Hospital Open House ‘my suture lessons’

Last night the Health Care Services Department had an Open ‘House’ in the hospital on board the Africa Mercy. All of the crew were able to see the various rooms and spaces, from the 6 operating theatres to the lab, pharmacy, the 5 wards, CT Scan room, XRay room. In one of the ORs we were able to receive lessons in suturing and so my teacher and OR Supervisor Kylie B from New Zealand gave me lessons in 3 types of sutures. I can’t say I did very well.

International Lounge on the Africa Mercy


Int’l Lounge AFM
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

Our International Lounge is used for our weekly community meetings, our times of devotions, prayer and communications and project reporting times and other large meetings. This is also where we host the Heads of States and others who come to visit the ship and to learn more of the ministry. Both the Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy had International Lounges, but not this large.

Don and Fredene Scott


Don and Fredene
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

Wedding photo of my friends Don and Fredene (Bishop) Scott who joined in marriage on the 9th of June in Washington State. I have known Fredene for years for when she came to serve on the Caribbean Mercy and then we served together on the Anastasis. Don was served with Mercy Ships at the Canadian National Office and then came to both the Anastasis in Ghana and the Africa Mercy in England. We are excited for them both.

Last Supper on ANA


Last Supper on ANA
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

Sunday night we had the last supper on the m/v Anastasis. Our menu included roast beef, gravy, roasted potatoes, broccoli, carrots and dessert of chocolate cake or upside down pineapple cake. They had various old pictures of the m/v Anastasis, the Victoria when she was a cruise ship to Asia in the 60’s and 70’s. Starting tomorrow, all meals will be on the Africa Mercy even for those who still live on the Anastasis. Clementine (Ghana/Togo), Brenda (South Africa) and Sherry (US) are in the photo.

Gaye Town Medical Clinic Work Day

I spent Saturday with Rene Tolno, our project team leader, working at the medical clinic we are constructing in Gaye Town. This project is in partnership with Gracie Reeves Memorial Baptist Church who has been operating a basic medical clinic one day a week from their church building. This clinic will allow more services to the people in the community. We are anticipating completion later this month. Rene was my boss man and had me painting, cleaning flooring and driving to the hardware store for more paint, tiles and screws.

Cross from the ANA and Deyon

At the beginning the Passing the Torch ceremony from the gangway of the m/v Anastasis, Dr Gary Parker raised the cross from the Anastasis bow high above his head. Forever going before us, the cross is passed from one hand to the next; it too will lead us at the front of the Africa Mercy. The photo shows Deyon Stephens, one of our co-founders, receiving the cross on the m/v Africa Mercy.