These are exciting times and I wish to give you an update.  First from Liberia, then about the Global Mercy as she is sailing, and then about the ship visit to Liberia.   

Currently, the Liberia Country Engagement Team has the privilege to host Dr. Doug Schulte, an ENT /  Otorhinolaryngologist, and his wife Darcey here in Liberia for almost six months.  Dr. Doug has been a regular volunteer surgeon coming to the ship, most of the time with his wife, and they have now joined Mercy Ships full-time.  Though in this season, our ship hospital is closed due to COVID and won’t reopen till next year in Senegal.  We are thankful to have them serving here in Liberia. 

This project is in partnership with ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa) Hospital who we partnered together with in 2005 – 2008 during the Anastasis and Africa Mercy field services in Liberia.  As Country Director, I received an official request in February 2021 for surgical teams to come and provide surgery and training at their hospital.  We are involved with this hospital in other areas also related to donations of medical and hospital supplies, equipment, and later with surgical patient referral and other possible projects.  I am thankful for the relationship that is increasing with their hospital leadership and staff to see how together we can bring hope and healing.   

He is providing mentoring for three general surgeons in head and neck surgeries.  At the same time, Dr. Doug is providing free surgeries for children and adults who need head and neck surgeries.  Between 30 June – 30 July 2021, he provided 28 surgeries for 28 unique patients (17 Female + 11 Male) – (4 Children + 24 Adults) ranging from two to 65 years old (for those who know me and my years of involvement with our statistics, are probably smiling).  

​At a recent team dinner at our apartment during which we enjoyed nachos, I shared with Dr. Doug that these are Liberian patients who need surgery now and they do not need to wait for the ship to come to Liberia, These children and adults can obtain their healing now – be restored to their families and communities.  Though I have friends whose children need other types of surgeries which Mercy Ships provides but for which I beg their patience as they wait for their opportunity.   

This project involves two of Mercy Ships programmatic pillars:  Direct Medical Services through the free life-changing surgeries and Medical Capacity Building through strengthening the capacities of the surgical system through mentoring of their healthcare professionals and specific donations. 
We have other activities directly with the Ministry of Health and other partners which I will be sharing more about in future updates. 

This is a photo of the Global Mercy sailing out of China and en route to Antwerp, Belgium for the Equipping Phase.  

An official communication was provided to the Government of Liberia last month explaining the change in our operational timeline, the Global Mercy visit to start in Liberia in early 2023 as well as about the many projects and activities we have going on now and for 2022, prior to a ship visit.  Following the announcement, I was able to share with the many others who are so awaiting the ship visit. Below is the message provided to them, though it was personalized as appropriate for the partner, etc. I wish to share with you all also.

As an expression of our continued commitment to the people of Liberia, I wish to update you on our current timeline regarding the ship visit. The Global Mercy will hope to sail to Dakar, Senegal in 2022, to finish the commitment to those we had promised surgery to and those scheduled for training when the pandemic hit last year. As soon as this mission has been completed, the Global Mercy plans to arrive in Monrovia, Liberia in early 2023. 

2020 has brought so many changes to all of our lives.  Despite the challenges, our team continues to be on the ground to coordinate the successful delivery of medical capacity-building projects such as biomedical technician training, surgical, nursing, and anesthesia mentoring, head and neck surgeries, and a wide range of strategic donations including equipment and supplies.   Various medical capacity-building activities will continue throughout 2022 and we will look forward to welcoming the Global Mercy to deliver surgery to the people of Liberia and excellent training opportunities in 2023.

We are grateful for your partnership and thankful for your support. We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish as we continue to collaborate to bring hope and healing to the people of Liberia.

I continue to live in Liberia and it is my privilege to serve as the Country Director here.  We are dreaming big with Liberia to see all that may be possible.  We are trialing some new activities here to benefit the population.  My team size and members change over time depending on the projects happening.  I welcome your prayers for guidance, discernment, insight, and God’s wisdom as I live and serve here. 

Two Additional Prayer Requests: 

*Health and Safety for me, my team, and the people of Liberia 
*Safe Sailing for the Global Mercy
Serving together, Kofa Keith