Terry and I are relaxing in the back of the boat while Isaiah and Rachel were up front. Notice we still had our coats on; but the sun was shinning!

York Minster

Rachel and Isaiah in front of the York Minster. Travel half way around the world to spend time with a fellow Texan, Rachel is also volunteering with Mercy Ships.

Any time is Tea Time

Easter Holiday

Having a four day weekend during the Easter Holiday was pleasant. We visted a town called York about 2 hours south,and another day walked through the Alnwick Gardens. We took time to smell the flowers.

The Event

Mercy Ships Founder/President Don Stephens addressed the guests and dignitaries in attendance at the Commissioning Service on April 6th. Our role in the event was to greet the guests as they arrived on board the ship. We had a quick lesson on who to address as Lord, Dame, and her Excellancy. Afterwards Jean Campbell, the Medical Services Manager, gave a tour of the Recovery Ward and one of the Operating Theatres discribing their features. Over all the Commissioning Service was a success including the raising of $2,000,000 for the Africa Mercy.

British House of Lords member and Mercy
Ships UK Board Chairman, Lord Ian McColl,
served as host for the event. Dame Norma
Major, wife of former British Prime Minister
John Major, presided over the ceremony.
JC Penney Company CEO and Mercy Ships International Board Chairman Mike Ullman
gave the opening prayer. Special guest Mrs. Joseph Boakai, wife of the newly elected
Vice President of Liberia, brought greetings
and best wishes from Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

Communication Antenna

Today, March 17, our Satelite has been installed on deck 6. this system will provide telephone and internet access when we are in the middle of the sea and while we are on outreach in Africa.

Read all about it!

In October of last year we mentioned a journalist came to interview Terry and a few others on the Africa Mercy: well here it is! The article is published on the April issue of the Professional Mariner . You can read all about it; however you have to buy the magazine to see Terry's picture.

Pastor Gary in Benin

While in Benin last year, Terry met with Pastor Joseph and heard his desire to partner with our church in El Paso, Restoration Fellowship. Upon hearing of Joseph's desire, Pastor Gary Wilcox contacted him and they agreed to work together. Pastor Gary with Dr. Joe Moreno and his son Tony set out to Benin ministering God's Love that crosses cultural and national boundaries. Returning from their two week trip to Africa, they spent an evening in Northern England to tour the Africa Mercy and tell of us of their experience. This is an email from Pastor Joseph a few days after our visitors left.

Beloved Terry,

I am excited to intimate you with these few lines of missive. The good news is that the proposed visit/ crusades of pastor Gary and his team brought a great impact to both our church and the Nation. I give thanks to the Almighty GOD for using you to organise this programme; May HE richly bless you. I hope that when next they will come both you and your wife will also come with them. How about your services with the mercy ships, hope all is well. Extend my greetings to your family and friends on the board.Our church members are greeting you together with Okay.

THANKS

Pastor Joseph

KLGM BENIN

Holey Ship!

Isaiah cut a very big hole in the side of the funnel for the 11ft tall by 4ft wide air tank to stand inside. The 3000 liter tank to store surgical air for the hospital. On the right the tank can be seen in its final position.