The Mercy Minute

What does restored dignity look like? 

Have you ever felt like you weren't talented enough to serve God?

What does the word "love" mean to you?   

A lot can change in two years.

Cecile sat in the front row of her church, surrounded by her daughters.

Did you know that Mercy Ships is staffed by over 2500 crew members from more than 60 countries?

Today, I want to teach you a new word.

Eileen was going about her day as a Mercy Ships volunteer when suddenly an announcement rang out across the ship.

At Mercy Ships, we rely daily on God's immeasurable power.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Life had a rough start for little Sibi who was born with a cleft lip. 

For many of us, our favorite childhood memories include running and playing with friends, feeling like nothing could slow us down.

Recently, a group of partners had the opportunity to tour our Mercy Ship docked in Sierra Leone.

The Mercy Ships medical staff couldn't believe what they were hearing.

Did you know that each Mercy Ship depends on a team of volunteer engineers who are vital to our mission?

Spring has sprung, and signs of rebirth and renewal are all around us.

Several years ago, a Mercy Ship was docked in South Africa.

In a small church off the coast of England, a nine-year-old girl named Elaine lifted a quiet prayer.

Twenty-six-year-old Zozo from Madagascar loves to socialize!

Nine years ago, Zenor began losing his sight.

You've probably heard Psalm 118:24: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

When a Mercy Ship sails into town to provide free surgery, the need is often overwhelming.

Elysa's parents dreamed of a bright future for their daughter. 

Sakhumzi first learned about Mercy Ships when one of our ships arrived in his country to provide free surgery. 

When Mercy Ships volunteers arrived at a small village clinic, they were surprised to see a nice clean car in the parking lot.

In 1 Corinthians, we read that love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 

Right now, one of our Mercy Ships is docked in Sierra Leone, providing free medical and surgical care to those in need.

Around the world, five billion people lack access to safe surgery for treatable conditions.

Do you know the origins of the word, "hospital"?

What propels a Mercy Ship? 

Any parent or teacher knows that children are FULL of unpredictable questions.

In Matthew, Jesus' disciples ask: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?" 

Johannes never planned to volunteer on a hospital ship in Africa.

Most 6-years-old still rely heavily on their parents — but not Audrice!  

52-year-old Jaona from Madagascar is known by everyone as a man who values hard work. 

On board a Mercy Ship, we find little ways to bring joy — like celebrating Funky Fridays!

At Mercy Ships, our mission of hope and healing isn't accomplished alone.

In Philippians 2, the Bible says: "In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Stephanie, a wife and mother from Madagascar, showed this kind of selfless love every day. 

"People laughed at me. Others teased me. Every day I got into fights, even though I knew better." That was what Gertrude told Mercy Ships volunteers when she first stepped on board. 

Anaza had once been a happy woman — until a lump appeared on her jaw. In her country, there was no way to get surgery, and soon the lump had grown into an overwhelming tumor. 

In Sierra Leone, walking long distances is a part of everyday life. Children like 13-year-old Mohamed often walk miles to school, navigating steep hills and rocky terrain.

When 10-month-old Memunatu received free surgery on a Mercy Ship, her life wasn't the only one transformed. Her mother, Aminata, had lived in fear ever since a tumor appeared on her baby girl's neck.

Gertrude had spent 45 years listening to what she couldn't be. She was constantly teased and mocked because of her crossed eyes, and grew up believing she was unlovable.

A woman sat on a bed with clean white sheets on board a Mercy Ship. Her little boy lay in the bed next to her, recovering from an operation she thought impossible.

If you've ever had a toothache, you know the pain is unlike anything else. It keeps you up at night, limits what you eat, and seems to impact every second of the day. 

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and today we're asking: what does it mean to love another? For Claude in Madagascar, love meant praying without ceasing. 

Do you remember the day you put on your first pair of shoes? Or bought your child's first shoes? 

When people think of Mercy Ships, they often picture our volunteer doctors and nurses. But did you know that half of our volunteers serve in non-medical roles?

When Mercy Ships founder Don Stephens felt God's calling to use hospital ships to serve those in need, he shared his dream with his wife, Deyon.

Ten years ago in Madagascar, a little boy named Luca came to Mercy Ships. 

Christina's life changed forever at the age of four.