The end of 2024 is upon us. We have safely arrived at Durban, another transition in a year of transitions for us. Thankfully, we all avoided seasickness. The Durban, South Africa shipyards are not as civilian-friendly as our pier in Toamasina is. Looking back, it’s incredible to think about some of our tremendous obstacles and accomplishments, either as a family or as part of the Mercy Ships mission.
In Madagascar, we arrived during a time of uncertainty and transition. With no signed protocol on the horizon, the remaining crew prepared for the worst but hoped for the best. While Mercy Ships and the Malagasy government got the protocol signed during the deadline’s closing hours, it didn’t prevent the hospital from closing for September.
Despite the setbacks, Africa Mercy achieved 96% of its adjusted service target despite only having 83% of the required staff levels. That translates into 727 surgeries for 645 patients, getting the life-changing care they needed. We’ve heard countless stories of people who praise God thanks to the new life they received from Mercy Ship’s surgeons. These patients now return home free of the stigma, shame, and abandonment they felt because of their tumors, bowed legs, burn scars, and other medical needs. In addition to providing surgery, the Africa Mercy was able to host local nurses and anesthetists, delivering 4500 hours of medical training and hands-on experience to Malagasy professionals. Given how understaffed our Education, Training, and Advocacy team was, it was an incredible feat. God truly performed a miracle of multiplication for the team.
On the dental side, a small but mighty team performed 1,595 dental checkups and procedures. They brought smiles to Malagasy people afflicted by the daily pain of dental-related issues. The AFM eye team performed dozens of cataract surgeries, restoring vision to both young and old. Seeing and hearing the reactions of people getting clear vision for the first time in their lives or having their vision restored after years of blindness is humbling and heartwarming.
As a family, we look back on 2024 and marvel at everything we’ve seen. From waiting (im)patiently for the call in the early years, the frantic weeks building and packing our Canadian lives, to a campus in Texas for training, then off on three flights halfway around the world to an African island in the Indian Ocean. We are amazed at God’s grace along the way. We see His hand along the path as we look back, preparing the path for our plans. Like the other volunteers who climb the Africa Mercy’s gangway, God has called us here for a purpose. That purpose is to further His mission in Madagascar and wherever else the Africa Mercy sails.
And it is that mission that we ultimately celebrate. It’s hard to measure the impact our interactions with the Malagasy people actually had, especially the spiritual one. But we know with confidence there are more now who call on the name of Jesus as Lord than when we first arrived. We know because we’ve heard of a man who, despite several months of waiting, was unable to get his surgery in 2024. His reaction? He praised Jesus for his time at the Hope Center, where he met and accepted him as his personal saviour. These stories energize us, though they are difficult to capture in numbers and statistics.
We pray for peace and patience as we navigate this chaotic maintenance period. We pray for continued wisdom and guidance for the leaders in Mercy Ships at all levels as they seek God’s will for the organization. We pray for the Malagasy people. For holistic physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental healing. We pray for a safe return to Madagascar in February and a quick setup period, and a kickoff to the 2025 field service. We give thanks for a complete IT team in 2025, for volunteers responding to God’s call on their lives. We give thanks for his protection, his provision, and his love. We thank you for joining us on this journey throughout 2024, and we look forward to whatever 2025 has in store.
Please consider closing out 2024 or starting 2025 off by supporting us in prayer and financially. Our goal for 2025 covers the entire year and restarts our fundraising efforts with Mercy Ships Canada. Those already giving monthly will roll over into 2025, and we’re so thankful for that regular support. Prayerfully consider donating here.
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