On the tenth day of ChurchMag’s Twelve Days of Christmas (learn more), I would like to introduce you to a ship.
Yes.
A ship.
Mercy Ships
Referring to Mercy Ships as only ‘ships’ is an understatement.
These are actually floating hospitals, as they mobilize and aid developing nations around the world.
Since starting in 1978, Mercy Ships have ported 575 times while impacting 2.9 million people with life-changing surgeries, medical aid and on-going community development.
From the Mercy Ships website:
“An estimated ONE BILLION people lack access to even basic health care. They are plagued by preventable disease, untreated illnesses and neglected injuries. Even a simple toothache can become a life-threatening crisis.”
Mercy Ships offers a solution:
“Access to good medical care is the key to providing desperately needed hope and healing. But how can that be accomplished in countries without basic supporting infrastructure—including a clean water supply, a reliable source of electricity and trained medical professionals. The answer began in a dream of a hospital ship, a self-contained instrument of mercy that would take highly qualified volunteers to the people who need them most. That dream became Mercy Ships. Through the compassion of volunteers and donors, the 2,000-year-old example Jesus set of caring for the poor is being lived out on a daily basis.”
What an awesome organization!
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Technically Speaking
Technically speaking, Mercy Ships is an impressive operation. Think about what it must take to keep a floating hospital on the move and operational. From the medical staff to the crew members, Mercy Ships gives me a little bit of an oohh and awe feeling when I think about it.
Imagine what the world would be like if there was as many Mercy Ships as cruise ships?
This Christmas
This Christmas is a perfect time to support Mercy Ships! During the month of December, every dollar you give will be matched–up to $1 million dollars.
They also have a few other cool ways you can support them online:
Mercy Ships Online Store: Merchandise
Browse through the online Mercy Ships merchandise and find some cool gear!
Mercy Ships Online Store: Catalog
Or, take a look at the Mercy Catalog and give to something specific.
You can also support Mercy Ship crew members!
This Christmas, please consider supporting Mercy Ships. There’s a lot of great ways to show them your support as they do an amazing work around the world.
Learn more on the Mercy Ships website.
[If you’re participating in ChurchMag’s Twelve Days of Christmas, tell us who you’re spreading the word about, today, and leave a link to your blog post in the comments below so we can read about it! If you just learned about ChurchMag’s Twelve Days of Christmas, don’t be shy, you can jump in and join us at any time.]
John Wilkerson says
Give a goat for Christmas with OxFam! http://www.thewiredhomeschool.com/2012/12/12-days-of-giving-day-ten-oxfam-america/
IHRG says
Freeset — In Business for Freedom: http://ihrg.org/freeset-in-business-for-freedom/
Eric Dye says
Harvest of Hope — http://dyecasting.it/on-the-tenth-day-of-christmas/