Anchor of Mercy
Securely Anchored in Him
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Our Mission History

Over one billion people in our world today are starving to death, both physically and spiritually.  It is the desire of Mercy Ships to use The Africa Mercy, in addition to the number of land-base facilities we now operate, to help meet the needs of these people.  To accomplish our goals as a ministry, we need staff with great diversity.  Skills, talents, gifts, and callings must come from various sources; working together, we bring Christ to all nations, offering the two hands of the Gospel to the multitudes as Christ did during His ministry.

 

It is with this in mind and as a letter of introduction, it is with great pleasure and gratitude that I take this opportunity to tell you a little about what John and Ruth are doing at Mercy Ships as full-time staff.

  • John’s position is crucial to the expansion of Mercy Ships; he has spearheaded a Warehouse Management System Worldwide that will allow us to help reach our goal to serve 1 million people per year in the near future.  Through his implementation of a Medical Material Management System and Transportation Logistic System - it will offer us numerous avenues for supporting our ships and ground locations.  In addition to the WMS Implementation; He has also been assigned the responsibilities for our Cargo Container Logistics (Export and Import) and Freight Forwarding) and Hazardous Materials Management.  He presently holds a Hazardous Management Certification, which ensures protection from chemical exposure to our personnel. 

  • Ruth also is serving with Mercy Ships.  She serves in our Resource Development Department; offering her many years of experience working with other ministries that share the Gospel of Christ around the world.  

We at Mercy Ships feel very fortunate to have John and Ruth here and pray that their life will be richly blessed as they seek God’s face daily.

 

As in most Evangelical Ministries, which includes Mercy Ships, staff must raise their own support.  May I ask you to prayerfully consider investing in the vision God has given them and become a Mission Partner.  A partner serves in several ways…

  • Prayer support -- Prayer is key to the success of their ministry here and must be the cornerstone to your partnership.  Please commit to praying for them daily as I know they are praying for you.

  • Financial support -- Give prayerfully to support their financial needs.  Living in Van and working at our International Operations Center typically costs more than living onboard a ship.  John and Ruth will remained stationed here at the IOC for several more years while John implements the Warehouse Management System worldwide.  During this same period John will be traveling extensively, serving us at other facilities and ships locations, thus tying together this software package.  I know of your love for the Hensmans and want them to meet any call that God assigns.

God has certainly given us many talented people over the past years, but only through you can John and Ruth continue their service at Mercy Ships; so please continue to stand with them as they serve.  Please contact them if you should have any questions or wish to become a partner.  Become their Mission Partner and see what God will do through them and within your life in the future!  Many God richly bless your partnership.

 

Sincerely,

Don Stephens
CEO and Founder
Mercy Ships

                                       A CHANGE 

Recently God gave me an opportunity to take on a new challenge, that of moving from "full-time-missions" back into the business world with a corporation I have known for over 36 years.  On 16-June-2011 I left Mercy Ships and started with Lerch Bates. 


Based on this change, we will not be able to accept support, even though Ruth will remain with Mercy Ships.  We again want to thank you all for these past nine years of faithfully standing by us.  This change took many hours of prayer and seeking the will of God as to whether to accept this position.  He and He alone made this possible; therefore, I thank Him for this opportunity.


As to future postings within Anchor of Mercy:

Since Ruth is still serving with Mercy Ships, postings will continue,.  They will outline both Mercy Ships and how God is leading me within Lerch Bates.  I have added an additional tab for Lerch Bates for that reason, so please read information as it appears.


Our History:
 

We joined Mercy Ships in September 2002. Our primary support comes from those who believe in our Vision. 


God has called us both critical positions within Mercy Ships.  For me before coming on-board, no one managed Logistics, Hazardous Materials Management or their Freight Forwarding responsibilities.  I, therefore, wear three hats to ensure our materials clears US Customs, transports safety to each Port of Call, and delivers to our field location for usage. 


Ruth works in Resource Development, assisting with Mercy Ships' donor base; those who support Mercy Ships in "Gift-In-Kind" and "funding for projects."  She also works as editor for all their Grant Proposals to keep projects funded.  


We have been called to Mercy Ships, as a full-time staff member, by God, and depend on Him daily for our direction.  


Your prayers are critical to the
success of our efforts
Testimonial:
 

As Don mentioned above, we can't do what God has called us to do without your prayerful support.  Please become a partner and see what God can do through it.  We have been richly blessed by many, but we need more to get involved.  Pray about it!

 

If you have any questions about Mercy Ships or what we have been called to do here, please contact us.  We love to hear from you and send you out some information to help you decide about partnering with us.