“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” – Ephesians 4:32
Mercy Ships is an international ministry that is committed to bringing hope and healing to communities around the world that desperately need quality medical care. They provide surgeries on their medical ships, as well as work to strengthen the medical care of local communities. The medical staff on the Mercy Ships are mostly volunteer medical professionals from around the world. They have had a significant impact on the world.
Aly Hogarth-Hall is a nurse from New Zealand. She has volunteered aboard a Mercy Ship on several occasions. 20 years ago, Aly was in Sierra Leone with other medical personnel from the volunteers on a Mercy Ship. Aly learned about a woman named Catherine who was in labor and in desperate need of advanced medical help. Catherine was not able to afford the procedure to safely deliver her child. Aly knew both mom and daughter would die if the surgery was not performed, so she went back to her group and was able to collect the money necessary to make the surgery happen.
Soon, Catherine’s beautiful daughter, Regina, was born. They were deeply thankful to Aly and a wonderful friendship developed because of the compassion that Aly showed to Catherine and Regina. Recently, a wonderful reunion took place. Catherine and Regina, who now live in Australia, volunteered to work aboard a Mercy Ship. As they boarded the ship, they saw Aly, the nurse who saved their lives 20 years ago. They would all now be serving together to bring the same hope and healing that Catherine and Regina experienced from Aly.
Our calling is to share the love and hope of Christ with the world. When we volunteer our time and talents to help others, we make a difference. When we are generous and give, we can bless ministries and people. The surgery that saved Catherine and Regina cost $86 dollars. Aly saw their need and collected enough to save two lives. Because of Aly’s compassionate work, two wonderful people are now helping to bring hope to people in need. Our service and generosity, combined with compassion, can make a difference. We can share God’s love and bring hope to the world.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
