"Celebration of Sight" Worship at Hospitality House

Our visits officially ended today with a trip to the eye screening location in Lome' and a time of worship at the Hospitality House. Eye screenings take place in a sanctuary at a school of theology. About a thousand candidates for eye surgery arrive at the screening center twice a week where they are evaluated for treatment. Those who need surgery or treatment will then go to the hospitality house where they will be cared for or prepared for surgery. Those who have eye surgery are sent to the ship for the procedure and then return to the hospitality house to recover.

The hospitality house is used as a place of recovery once people who have had more serious surgeries have left the recovery wards of the ship. Their family members, who have also stayed with them on the ship, stay with them at the hospitality house.

The "Celebration of Sight" worship occurs every Friday. There was a small celebration today for us since we were present. There was singing of praise to God and dancing. With a translators help I learned that they were singing "Holy Spirit, come down" and "What God is so great that He does these things." It was a tremendous blessing to be a part of the celebration. I think that it was another highlight for us.

It is hard to tell in a still picture, but the people are singing and dancing. May Jesus Christ be praised!

We head home tonight and will arrive back in Tyler tomorrow evening. We hope to get some sleep as we fly to Paris through the night and then plan on staying awake as we cross the ocean gaining multiple hours on the way home.

This, most likely, will be my final blog for this trip. Thanks for following us. We look forward to telling the story of Mercy Ships when we arrive back at Marvin. Thanks again for sharing the adventure. I have attached a few more photos to enjoy:

A Drop in the Bucket

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." Colossians 3:23

Our team has been in a sacred place this morning and I am sure you will be reading more about it as the other team members share their reflections.

A common question of many: "Is what I am doing really matter when there is so much more to do?" Small acts of kindness seem like tiny drops of water in the bucket of life, and yet to those who step back and reflect on the greater picture, we know that through faith and the mystery of the Lord's blessing, these tiny drops of water cause ripples that go out and change a person forever.

Today, I had the privilege to meet a five year old whose life has been changed through the Mercy Ships ministry. This little girl was severely burned and disfigured in her face when she fell into a cooking fire. She is barely able to see through one eye. She lost her nose also in the accident.

We had the privilege to visit her in the recovery ward. She faces another surgery at the end of the week to reconstruct her nose. What is impressive about this young lady is not the medical miracle that is happening through her multiple surgeries or the future that is being given to her, but her joyful spirit.

Though currently disfigured in appearance, she is beautiful in spirit. In fact, she has learned from those who care for her to say, "I am beautiful!" She repeated this several times while we were with her, and it is absolutely true.

As our beloved senior pastor said upon leaving the room, "People look at outward appearances, but God looks at the heart." When God looks at this young lady, I am sure that God smiles. Her joyfulness is contagious, and despite her circumstances, she is full of life. She will share much love throughout her days. She has started her ministry at a very young age. The ripples that will go forth from her transformed life will be many.

My sincere affirmations to the nurses and translators who serve in these wards every day. Their patient love and care, their playfulness and joyful hearts are making a great impact in the lives of others. What makes this possible? The Great Physician to whom we all owe our lives.

I came to Mercy Ships to observe their ministry and offer encouragement to the many team members who serve here so faithfully. Today, a little girl ministered to me. Laughter, living in the moment...a simple drop of God's love into my heart.

Doug

Meet the Eye Team onboard the Africa Mercy

Mercy Ships is excited about the partnership with Marvin United Methodist Church and their vision for the MercyVision program.

The primary focus of the MercyVision program is educating medical professionals to increase access to eye care.

Our goal is to reduce the prevalence of blindness/low vision due to cataract and pterygium, and to build the capacity of the Togolese eye care system to achieve 13% of the Vision 2020 goal of 15,000 cataract operations per year.

In addition, all our surgical and curative programs aim to improve quality of life and ability to be productive (family and society).

Behind every program there is a dedicated and committed team whose desire it is to serve.

(photo to be added)

Dr. Glenn Strauss – Director of MercyVision and Director of Medical Education
Kim Strauss – Perioperative Ophthalmic Team Coordinator
Woody Hopper – Eye Specialist
Juan de Jesus Gonzalez - Operation and Material Coordinator for Eye Team
Shannon Hickey - Eye Team Coordinator
Linda James – Ophthalmic Technician

To learn more about each of these Eye Team members and how you can get involved, please click on their names.

Tuesday's Dental Clinic Visit

This morning we visited the Mercy Ships dental clinic located in town. The patients are screened on Mondays and Thursdays with dental work being done in the afternoons and on the days in-between. The dentists were mainly performing dental extractions of badly decayed teeth. Upon arrival at the clinic, the patients receive education on dental hygiene and some discipleship teaching. Following this, they are taken upstairs into the pictured room where they receive treatment. Each dentist has two chairs where they work on their pateints. There were eight chairs in all.

I met today and prayed with two of the patients. The dentist from the UK said that he prays with each person before he begins to work on them. He invited me to offer the prayer for the man before he began his work.

My most meaningful moment today is pictured below. I noticed as one of the men was having his teeth extracted that his hand was being held by one of the Mervy Ships crew members. As we were leaving, I said goodbye to Amanda and remarked how I had noticed her compassionate hand holding. I asked her if she was a dental assistant back home. "No," she explained, I am a second mate merchant marine officer. I was on the bridge yesterday during your tour."

Amanda's servant heart is just one example of the Mercy Ship crew. Everyone here is wiling to do what is needed to get the job done. More importantly, the work that is done is done with the love of Jesus Christ.

Thanks for the privilege of being here to represent Marvin.

Peace,

Doug

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Worship Treasures

God is moving in Africa! Yesterday we were blessed to be in several different worship settings - in the fishing village at a church meeting under a tin roof over the sand, with the entire Mercy Ships crew on the ship and then with the West African crew members who sang and shared their stories and friendship. My heart is still full!

Today we get to see the hospital in action. In addition to observing surgeries, we get to visit the recovery wards. I can't wait!

Melissa

Dr. Robbins with Dallas Cowboy Great Charlie Waters

Additional Reflections

It's Monday morning and there is a different feeling aboard ship. It is a workday. Many of the people came to breakfast in scrubs ready for medical work. I had breakfast with the senior chaplain who is a Salvation Army minister from Australia. He cares for the spiritual needs of the crew.

Last night's fellowship with the West African crew was amazing. About thirty crew members from various countries in Africa joined us for a time of fellowship. I had a nice conversation with Ebenezer and Comfort, a delightful couple from Ghana. He is an engineer on board and she works with the dental clinic as a discipler. He works down in the engine room while she talks with dental patients discussing dental hygiene and spiritual faith.

Today we will be visiting the hospital for the first time and will get to observe a surgery. We will also get to visit with the patients in the ward and hand out some of the Teddy bears that traveled with us in our luggage.

God is at work and we are privileged to have a front row seat. Worshipping with people from over 35 nations last night at Sunday evening devotions was a wonderful way to end Pentecost day.

Grace and Peace,

Doug

Pictures from Sunday Worship

Pentecost Sunday

What an experience. Worshipping with the people of a fishing village in an open-air facility singing praise to God on Pentecost Sunday. "Alleluia" and "Amen" are universal language in praising God. That would have been enough until the worship leader broke into the song "To God Be the Glory" and we joined along with the congregation. There is a beautiful spirit among the people here and the pastor has a vision for building a school on top of the completed sanctuary.

Will try to attach pictures that were taken this morning.

Happy Pentecost! He who began a good work will bring it to completion until the day of Christ's return. (Philippians 1:6)

Doug

African \worship

We had a three hour worship service in a fishing village! Three different men preached and we danced and sang...just like Marvin! No, it was much different from what we are used to, but it was a great time.

John

Pictures from Sunday Morning

Pictures from Worship

Sunday

This morning we went to a church service at the fishing village. The roads were sandy and the housing was scant. Some homes actually had thatched walls. Upon our arrival we could hear singing coming from within an unfinished concrete structure. Some of the walls were only a few feet tall, there were openings where windows and doors would eventually go and there was a sand floor. Many of the local people welcomed us in. I was one of the few coming in towards the rear and had my eye on a seat in the back. Just like in an American church, the front rows fill up last. One of the local women took my hand and led me to a chair up front. I was right next to the young men who were playing drums and the young girls playing gourds and the singing was exuberant. To say that this church was interactive was an understatement. There were dances at the front with just the women in the church. When they finished, just the men came up. After the men were done, the children came to the front and danced.

The preaching was done by what I would consider the senior pastor, then by another preacher and yet a third. As they all spoke, another gentleman would translate. The third preacher was very evangelical and impassioned in his sermon telling us that God has a plan for all of us. That the challenges we face are put there by God to direct us and make us stronger. God's eye is upon us each and every day bringing us to where He wants us to be. The preacher made a point to each of us visiting, that a year ago we had no idea that we would be sitting in an African church service today, but God knew.

This church has a vision. That vision is for this building to be completed including a second floor for a school for the children and church services on the first floor. They acknowledge that the children will attend the school and then bring their parents in to the church.

I don't foresee Dr. Baker and Dr. Robbins incorporating some the preaching techniques used today, but God's word always comes through with conviction and truth. No matter where you are.

Donna

Arrived in Togo and Aboard Ship

Dear Friends,

The Marvin Team arrived safely in Togo and boarded the Africa Mercy around 7:30 p.m. Lome' time. After eating, we received a briefing about emergency proceedures, received our name badges for the week and got settled into our rooms. We are five hours ahead of CST.

Tomorrow we will attend a church service at a fishing village, tour the ship, attend evening worship, and have a dessert social with the West African crew members. Met a nurse from North Carolina and a nurse from Canada, along with two dentists from Great Britain. The crew seems extremely nice and take hospitality seriously.

It was dark as we traveled from the airport to the ship so it was difficult to see much. Many people were out on the streets and there were many people on motorcycles. An aggressive driver cut us off in the airport parking lot and got an earful from the parking lot attendent.

Heading to bed. My roommate has probably already fallen asleep.

Looking forward to the worship tomorrow.

Grace and Peace,

Doug

Leaving Paris

Dear friends,

Did you know that keyboards in Europe are different than in the states? That is why this blog entry is so short. We are doing well after a short tour of Paris yesterday. We are heading to the airport now. We will write more once on the ship. Bon Voyage! The Team

At the airport!

Donna, Brooke from Mercy Ships, John, Melissa and Doug.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

The day is finally here! In just a few hours we will begin our journey which we take us from Tyler to Dallas to Paris, France and finally to Lome, Togo. The ship is docked in Lome. Several people have asked about the time difference. Togo is 5 hours ahead of Texas (and isn't that a nifty clock on the website?).

Thanks to everyone for their prayers, notes, calls, emails and support. All of our team takes your love with us to share with the people in Africa.

In hope and faith,
Melissa

Well, it appears that I am the last member of the Africa team to blog. This is my first time to ever blog also and it is a bit daunting to follow Dr. Baker's words. People have asked me if I am scared or worried about going on the trip. Nothing of that sort has ever crossed my mind. This journey has been blessed by God and Marvin UMC and I am excited about this opportunity and to be representing our church family. My only concern is this blogging. I worry that I will not be eloquent enough to share with each of you the picture of our experience. My prayer is that through our words, you too will feel and see and experience this journey with us. For without each of you, this venture is not possible. Observing the hearts and hands of Marvin reaching across continents and oceans to touch the lives of others who are so less fortunate than ourselves is overwhelming, humbling, and thrilling all at the same time. Thank you all for your graciousness and this opportunity to serve in His name. Donna

My first blog

This is it. The very first time I have had the privilege of blogging. It has been a powerful experience. Thank you for all the staff support. Oh yea, Africa, here we come. As you can read, blogging is clearly not my strength.

John Robbins

Pre-trip Reflections

I have a confession to make. I am not a blogger. Without explaining my reasons, I just wanted to make that statement. Those who visit my facebook page know this about me. There is not much there, and if you write on my wall, you may not get a quick reply.

I think that my communication preference has always been the personal conversation or face-to-face interaction. I believe that words are powerful and hold so much life within them. I guess, at times, I have felt that the overwhelming amount of "commentary" in our culture has lessened the value of words. With this in mind, I will do my best not to just add more words to the sea of communication that is a part of our world.

As I send my reflections through this blog to those who will be reading my updates, I will imagine in my mind that you are sitting across from me listening to what is being shared. There is a story that needs to be told about this trip, and I understand that this blog will be just one way in which the story is shared. I understand that my thoughts are just one drop in the bucket of many, many stories that are connected with the Mercy Ships Mnistry. I am hopeful that it is Christ who will be reflected in these stories and that God's glory will shine through his servants.

At staff meeting today, we prayed for the Mercy Ships team members and for our college trip leadership. In each corner of the conference room, John, Melissa, Jake and A.J., and myself stood with other staff members gathered around us placing hands on us and offering spontaneous prayers of blessing for our mission work. This along with the many well wishes and prayers offered for me on Sunday has started this trip off with the right spirit.

Thanks for praying for us.

Doug

"Preach the gospel always; if necessary, use words." St. Francis of Assisi

Prayer Board

On Monday, Scott Myers met with several of our team members and presented us with the Prayer Board. We were all overwhelmed with the prayers, blessings and good wishes from our Marvin friends. As someone wrote, "We are all going with you in spirit." AMEN!

Sunday Dedication

Our team was dedicated at early church on Sunday. What a joy to face the congregation and look out among the smiling faces! We can't wait to travel to Togo and represent our wonderful church! It was an additional joy when Scott Myers (our Marvin Mercy Ships Chairman) presented Jill Smith (Anchor Church Manager from Mercy Ships) a check for $5,000! We have raised $15,000 towards our goal of $50,000, thanks to Marvin Mission Hearts!

One Week and Counting!

One week from today John, Doug, Donna and I will begin an incredible journey! From Tyler to Togo - WOW! As a new Anchor Church Partner with Mercy Ships, we plan to experience all that we can while in Africa and come back to Marvin Church to share stories, experiences and possibilities of how we can be "in mission" with this outstanding ministry. It's time to make a packing list!

Melissa

Togo Eye Screening

Over 1,100 people wrapped around a Togolese church on the first day of eye screenings for the Mercy Ships Field Service in Togo, West Africa. They had a common purpose - the hope of restoring or improving their eyesight. That hope was focused on the eye clinic operated by the Africa Mercy volunteer crew and staff.

By the third week, potential patients were still pouring into the screenings. Eye screenings are held four times a week - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - at different locations. Approximately 250 people are screened each day, and about 10% of those are scheduled for surgery.

Conducting the eye screenings are Bob Hicks, Eye Specialist, and Alana Abernathy, Field Eye Team Coordinator. An estimated 30,000 potential patients will be screened in the 2010 Togo Field Service, with approximately 3,000 scheduled for eye surgery.

Screeners specifically look for several eye conditions. Cataracts (the leading cause of blindness in developing countries) cause a clouding in the lens of the eye. Another eye disease is pterygium, a non-cancerous growth that forms a layer over the white part of the eye. Screeners also look for patients who are experiencing extreme pain or have deformities of the eye. These patients will be scheduled for surgery to remove the eye and replace it with a prosthetic eye.

While screenings continue in Lomé, eye surgeries are already taking place onboard the Africa Mercy . In the first two weeks of field service, Dr Glenn Strauss performed 76 surgeries to remove cataracts and three surgeries for pterygium.

In addition to the screeners, the eye team includes administrative personnel, who schedule selected patients for surgery, and eight translators. The translators not only assist in communication, but also some of them will be trained to perform vision tests. The eye team also distributes sunglasses to protect the eyes of the patients from the intense African sun; they distributed 717 pairs in the first two weeks.

Sometimes patients cannot be helped with treatment or surgery. But they are given the opportunity for counseling and prayer with the Africa Mercy crew.

Yes, thousands have gathered, and there are more to come, as Mercy Ships delivers hope and healing to eye patients during the Togo Field Service.

Story: Mercy Ships 2010