This year, one of the goals in Programs is to maximize the efficiency of the Africa Mercy hospital. Particularly, the hospital staff struggle with the numbers in our wards and even having to limit surgeries as we do not have the ward space for the patient’s recovery. So our new Hospital Manager and many others came up with the concept of an off-ship housing unit. This lead to what we now have as our Hospitality Center. The Hospitality Center, (also known as the HC), is a non-medical, temporary, housing unit for approximately 38 national residents who will have a stay prior to hospitalization for an in- and outpatient surgical procedure(s). This unit is also be used by national residents who have had surgery on the ship and for logistical reasons, may need non-medical housing in between outpatient visits to the ship, especially for those from the central and northern parts of Benin. The photo shows a representative from the Ministry of Health and he stopped to talk with my new friend Sumano and his father.
Visit of the French Ambassador
Last week on Wednesday, we had the honor and privilege to host the French Ambassador to Benin along with some of his staff on board the Africa Mercy. Our Hospital Manager gave an extensive tour of the Hospital, we shared with them two short presentations in French including the one I prepared for the President and then we had refreshments together. While visiting with his staff, I tried my limited words in French, but then we switched to English.
Church Leaders’ Conference Cotonou
Currently, we are hosting a three day Church Leaders’ Conference here in Cotonou, Benin. The theme of the conference is Partnership in Holistic Ministry. Our main speaker is Pastor Chris from Ghana and we have over 300 church leaders in attendance. I have been assisting with registration of our participants.
Yvonne Riddick Farewell
At the close of our Yvonne Riddick Farewell party, we took some photos. In this photo you see (Left to Right) Agnes, Jannette, Yvonne herself, me, Andrea, Comfort and Rene (sorda cut off some). In the front is Joycee and Israel. It will be hard to see her go as we have served together at on the Caribbean Mercy, Anastasis and here on the Africa Mercy.
Yvonne Riddick Farewell
Last night, between 40-50 people gathered for a farewell party for Yvonne Riddick as she is leaving. I first met her in 2000 in La Union, El Salvador where she was a part of a large Crossroads Discipleship Training School. Later she returned as crew on the Caribbean Mercy. Following enjoying some refreshments, we had over an hour of people sharing memories and experiences and encouragements for Yvonne. We closed the evening all gathered around her praying for her and this transition that she is approaching.
Length of Service Award
Last Tuesday at our morning devotions, Don & Deyon Stephens (our founders) and Ken & Ann Berry (our director on board) presented about 15 length of service awards – 5 years, 10 years, 15 years and 20 years. I received my 20 year service award – which was a large framed Mercy Ships painting. My 20th anniversary with Mercy Ships actually is in September of this year.
West African Dinner Dancing
At the West African Dinner, our fellow crew members from West Africa led the worship and of course with worship and music there is dancing. Some of the rest of us joined in but I know for me, I just don’t have the rhythm. In this photo – you see Rene on the guitar in the background, then L-R Comfort, Gina, Jannette and Esther.
West African Dinner
For this past week, we have been hosting visitors from Switzerland and Norway on board. Last night for their final dinner, the Public Relations and Stewards departments put on the ‘West African Dinner’. We enjoyed African food, worship led by our West Africans, various prayers for West Africa (which I was able to lead), prayers for our guests and for our leaders.
President’s Visit to the ship
On Friday evening, we had the privilege and honor to host the President of Benin on board the ship. Following the speeches in our International Lounge, he was given a tour of the hospital – in this photo you see him (tall man on the right side of the photo) visiting with some of his citizens recovering from their surgeries in the hospital wards.
Screening Surgical in the Stadium
From the lines outside to inside the stadium for surgical screening – over 2,500 potential patients came to the screening. My role was just inside the stadium to direct patients and others to the right direction. This photo was taken from my view at the entry – you are looking at primarily the registration tables and medical histories.