Today, after 8 years of waiting, the AFrica Mercy, the worlds newest and largest non-govermental hospital ship, set sail and has safely arrived in Rotterdam on route to Liberia, West Africa.
For me, as for some of my friends I feel proud to have been part of the ministry of Mercy Ships and to have supported this endevour in prayer right from early on. To actually watch videos of her sailing out of Newcastle, where she has been berthed for such a long time was a spectacular moment and a fulfilment of so many of God's promises.
ON the other hand this new beginning also marks the beginning of the end of the Anastasis, my much loved home for a year, before I met Chris. When the Africa Mercy arrives in Liberia the Anastasis will be stripped of all her worldly possessions and then decommissioned and quite possibly sunk out there in an African graveyard! I know it's only a hunk of metal but it is sad that such a beautiful ship that has seen so many amazing things has to end her life in such a way.
Whilst I'm sure that the Africa Mercy will be just as good, if not better, at providing care and help for communities in Africa, she will never hold the same majestic glory of the ex-cruise ship, the Anastasis but, I hope, that the same attitude of love, fellowship and community will be fostered on this bigger and newer ship so that the Mercy SHip family and mission can continue to grow and develop in Africa and maybe, possibly, (who knows when) across the world. Here's a great set of pictures on the BBC
1 comment:
Ahhh, that's nice.
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