I heard this little story last night from a crew member onboard the Africa Mercy and it goes like this:
Early one morning a young girl was walking along an African beach where thousands of starfish had been stranded on the shore by the receding tide. She started throwing some back into the sea. A man walking along the beach said to her – “what a waste of time, you will make no difference; they are all going to die”. The little girl replied “but it will make a difference to this one, and this one, and that one” as she continued to throw starfish back into the welcoming waves.
- Dr. Keith Thomson- Consultant Anaesthetist (from the UK)
I feel like this story reflects the work of Mercy Ships in a number of ways. Although we can’t possibly help everyone in need, we are making a difference in the lives of many. My intention for this next blog entry is to share and highlight what Mercy Ships has done the last several months for
the people of Guinea (and surrounding countries)
and how they continue to impact this Nation.
On September 3rd, 2012, Mercy Ships held a mass screening day at the Guinea Palais du Peuple (the People’s Palace). This building/arena is a venue where important events are held in Conakry (capital city of Guinea). Unfortunately I wasn’t here for screening day this field service so I’m unable to comment on it directly. With that said, I have heard from various people who were involved what a success that day was! After spending time working on the wards the last couple weeks, I can personally say that I’ve seen the results of September 3rd and the various other smaller scale screening days that have been held. Check out this link and watch a short video taken that day….a day that changed so much for so many!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkv3U9MtBSugkXMb8kgz0U8jnIc9jpex4K-MFGXh5Uj3WqnaGEl4Y-4WUZS6TUyN11b-VqSzQqrRdn7qIYWjIlN_3ht6gcJO8swSiYazUwEmEfhNroIRX4dxXtr3QVDh5DX0vDBxT96CF/s320/GNC120903_SCREENING_DAY_MM0199_LO.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7-QXEek7R-18IqmN8XHJo78DTjTJ6a0WU21bd3Utbus9mgpqT6LmBVKAidSW_K9uZ2Dox-6U8Nis1aajTfU3WagQXPMocjcVSfO-aS-fKc3plgEqFiz29tXqEcvLuptMwrgyWSeE5F3p/s400/GNC120903_SCREENING_DB0362_LO.jpg)
This info comes from the Africa Mercy Programs Project Progress Report and reflects the various surgeries, services, and procedures that have occurred in Guinea over the last several months (from August 22nd, 2012 to March 2nd, 2013).
Mercy Vision
Mercy Vision
Cataract Surgeries = 1, 175
Pterygium Surgeries (benign growth of the conjunctiva) = 59
Strabismus (crossed-eyes) Surgeries = 4
Other Eye Surgeries = 21
Eye Evaluations & Treatments = 12,801
Distribution- UV Blocking Sunglasses = 463
Distribution of Reading Glasses = 1,147
Distribution of Prescription Glasses = 106
Refraction- Routine Eye Exams = 565
Outlook of Hope
Maxillofacial Surgeries = 322
Cleft Repair Surgeries = 121
Physical & Occupational Therapy Services = 28
Plastic Reconstructive Surgeries = 18
Physical & Occupational Therapy Services = 271
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Burn Injury |
Specialized Surgical Solutions
General Surgeries (including Hernia repairs) = 202
Hope Reborn
Fistula- VVF/RVF Surgeries = 63
VVF (Vesicovaginal Fistula)
RVF (Rectovaginal Fistula)
Orthopedic Surgeries = 116
Ponseti Clubfoot Corrections = 51
Physical Therapy Services = 1,556
Palliative Care
Home Care for terminally ill patients/people = 26
Mercy Ministries
Partner Ministry Site Visits = 204
Guinea Smiles
Dental Care- tooth decay, infections = 30,029 procedures
Clinical Dental Hygiene Services = 613
Dentures/Replacements = 547
Hospital Chaplaincy
One-on-one Counseling Sessions- 2,765
Bibles Distributed = 124
One-on-one HIV Counseling Sessions = 385
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsNgYPAmhYKQ_fUtbq_q-Q6ubW1rRPG-ws8MMupLJPG3p7HGKY9_B8IL6g6G6s7PPKMsMvaQTDIj6NVrSPJtkUdYy9cI3Rv5DcxmpmXOrmxDfp66kY5MR6FgJVRCIoNntThSPzBdQaU54/s320/GNC120903_SCREENING_DB0287_LO.jpg)
The work that has been done with respect to Training & Capacity Building is an excellent example of this. Various local African surgeons and medical personnel have been welcomed to work alongside Mercy Ship crew for mentorship and training. These include surgeons (ophthalmic, maxilla-facial, plastic, orthopedic, VVF), anesthetists, nurses, nurse anesthetists, dental students, sterile processing technicians, and dental assistants (to name some).
This truly starts the cycle for positive change! Please pray for strength, commitment, team building, and collaboration for those who choose to pursue this mission and continue to educate others.
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A few other favorite photos