field by shipping (12) 40’ High Cube Containers between January and August of 2009 (and the year is not finished yet), so 331,938 pounds of medical materials. Much of our material is donated. According to our procurement department, the amount of gift-in-kind donations has already surpassed the amount from last year. For that we give God all the glory!
On a personally note: we too have seen growth within our family. † Several additional grandchildren have been added during these last 7-years, which makes visitation a little harder to complete. The Hensman family now represents several states—AZ, VA, PA, and TX…making travel difficult without the use of an airport. We are up to 6 grandchildren, with #7 on the way in February. All our kidos are very involved with ministries in their local area and/or raising their families to Love God First above all else. † Ruth’s Dad joined us in Texas three years ago and is doing well in his apartment connected to our house in Van. He is still fairly independent caring for his own place and fixing his own meals—sometimes even has one ready for us when we get home. We are grateful his mind is still sharp—often remembers things we forget. † We had to replace our car this past spring after the one given to us 7-years ago reached 218,000 miles. Although it was replaced, it wasn’t retired; we passed the original blessing forward by giving it to another family who needed a car. Something to do about loving your neighbor I believe was at the center of that decision. We ended up with a car that had more amenities than we needed, for less money than we budgeted for. God is good! † Ruth and I recently began our own business to help with our future retirement. It is an excellent product and great business opportunity. If you get a chance, check out our new site: www.xtrememax.net. Our primary website www.anchorofmercy.com is still up and running, but will be getting a face-lift in September through another host carrier. We will keep you posted on the changes so you can continue following events at Mercy Ships and within our family through the internet. † I have had two cataract surgeries and surgery on my right foot. God has seen fit to get me through them all without too much difficulty. The interesting thing about this experience was the cost. Being that we made our deductable early in 2008 for the second cataract, the foot was mostly paid for by insurance. Concerns came up about special corrective shoes, but the owner of the business that did the work had volunteered on the Anastasis and gave the shoes to me for free, thus saving some $500.00 for shoes. Something there applies to Love your neighbor. † Lastly, Ruth just got back from SoulFest09—a 4-day Christian festival with artists on 5 stages (including Casting Crowns, Newsboys, and Third Day), plus seminars, prayer tents, etc. She was helping man a booth for Mercy Ships. (Someone had to suffer through this, she says.) She promises to put the next newsletter together, telling about her trip.
I don’t want to close this letter without mentioning a ray of hope to all who have meant so much to us. Although times are hard in our country and around the world, we all know that Christ is still on His throne and in control of each situation we face. We all need to continue to work out our salvation through our personal walk of faith. Please know that we are not alone; for each of us shares a common purpose. Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself. When we first started out, little did we know God had it all planned and His plans included all of you in our lives. I believe He has blessed all of us by our faithfulness. We pray for you and yours as family, not just partners in the ministry.
Until next time - John and Ruth
Easter-2009 From my desk to yours: Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who was born of the Virgin Mary, in Bethlehem. It is both a commemoration and celebration of that first Christmas when "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
In today's vernacular, what God offered that first Christmas was His gift of redemption and the promise of eternal life! What He did not deliver was a reason for anyone to accept that gift. If Christmas was all that was offered, there would be little reason for anyone to believe in Jesus and the promise of eternal life would be lost. But that is not all there was. God sent His Son to single-handedly wage war with Satan for the souls of all mankind. Like many fathers before and after, who have sent their sons off to war, God was familiar with the horrible price for that war that needed to be paid. But, unlike an earthly father who sends their sons off to war, God did not have even the hope that His son would come home unscathed. He knew full well the type of world that He was sending Him into and the terrible price that He would have to pay to win that war so that "whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus, who lived and walked among men, did so as a man. He faced the same temptations, the same needs and desires, the same choices between good and evil, and had to deal with personal relationships and other problems of being human. In the end it was His supreme faith in God, prayer, willingness to submit Himself to God's will, and His love for us led Him to the agony and humiliation of the cross so that "whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." As He anguished in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt." The "cup" was not the beatings, the crown of thorns, public humiliation and scorn, or His agonizing crucifixion on the cross. What was paining Jesus was the knowledge that He would be separated from His Father as He bore the burden of all mankind's sins and sacrificed Himself for its redemption so that "whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." If that was the end, then Jesus died a horrible and painful death for that in which He professed belief; most of His followers would have considered Him a hero and, like thousands of heroes and martyrs before and after Him, He would have either been lost in the sands of time or, at best, become a paragraph in a history book. But, that wasn't the end and because it wasn't "whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." At various times during His ministry Jesus had predicted His suffering and death and that He "would be raised up on the third day." The same political and religious power and clout that lead to His suffering and death on the cross went through great lengths to make sure that Jesus stayed dead and would become a distant memory as soon as possible. They sealed His body in a tomb with a large rock and placed Roman soldiers to guard its entrance and, because they did, provided proof that "whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." As Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early on the third day, she found the rock rolled away, the guards shaking in fear, an empty tomb, and an angel of God who said, "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." In the following days His disciples and many others saw the living Lord, Christ, Jesus, the Son of God and because He lives "whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Praise God, we have a risen Lord who lives and yet, loved each and every one of us enough to pay for our sins, those of yesterday, today and tomorrow, by shedding His own body and blood on our behalf.
So, when you consider Easter this year and every year, consider this; a great price has been paid without you even asking. Shouldn’t you accept that price as offered and then share this gift, freely offered, to those around you so they too can come to love Him. (Source unknown - "Easter Needs Christmas to be complete") We hope you all have a Great Easter and remember what Easter is all about as you share with others His Love!
Until next time – Keep the wind in your sails and God at the helm…and you will not go astray!
John and Ruth PS - Thank you Jesus...I finally got back into two shoes (March 31st) after having foot surgery last November 19th. Everything seems to be working fine and getting around and back to my old self. Thank you for your many prayers during this time. Pray that my left foot holds out and it will not have to be done for a long-long-time. The doctor wants to do it this November, but he will have to track me down first.
God has done great things during 2008 From the desk of Ruth and John - MERRY CHRISTMAS “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” What a great year! We hope and pray you can say the same thing. Our God is a faithful, covenant-keeping God who loves us more than we will ever know. There is nothing we can do, or not do, that will make Him love us any more or any less. Praise to Him! We thought we would just list some of our praises while we thank him. Mercy Ships: 1. Mercy Ships has spent ten months in Monrovia, Liberia. At the conclusion of our outreach, Mercy Ships has served Liberia three years. In February 2009 the Africa Mercy will be in Benin. 2. In 2008 the Africa Mercy has done over 2600 surgeries, 8800 dental procedures, 4 wells dug; thus reaching more than 25,000 people with surgeries, training, Bibles, and prayer. 3. An 80’ X 100’ X 25’ warehouse addition has now been completed on our campus in East Texas. This represents (for me) six years of praying for just the right building design and donors that would cover the cost. Please continue to pray for added equipment to manage this facility. 4. Eighteen 40-foot containers where loaded and shipped from our location, supporting three different countries (Sierra Leone, Benin, and Liberia).
John: 1. Successful cataract surgery in February. 2. Taught two Bible studies: Workplace Ministry - Sharing Christ at Work and Dreaming with God - Fulfilling the Dreams God Gives Us. 3. Men’s campout and motorcycle ride in October (an annual event that I look forward to each year). 4. Successful foot surgery Nov. 19th, here’s to the healing process.
Ruth: 1. Taught Precept Upon Precept with Kay Arthur—we completed both parts of Isaiah, averaging 14 women from three different churches. 2. Began working part-time for Leading Edge Publishing in Waco, TX, editing manuscripts for books and transcribing sermon CDs to be placed into a manuscript. (Still working for MS full-time) 3. Traveled for Mercy Ships: spent ten days in MA and NH at Soulfest 2008—four days of Christian music on five stages. Wow! 4. October 31st traveled to Virginia Beach to spend time with Josh and family.
Family: 1. Visited John and Elly in Phoenix. 2. Watched soccer and baseball games, went swimming, shopping, and created many memories with kids and grandkids. 3. The arrival of Veronica Addison (Ronnie) Hensman—what a cutie! No prejudice here...just some proud grandparents. God has been incredibly good, providing for our every need, protecting from illness and harm, conforming us to the image of His Son, pruning off the bad stuff and some good stuff, teaching both of us to be better teachers, giving new life, fulfilling dreams, healing hurts. It is our hope and prayer that you take time to look back over this past year and list what God has done in your life. It will truly be a blessing...
Until next time…. John and Ruth
September 29, 2008 From Ruth’s Desk: "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Isaiah 41:25-31 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. I do hope your Fall has gotten off to a great start—vacations over, kids back to school, the Fall routine well underway. I am back teaching Precept-Upon-Precept, studying the second half of Isaiah with Kay Arthur. What a tremendous book containing so many wonderful truths about our God and His love for us. I encourage you to dwell on the above passage for a bit. What a privilege to serve a God who calls the stars by name and yet is mindful of us—the Everlasting God who renews our strength. Would you take a minute and praise our mighty God? Wow, our summer has been chocked full. Let me see if I can get you caught up… At our last writing, we had just watched the ground-breaking for the new warehouse addition at Mercy Ships. It has progressed beautifully—rack is being assembled this week and the dedication will be Thursday evening, October 9th. This has been the prayer of John’s heart for the past six years, to see this up and completed. Not only is it almost complete, it is almost paid for, no loan needed for the building. Praise God!
In July my sister came from Charleston to see our dad, so John and I decided to head to Phoenix for a vacation. Yes, it was hot, but very enjoyable when you have family members there. It was so good to see John and Elly. John is working on some very interesting projects with his company, designing software, and filing for patents; Elly has completed her Masters degree in elementary education and has just completed her first semester as a 6th grade teacher. Their house is beautiful and they have done a great job of decorating. At the end of July I headed for Boston. After a major thunderstorm, two cancelled flights, changing airlines, checking and re-checking luggage, and “padded down” to get through security, I ended up in first class, arriving in Boston 17 hours after I left the house. That was the first day. Besides having some special time with our friends, the Connelly’s, I spent five days at Gun Stock Mountain Ski Resort with a dozen other Mercy Shippers manning a booth for Mercy Ships at Soulfest 2008, a four day Christian event with over 100 artists on five stages. Newsboys, Toby Mac, Skillet, Rebekah St. James, hundreds of vendors and food, and Mercy Ships all at the base of the ski slopes. What an incredible time! On the way back into Boston, I met up with a cousin I haven’t seen in 20 years. David and Doris graciously allowed me to stay in their home. We attended church, went to visit his dad (now in his 80’s) and a sister, and spent an enjoyable evening with dinner and walking the streets of Rockport, Mass. It brought back many fond memories from my childhood. Well, I saved the best for last. For those who have not heard, Josh and Natalie have a new addition to the family. Veronica “Ronnie” Addison Hensman arrived Sept 6; she was 7lbs, 2ozs and 20 ¼” long. All are doing well. Josh and Nat have decided for a number of reasons that the best thing for them right now was for Josh to re-enlist for two more years. Pray as we decide the best time for us to get up to see them and as we look into ways to get them home for Christmas. Josh will only get eight days leave, which isn’t long enough for them to drive home, visit, and return with a newborn. We look to the God of all wisdom. This month we completed six years with Mercy Ships. Where has the time gone? I believe we are at a very crucial place for this ministry. You can feel the anticipation around the campus. Thank you to all of you who have prayed for us and supported us financially. We could not have been here without your encouragement and faithfulness. May I throw something out there? One of our friends found out that his company participates in a matching gift program. He gives through work, check is mailed to Mercy Ships, and they match the gifts at the end of the year. Other companies just want confirmation of a gift, which our Donor Services Dept. would be happy to give. Is it possible your company does the same thing? The extra would help tremendously. Our prayer for you and your family is that, as you hope in the LORD, He will renew your strength you will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint. We love you guys. Thank you for being a family to us. In Christ, Ruth
7-3-08 From my desk to yours: God is certainly a God of timing and there is no moving Him faster then what He wishes. One of several tasks for which I was called to Mercy Ships was developing and implementing a warehouse expansion. Over the past 5-1/2 years, I have sought help to extend our existing space, but without funding, it is hard to move things forward. Being a non-profit ministry, funding is the key for any project completion. Just three weeks ago Mercy Ships broke ground for an expansion (80'wide x 100'long x 25'high). This will allow us to support our field applications at a higher level in the future. With the Africa Mercy completing her outreach in Monrovia, Liberia, and plans for moving to Benin in 2009, it was critical that this space be developed. Different from the Anastasis, the Africa Mercy has very little cargo hold space, thus we have to ship one container per month to support her efforts in the field. What all that means is more traffic for arranging containers through Houston, which is already at maximum having limited containers, our existing warehouse has increased in work load with staging for a container in the way of picking materials for the next shipment. Mercy Ships has truly been blessed to receive 85% of all construction costs within a six-month period. (First of serveral pictures below) In other areas (personal) – I have had the chance to teach several classes at our home church – Garden Valley Bible Church. My first class was for the men of our church on "Workplace Ministries or Ministering in Your Place of Work." Simply – we all are in the ministry 24/7 whether we work in or outside a non-profit organization. We all need to share God's love to the people we know. Based on completing that nine-week class, I have been asked to teach our Adult Sunday School for two weeks. Unlike my previous efforts, I looked at a different subject – Embarking on God's Dream for our Life. When we where children, we all had dreams, but as we got older, somehow those dreams where left behind due to the responsibilities of family, jobs, economy, etc. We simply put away our dreams. It is never too late to dream again! Ruth has also been very busy. In addition to normal duties at Mercy Ships, she has been editing and writing again. It is really something she is good at and now others are coming to her for help. She is writing a collection of stories and biographies to be complied into a book titled “Getting a GRIP on Character.” It will correspond to curriculum already in over 50 school districts. We will let you know about a publish date. She has also been editing for Leading Edge Publishing in Waco, Texas, and loves every minute of it. Ruth's dad is doing well. He is still caring for himself in his own apartment – meals, cleaning, laundry, etc. We have enjoyed having him with us. On a different front (family) - Josh and Natalie are planning to move back to Texas in October, after he is released from the Navy. Please pray with us that their house will soon sell in Virginia Beach. But before he is discharged, we are going to have another granddaughter – Ronnie Addison – some time in the middle of September. This will add to our grandkido count to a total of six (three boys and three girls). The rest of our family (John III and Elly, Chris and Greg, Kelly and David) are all doing well. We will be visiting John and Elly this month...first time since they moved into their new house. We are looking forward to the visit and the time away. Ruth's sister will be flying in to visit with Dad while we are gone. Before closing (extended family) – Please continue to pray for Bill and Jan Welte in the loss of their granddaughter recently. Another dear and close friend has had leg circulation concerns, but now doing well - Thank you Jesus. One of our closest friends in Dallas has been on our prayer list for a job situation, which seems to be working out. Several people at Mercy Ships have experienced health problems, but God has stepped in and allowed them to regain their health enough to come back to work. As I thought through this Newsletter, I wanted all of you to know – God is still in control! Whether there are concerns with health, economy, or personal relationships, He is and will always remain the source for our strength. Allow Him to show you His power to change whatever is happening in your life so we all can give Him the Glory. Until next time, John and Ruth
3-1-08 From my desk to yours: For the past 5-years our website has been hosted by iPowerWeb.com. Recently there have been some changes in their corporate structure and software that has forced us to modify our personal web site. The change is evident based on our site's background colors and style format. We have had to restructure our pages to conform to their new software. The good news is, our domain name will remain the same -- Anchor of Mercy. However, you will have to use the following link for all future viewing, so please change any previous bookmarks. http://anchorof.ipower.com/anchorofmercy/index.html
We hope this website issues will not disrupt your support or faith in what we are doing at Mercy Ships. We are still here, serving Him during this transition. On a personal note – - We ask for pray! In January 2003, I had cataract surgery on my right eye. At that time we where told that my left eye would also need to be done, but it wasn’t bad enough and that we could wait a few years. Last month I was informed that it was time for the second eye. On February 13th my left eye will be operated on. Unlike eye surgery in the past, this is not serious; it only taking 5-6 minutes with only 1-2 days down time. As to my prayer request – my original surgery in 2003 developed an infection, which, at the time, was very serious and I almost lost my eye sight. Thankfully, Jesus, through His loving grace and lots of medication, healed me and the eye did come back 100% with no lasting concerns. Please pray that there will be no infection this time around. Cost for this surgery (after insurance) comes to $1,900.00 that we will have to cover...pray that somehow we can pay this off during 2008 before interest is rate is applied. Praise God - based on this NewsLetter, we have already received $500.00. We are praying that by the time our Credit Card Bill comes in...the remaining portion will be covered. Will post as we receive!
- Unknown to most of you, John III in Arizona recently had some eye concerns with a detached-retina. Here, too, his doctor was not concerned, since they caught the problem in the earlier stages. With a laser, it seems this concern is now fixed. Again, thank you, Jesus, for the technology He gave to man and His grace in this situation.
- On February 10th I will have the opportunity to begin teaching a Men’s Bible Study at Garden Valley Bible Church (our home church). Over the past 6 months God has laid on my heart the need to develop a study that will allow the men of our church to share Christ 24/7 in their workplace. Please pray that all will go well, since the study will be an 8-week project.
- We also wish to announce that we are going to be grandparents again. Josh and Natalie are expecting their first child in September 2008. Certainly the whole family is excited about having one more added to our ever growing family.
- The rest of the family is doing quiet well. No real major concerns presently, except normal colds and other things that happen from time to time. Our family has been certainly blessed in this area.
Mercy Ships note – - 2007 was truly a great year in the Lord. We’ve seen so many people helped in Liberia last year, and Mercy Ships has been asked to come back to Liberia. February 5th Africa Mercy arrives for another 10-month field service.
- The expansion to our warehouse is now moving forward. Mercy Ships is planning to break ground in March 2008 for an additional 80’ x 100’ facility. It has been my goal since the very first day I walked on campus was to get this expansion up. Now, through several donations, we are moving forward.
- We all looking forward to 2008 with excitement.
- We are thrilled to announce that Malcolm Kelly, star wide receiver (American Football) from the Oklahoma Sooners, has decided to turn professional and his first act as a professional is to endorse Mercy Ships. Malcolm is projected to be a high first round draft pick in the National Football League and wanted to pay tribute to his Christian upbringing and parents by starting his professional career by aligning himself with our cause. The fact that Malcolm is also an African American makes our focus on Africa all that more important. Malcolm will be announcing his intentions at a press conference held in Washington D.C. 2/5/08. The ramification of this announcement is certainly still unfolding, but there has been tremendous buzz surrounding Malcolm and we have already been contacted by other professional athletes that wish to also throw their support behind our cause. Malcolm will be conducting interviews on national radio all day on Tuesday leading up to the news conference and hopefully we will be able to share some of these with you in the future. The following is a web link for this announcement. Once open click on the little icon that looks like a camera to see the video on this event. We hope you enjoy...
http://kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7827507&nav=menu117_4
As always, we love all of you and pray continuously that rich blessings come your way. Until next time, John and Ruth
God has done great things during 2007 November 22, 2007 Gratitude means much more than an attitude. Attached to it are a host of soul-stirring feelings: joy, relief, devotion, admiration, appreciation, and certainly love. Gratefulness for the gifts we receive—especially those that aren't requested or may not be deserved—changes our whole being. Where before we saw lack, now there's abundance, loss transforms to opportunity, brittle spirits overflow with hope. But true gratitude is also tied up with faith. Practicing gratitude means that sometimes we must be grateful even when we are unsure of an outcome, trusting nonetheless that God’s gifts are never-ending and are certainly far beyond our imagining. When we are grounded in the surety of God’s goodness and the steadfastness of God’s love, and gratefulness permeates our thoughts, words, and relationships; our world is changed, and with it our lives.
Christians who truly understand and accept God's gifts, with an attitude of gratitude, are aware that everything received is only received by God’s Grace. Then and only then can our human strivings change from getting to giving —giving thanks in every situation we encounter. I like to think of it as Thanks-living.
The greatest thing about gratitude is…we can't keep it to ourselves. We have to find…a way…a person…a strategy…to express our thanks. Rather than seeking more for ourselves, we change our attitude and begin to live for others, which is exactly what God wants in the first place! C.S. Lewis wrote, "I have noticed that the most balanced minds praise the most, while the cranks and the misfits and the malcontents, they are the ones who are the least grateful." When you read the words of Paul, "And so I give thanks to God always," it makes you want to go out and be less cranky yourself, be more grateful yourself. It makes you want to be less distracted by those … notions that we have to make ourselves. It makes you want to hold on for dear life to the notion that we are floating through this life on the grace of God.
A prayer of gratitude for family…Gracious God, there are so many who live alone in this world without family to encourage them, listen to them, support them. Yet, you have blessed us by placing us within a human family that gives depth and meaning to our life—a family that offers us love no matter what we do or do not do. You fill our hearts with the gratitude that never takes such a blessing for granted. When we are thoughtless or careless in a relationship, you give us grace to ask for forgiveness. When we feel hurt, your give us the grace to forgive and forget. In times of joy with other family members, you give us a heart of gladness. In times of sorrow, you give us a heart of compassion. May we offer each other the same love you give to us, as your children! I ask this with a thankful heart for all that you have given us. Amen. During this holiday season, be grateful for what you have been given through God’s grace and begin to live with an “attitude of gratitude towards others." That is what “thanks-living” is all about. We want to thank all who have been so faithful to us. May your Thanksgiving Holiday be very special to you this year, because it was given freely to you through God's grace. Until next time, John and Ruth
October 3, 2007 Finding the Sweet Spot: Golfers understand the term. So do tennis players. What engineers give sports equipment, God gives each of us! He tailors the curves, problems, and stress points of our lives to fit perfectly into the empty spaces of His jigsaw puzzle. And life makes sweet sense when we allow Him to design our sweet spot. Have you found yours or are you still looking? From my desk to yours – God has given us our sweet spot. Our ministry at Mercy Ships, although challenging, still remains very fulfilling. To know that what we do contributes and supports field efforts makes everything better. If we had to tailor our past knowledge in materials, our education, and our very life’s ambitions in hopes of fitting into God’s jigsaw puzzle, we couldn’t. He has brought all of it together for us at the right place and at the right time. Each month we try to offer some interesting facts about what we are doing, plus share what God is up to within Mercy Ships. As for the factal part, we are now exporting and importing containers; of course each has its own set of rules, especially when dealing with Homeland Security. In 2004 I was given the task of cargo/logistics (shipping containers) in addition to my regular responsibilities of Warehouse Manager. It was only recently that I started full-time in Logistics/HazMat Management and turned the warehouse responsibilities over to someone else. In looking back over the period since 2004, we have handled more than 60 containers. At the start of 2007, and with the commissioning of Africa Mercy, the decommissioning of Anastasis, you would think our container amounts would go down or at least stay the same, but they haven’t! The Africa Mercy has limited space in her cargo hold; therefore, we have had to increase the frequency of shipping per month. Since January 2007 we have shipped the equivalent of 232,541 lbs. (116.27 tons) of medical, equipment, and support materials. In addition, two containers of memorabilia and one container of crew personal goods came back to our campus from the Anastasis. The memorabilia represented some 28-years of service, in the form of artifacts, something that Homeland Security couldn’t understand. After 10-12 days of inspection and numerous phone conversations, the container finally cleared customs. What a relief to all involved; items will soon be on display reflecting a history of service to West Africa and beyond. As for Ruth, she continues to work extremely hard in Resource Development. Interfacing with Mercy Ships donor base, she runs reports and queries for the VP of Development and six Regional Development Managers, keeping weekly and monthly figures before them. She, also, helps with quarterly and special mailings to over 2,000 major donors, keeping tabs of program funding, and printing cards for the “in honor of” and “in memory of” gifts. Almost every week there are proposals, letters, or Mercy Ships Newsletters to edit, something she especially enjoys doing. She is part of a great team and is excited about the wonderful things that are happening in the organization. We continue to pray for our own personal support that new partnerships will develop soon. Over the past five years, we have had some leave, but others come onboard to off-set. There hasn’t been many new partners established, so we continue to ask God for guidance as to how to instill our needs through new families or churches. Those who are receiving our Newsletter for the first time, please consider joining us as we serve Him at Mercy Ships. From the Field – Africa Mercy will soon be completing her field service in Liberia, will head to Tenerife for shipyard and inspections, and then moving on to Sierra Leone for 2008. During her service in Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia, 24-Sept-07 Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week for a new Health Center recently completed by Mercy Ships in partnership with a local church. During her speech dedicating the new Gracie A. Reeves Community Health Center and thanked Mercy Ships for their involvement. "We want to recognize those who have gone the extra mile to serve humanity. These men and women have given of their time, their talents, and their resources to come to our country and render free service to our people." Mercy Ships Vice President for International Programs, Dr. Glenn Strauss, paid tribute to the partnering church that planned the facility and will oversee its operation. He noted the facility is built on land originally intended for a new church parsonage. Pastor Robert Freeman and his congregation decided the community needed a health clinic more than he needed a new home. Prior to the Health Center’s opening, the community of 50,000 had no medical facilities of any kind. Church members had already started creating their own cement blocks with which to build the facility when Mercy Ships agreed to join the effort. Construction crews pushed hard to get the walls up and the roof completed ahead of Liberia’s rainy season. Progress was being made on several fronts. The first cycle of orthopaedic operations conducted on the Africa Mercy are done. Seventy-seven patients underwent 98 orthopaedic procedures during eight weeks of surgeries. Orthopaedic Care Coordinator Ann McFarland commented, "There were a few kinks to be worked out as there are when starting any program. However, with God's guidance and a great team effort from the volunteer crew, our patients are going home with huge smiles on their faces and a new lease on life." The most common orthopaedic surgery was a procedure to correct club feet. Nine-year-old Benedict Menkoah was one of the most memorable patients to undergo the operation. In the womb, Benedict’s feet turned so far inward the toes were left facing each other. His feet also rolled forward, leaving the soles facing upward. Benedict learned to walk on the curled-under tops of his feet. Following surgery, Benedict worked with Mercy Ships physical therapists to learn to walk on his newly corrected right foot. Early next year he’ll return to the Mercy Ship to have his left foot straightened. Beatrice said of the free surgery Benedict received, "I couldn’t do it myself. I didn’t have the means. It was too big. So I say thank you. God bless you."
On behalf of Mercy Ships, we want to thank you all for being part of this ministry and our family. God has blessed us in many ways through you to allow us to continue here. As always, we pray for each of you that He will instill a very special blessing on you and yours. Until next time.... John and Ruth
From my desk to yours Happy 4th of July, MERCY SHIPS – MV AFRICA MERCY Monrovia, Liberia - July 2, 2007 The sacrificial labor of hundreds of volunteers, and the generous gifts of thousands of contributors, came together this past week to produce an historic moment in Mercy Ships history. On Monday, June 25th, the first surgery was successfully completed onboard the charity’s newest floating hospital, the Africa Mercy. Ophthalmic surgeon and Mercy Ships Vice President for International Programs, Dr. Glenn Strauss, says the ship’s very first patient, a 90-year-old woman with blinding cataracts, reported being able to see again before she even left his operating table. Patient Suah Paye was so overjoyed she literally danced around the surgical suite, singing and praising God for her restored sight. Suah lived her entire life in a small village called Oil Town in West-Central Liberia. Along with her large family, Suah is a subsistence farmer; raising their own food along with a bit left over to sell in the market. Three years ago, cataracts stole the last of Suah’s sight. The loss was devastating for such a proud, active woman. She missed being able to work on her farm and missed fishing in the nearby river. She hated not being able to dress herself or even to use the toilet without assistance. Suah thanked the doctors and nurses for her renewed vision, saying, "When I get home I will gather my people and tell them what you have done for me. I can’t pay you, but God will pay you. He will bless you and your children and your children’s children." As Suah’s onboard eye surgery got underway, obstetric screening began in the dockside tents for women suffering from birth injuries. Forty-nine women attended the screening. Most were scheduled for surgery over the coming weeks. The first birth injury repair surgeries were conducted onboard the next day. Thirty-five year old Mamie Paye of North-Central Liberia was one of the patients selected to undergo the procedure on the new ship. Mamie has leaked urine constantly since she suffered a birth injury in 1995. She was abandoned by her husband as a result of the incontinence, a tragically common occurrence. "Everyday I cry," Mamie says. "When you have this problem and you don’t have friends, you don’t have anyone. People gossip the whole day about you. People abandon you. But God doesn’t ever abandon anyone." Suah and Mamie represent the first of hundreds of patients to be treated onboard the Africa Mercy during the remaining months of the Liberian field service, as well as the tens of thousands to be cared for without charge in the years to come. As additional volunteers arrive and are trained, the Health Care team will ramp up their activities. The dental team is already seeing patients. Orthopaedic surgery will commence onboard on July 9. Plastic surgery will begin for burn patients in early September with maxillofacial operations being offered later the same month. Ear, nose and throat procedures are slated for October and November. On the home front: We continue to support our medical operations by shipping containers. So far this year, we have shipped (12) 40-foot containers in just seven months. With an average weight in the range of 15 tons each, that means we have handled more then 180 tons of goods since January 2007. Talk about having a bad-back! Over the remaining months of this year we are projected an additional 13-15 containers, which make 07 a record year. The Africa Mercy will be in Monrovia, Liberia for the next five months. Resource Development has been full of activity. With a new VP of Development coming in last month and a new Gifts Officer arriving today, Ruth has been extremely busy. Media events have followed the sailing of the Africa Mercy, her arrival in Liberia, the visit from Liberia’s President, and the first surgeries performed on the ship. New Program Proposals are coming in for the ship’s field service in Sierra Leone beginning in February 2008. Efforts are continuing to pay off the $16 million loan, allowing her to serve debt free.
We praise God that Dad is home after a spell with Congestive Heart Failure. He continues to regain his strength; now walking without the use of a walker or wheelchair. For Father’s Day we had all four of our kids, two spouses, and all five grandchildren. What a special time that was for us and my father. Dad had a great time reminiscing and the kids joined in with their memories of the homestead in Philly. Elly and Natalie, we did miss you; it would have been more complete with you here. We love you all. Josh and Natalie have moved into their first home in Virginia Beach. They are so excited to have a place of their own and we are excited for them. We also thank God for each of you and the prayers and support you send on our behalf that enables us to continue doing the jobs God has set before us. May the Father richly bless you, strengthen your marriages, and prosper the work of your hands. Blessings from our house to yours, John and Ruth
From my Desk to Yours: March 2007 Scientists have now determined why geese fly in a V-formation. As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an up-lift for the birds behind it. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone. When the leader gets tired, he or she simply moves back into formation and another takes its place. If a goose gets sick or is injured, it is replaced, but other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. We can all take inspiration from this story; if we work together towards a common goal, we can accomplish so much more by carrying each other than flying alone. People who share a common direction and a sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier when they are traveling on the thrust of one another. That is what partnering becomes when you partner with us. All of us are called to be missionaries, wherever God places us. January 2007 marks the beginning of our fifth year with Mercy Ships. We count it a privilege that God has called us to work for Him in this particular ministry. We appreciate so much all of the prayers that have carried us through the past four-years. As we look towards to the future, please join us in prayer that God would add additional geese to strengthen our original flock! Please also continue to pray for the final completion and launching of the Africa Mercy. There are still a number of certifications that need to be completed before her sea trials. We are praying that she will launch and have her in Liberia by May or June…with God’s help. Over the next few months our work efforts will certainly increase “exponentially” with respect to, managing and shipping of critical material to support six operating theaters instead of two. We must maintain our flying V-formation to continue here. In closing...I wanted to share a recent story from Ghana, West Africa. Because you care, this little boy was given a new life. I hope you find this story encouraging. Remember, your future is as bright as the unfailing promises of God http://anchorofmercy.com/page6.html (Become a partner through our website tab or simply contact us to find out how) Christ, John and Ruth
RICHMOND’S STORY It’s a boy...these words bring joy to Juliet Odonkor. After having three daughters, Juliet and her husband are thrilled to finally have a son, whom they name Richmond. Their joy is short lived though. Something is wrong with the baby’s eyes. The doctors and nurses believe the birthing fluids seeped into Richmond’s eyes, causing them to be yellow. Juliet’s husband believes their son is cursed. Husband and wife quarrel over who is to blame, and there is no peace in the home. Little Richmond can’t see out of his right eye. The yellow color gradually disappears, but the eye begins to bulge and continues to grow for two years. Worried about her son’s future, Juliet prays and waits. Finally a breakthrough comes. A friend tells her about Mercy Ships, where surgeons perform operations free of charge. Juliet resolves nothing will stop her from helping her little boy. She takes two year old Richmond to a local clinic where Mercy Ships doctors are screening patients for free surgeries onboard the hospital ship. Ophthalmologist Neil Murray explains the impact an operation has on the patient, “These are people who would not have had the money to have eye treatment here in Ghana. The surgery on them is life saving surgery. It liberates them from the bondage of being dependent on people to being independent and able to live normal lives.” The day Juliet and Richmond arrive at the Mercy Ship, her heart is full of gratitude and hope. She believes God brought the hospital ship here for her son to see again. Dr. Murray performs the short operation, relieving the pressure in Richmond’s eye caused by congenital glaucoma. Richmond quickly recovers on the ward. And the following day his eye patch is removed.
The future is wide open, the possibilities are endless. Juliet carries Richmond home, a normal, healthy child. Shining with joy she says, “I know he will be fine now. I’m very happy! Thank you Mercy Ships. You are doing a great work in our country. May God bless you more than you can imagine.” We are all called to help one another. We thank you for Richmond and thank you for allowing us to be apart of his story - through collecting, packaging, and shipping medical supplies.
January 2007 From my desk to yours... A New Year’s Prayer........ May God make your year a happy one! Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, but by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes. Not by making your path easy, but by making you sturdy to travel down any path He directs. Not by taking hardships from you, but by taking fear from your heart, giving you the strength to endure. Not by granting you unbroken sunshine, but by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows. Not by making your life always pleasant, but by showing you when people and their causes need you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help. We offer you God’s love, peace, hope, and joy for the year ahead. As we close out 2006 and wait patiently for what God will grant us in 2007, I want to offer each of you something special just to tell you how much you mean to us. I pray that - God will grant you your dreams, your hopes, and your desires during this coming year and beyond. I pray that – He will transform something in your life that will allow you to serve Him with a deeper and fuller love, more than you could ever imagine. That you will grow closer to Him and He to you. I pray that - 2007 will be a pivotal point in your life that you will look back on and know that He made the difference. Thank you for being there for us these past four-and-a-half years and may God bless you all. Until next time, in Christ, John and Ruth Hensman Mercy Ships
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