The Mercy Minute

When a lump appeared on 5-month-old Memunatu's neck, her mother, Aminata, was immediately concerned.

When Prince was 7 years old, he became near-sighted and all he could see were faint shapes.

What does mercy look like? 

When walking through the wards, nurse Rachel noticed a patient whose massive smile lit up the room.

Yesterday was National Trivia Day…so let's celebrate with some fun Mercy Ships trivia! 

Children who are receiving free, reconstructive plastic surgery usually have a prolonged stay on board our ships.

Happy New Year from Mercy Ships!

It's not midnight yet — but here at Mercy Ships, we're starting the celebration early.

Francis was 6 months old when his mother, Hannah, noticed a rash on his nose. 

At just 10 years old, Isabelle carried a simple dream: to walk like other children. 

As a parent, it's heartbreaking to watch your child suffer.

Have you ever wondered what Christmas is like on a Mercy Ship? 

This Christmas Eve, joy is shining brightly aboard the Mercy Ships.

The prison doors in Guinea slammed shut behind a teenage boy.

Beth Kirchner is a teacher on a Mercy Ship in Africa. 

When Armella was born with a tumor behind her ear, her mother was filled with worry.

On a Mercy Ship, you can find volunteers from more than 60 countries.

Thirteen-year-old Mohamed from Sierra Leone was devastated when he suddenly developed knock knees. 

At Mercy Ships, our goal isn't just providing free medical care. 

Is there a certain bible verse that brings you comfort? 

Rolando and Josefina had known hardship their whole lives. 

After a long, hard day on the construction site, frustration was building among the Mercy Ships volunteer team. 

Join me with your imagination in a small room aboard one of our hospital ships docked in Africa. 

Several years ago, Mercy Ships volunteers decided they wanted to leave a lasting legacy of healing — one that would continue to transform lives long after our hospital ship had sailed away. 

Alberto was frustrated.

24-year-old Hari felt like she was being left behind.  

Franco worked as a shoeshine boy when he first met volunteers from Mercy Ships. 

Can you imagine being so moved by gratitude that you burst into song?

On board a Mercy Ship, healing goes farther than an operating room. 

Today is the first of December… how does that make you feel?  

Black Friday is here, and many of us are searching for that perfect Christmas gift.

The turkey... the house guests... the pile of dishes...  It's easy to get caught up in the Thanksgiving chaos and forget to pause and reflect on what matters most.  

Years ago, Mercy Ships was serving in Guatemala when we met an energetic 109-year-old lady named Juana.  

In just one week, people around the world will join together for something special — Giving Tuesday. 

Terance was walking along a beach in Sierra Leone when she noticed something strange. 

13-year-old Ruth was born in Sierra Leone with severely bowed legs.

Sometimes a single act of service can open the door to so much more. 

One day, a woman stopped by a Mercy Ships booth at a medical conference.

Here at Mercy Ships, it takes an incredible team to bring hope and healing, including our dedicated volunteers and supporters. 

Mohamed was an energetic child who loved playing with his friends.

What's the most exciting phone call you've ever received?

Here at Mercy Ships, we're following the 2,000-year-old model of Jesus to bring hope and healing.

In Sierra Leone, Mercy Ships volunteers stopped at the Freetown Hospital.

Have you ever reconnected with an old friend and felt like no time had passed at all? 

Everything was a blur for little Tina.

Fabrino, a little boy from Madagascar, was born with bowed legs.

Many of the patients we see in West Africa have spent their lives hidden away because of their physical deformities that have imprisoned them in a world of isolation.

Little Cheikh was only 2 years old and a bundle of energy.

Kathy had been reading about Jesus and His compassion for others.

One day aboard a Mercy Ship, we overheard something beautiful in our hospital wards.

Sasa never imagined she'd see Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.

A young man named Daniel was blinded when his angry wife threw caustic soda into his eyes.

Our volunteers come to us eagerly looking for ways to change another's life.

Hawa was a little girl when she came aboard our flag ship, the Anastasis, in 2005. 

When Emmanuel first heard about Mercy Ships, he was interested in the idea of trying something new.

When David first stepped on board a Mercy Ship, the young boy was quiet.

Isn't it wonderful when God makes our dreams come true? 

On a special day in 2007, a patient was guided up the gangway of the Africa Mercy. 

It takes great courage for some of our patients to arrive on our hospital ships alone. 

Emmanuel's father once dreamed his son would become a doctor.

Roseline gave birth in a rice field, far from any hospital.

There's a lot of work to do on a Mercy Ship when we arrive in a country to bring free medical care.

Many years ago, while the Africa Mercy was in South Africa, there was a severe drought impacting the farming community.

 Volunteer doctor, David Chong, shared a moving sentiment recently. 

Meet Mohamed, a caring husband and father of four.

When someone climbs up the gangway and steps onto a Mercy Ship for the first time, there's one phrase we hear over and over: "Something is different here. I can't explain it, but something is different here." 

Fall is here!

Would you join me today in a prayer for patients receiving surgery on Mercy Ships' hospital ships? 

In a remote village, a mother watches her son struggle.

Years ago, when Mercy Ships was just getting started, a natural disaster left a group of refugees struggling to survive.

Today is World Smile Day!

At Mercy Ships, our hospital ships sail to Africa to provide free surgeries for those in need. 

Amara grew up in Sierra Leone with legs so bent that walking was painful.

Our mission at Mercy Ships is bringing hope and healing to people in need.

By the time Marie turned 80, she had endured deep heartbreak.

Three-year-old Armane was born with a cleft lip; a condition no one in his village in Madagascar had seen before.

Listen to this powerful story from a Mercy Ships volunteer surgeon: 

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last."

Isn't it amazing how God uses tragedy for good? 

Marion is three years old and her smile lights up every room.

In the Western world, children born with bowed legs are often treated early and effectively.

Have you ever dreamed of working in a Christ-centered community?

Being a parent is a rewarding journey.

Back in the 80s, a woman named Barb saw a printed ad for Mercy Ships.

Miata was 40 years old when she noticed a lump on her neck — the size of a lime.

Twelve-year-old Aminata from Sierra Leone has known more heartbreak than most. 

For six years, Hawa carried the weight of a growing goiter — physically and emotionally. 

What if you lived your whole life without ever seeing a dentist?

When you were younger, did you ever think your teachers lived at school?

Lusette carries herself with quiet strength.

In James 1:3, we read that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. 

In the developing countries where Mercy Ships serves, medical care is out of reach for millions.

What do a box of silver and a piece of mail have in common?

Mercy Ships' mission sounds like it shouldn't work. 

When Deborah's mom first asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she thought hard… but couldn't find an answer.

If you're able, I want you to make a fist with your hand. Now, place that fist on your chest. 

You've probably heard the saying, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."

Have you ever been on board a ship?

What if your childhood home wasn't a house… but a hospital ship? 

Since Mercy Ships began in 1978, we've performed over 122,000 free surgeries on our hospital ships.