Ships of Mercy: Bringing Hope & Healing to the World's Forgotten Poor by Don Stephens

I had no idea of the complexity required to get a hospital ship ready. In SHIPS OF MERCY, Don Stephens and the team explain the beginnings of Mercy Ships, discussing the early, smaller ships, and continuing onto the giant African Mercy. The authors explain all the long legal hurdles, equipment problems, staffing issues, money--you name it. This was a HUGE ordeal getting this organization off the ground.

There are also numerous stories that document the many lives changed as a result of Mercy Ships. It is almost unbearable to read the stories of these poor people with terrible diseases--who are then helped with surgery on the ship. There are also some inspiring photos with "before and after" pictures showing you the results. Really awesome!

Africa Mercy

Some of the children have diseases that we never see here in the U.S. Several children had legs that actually were backwards! Another person had a tumor so large they could barely breathe! Afterwards, their face looked normal (and happy!)

All in all, I found SHIPS OF MERCY to be an inspiring, informative book. The rear of the book contains schematic illustrations of several mercy ships, as well as a future ship.

All I can say is, "Bravo to the Mercy Ships team!"

For more information, see Mercyships.org

The new Atlantic Mercy