Greetings from the Republic of Congo on the Africa Mercy for the last time as we  sail this weekend from this nation after the ten month field service.  One of my responsibilities is maintaining and publishing our statistics every week.  Below is a chart related to our surgical services.  Yes the numbers are important and I desire integrity with our statistics, but I never want to forget each number represents an adult or child (like those I visit in the wards) who has received healing physically and so much more for the whole-person.  The impact extends to the patient’s family, community and nation.

At the request of the president of the Republic of Congo, we formalized our healthcare education strategy and opportunities.  Through mentoring (one-on-one) and courses (designed for groups), we had 746 healthcare professionals who participated.  As I am working on the individual final project reports, I am reminded of the impact and difference the education is making as we address knowledge, skill and a professional and compassionate attitude.
Our Hospital Chaplaincy Team have ministered to all of our patients and caregivers, conducted over 1,600 individual counseling sessions.
Last Saturday was our final Mercy Ministries visit – I joined the team at Ngoyo Plaines Orphanage with the children and teens there (see the photo).  Our Jesus Film team shared the film based on the gospel of Luke and the discipleship videos in partnership with Navigators with over 2,800 people in Pointe-Noire – over 600 expressed a commitment or asked for prayer.  In total Mercy Ministries conducted 349 site visits with about 100 crew members every week participating.

It is a grateful heart for all that God has done this field service that I say ‘au revoir’ to the people of the Republic of Congo.
Please pray * Former patients  * Former day crew that they may find new employment  * Advance Team in Cotonou, Benin preparing for our arrival in August  * Safety and the completion of the work required in ship yard in Gran Canaria.