Mercy Ships Offer Free Surgery to the Poor
Although you may not have ever heard of Mercy Ships, they’ve been providing free health care and surgery to the poor for nearly 30 years. Since 1978 Mercy Ships has provided free medical assistance to the tune of $600 million, helping over a million and a half people whose lives have since been changed dramatically.
Mercy Ships gives no preferential treatment to a patient simply because of race, gender or religion. They perform surgical procedures such as removing cataracts, performing dental treatments, correcting crossed eyes, facial reconstruction, removal of tumors, and repairing cleft lip and palate. They also set up medical clinics where they assist hundreds of thousands of people.
Not only does Mercy Ships take it upon themselves to offer free surgery to the poor they also train the health care officials in the areas that they visit, work with other professionals to continue providing adequate health measures long after the ship leaves, and deliver medical equipment, hospital supplies and medicines. In addition, they fund construction and agriculture projects, build schools, clinics, orphanages and wells for local water supply.
Having grown tremendously over the years, Mercy Ship now sets a goal of providing health care for a million people each year. To fund the very expensive procedures, large corporations and individuals with a heart donate money to keep the ship floating and providing.
Although many of the people that have heard of Mercy Ships envision a program that helps children, the charity also provides reproductive health and surgery for women as well as orthopedic and other services for adults and children alike.
Currently the Mercy Ships program asks for donations to keep the ships operational. Minimal donations of $25 a month can provide life transformations for those in desperate need of the Mercy Ship services.
Although many web sites offer testimonials from others who have participated in their particular program, Mercy Ships’ testimonials include the following statement from President George W. Bush: “For many years now, Mercy Ships has provided medical services for the poor throughout the world. You’re reaching out to people in need – feeding the hungry, caring for the lonely, and giving urgent medical help to those who need it.”
“I have every hope you will continue to reach more and more patients in the years beyond. I know you will continue your mission of bringing hope and healing to those who need it most. May God continue to bless you in your important work.”
This testimonial from our own president accompanies another from the president of the Gambia, Tony Blair – Prime Minister, UK, the First Lady of Honduras and former President Jimmy Carter. If you’re in a position to help the poor and others in desperate need, consider donating to this worthy cause – you’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, and those you help will be forever grateful.
