Clement Johnson’s Day of Fulfillment
Grace, a slender young woman with a kind smile, had been praying continuously for a miracle. Her son Clement had been born with a disfiguring cleft lip and an eye malformation.
Grace was grateful that Clement had adapted so well to his eye condition and that he was not experiencing any discomfort. But when it came to Clement’s cleft lip, Grace was gravely concerned. Clement’s misshaped mouth made it difficult for him to eat. She was well aware that the social impact would make the situation even worse. As Clement grew older, he would be the target of many taunts and ridicule. Grace felt a mother’s pain as she visualized her son’s future. She fully realized how much he needed help.
Then, according to Grace, “a miracle happened.” At a patient screening day, Mercy Ships doctors examined Clement. Within days the baby boy received a free surgery to repair his cleft lip. In fact, he was one of the very first hospital patients during this field service in Togo. “My prayers were answered in the Africa Mercy hospital ship_,_” his mother said with quiet joy.
Now, as Clement slumbered peacefully in his mother’s arms, his breathing was clear and strong. Grace felt so blessed, and her heart almost burst with joy. She exclaimed, “Today is a day of fulfillment for my son!”
Another special part of this story lies in how Grace heard that the big white hospital ship was coming to Togo. It all started when Grace took Clement to the Bè-Anfamé Maternal Health Clinic for his routine weigh-in. Mercy Ships played a big role in the clinic’s existence. Two years before, Mercy Ships had restored and renovated the building to serve as a short-term home for pre-operative and post-operative patients. It was called the HOPE (Hospital Out-Patient Extension) Center. This freed up precious hospital bed space onboard the Africa Mercy, allowing more surgeries to be completed.
Then, when Mercy Ships completed its stay in Togo, the HOPE center space was turned back to the Togolese Ministry of Health. The now fully functional and modernized space became the home of the Bè-Anfamé Maternal Health Clinic. New mothers from the entire district can now access vital assessments, vaccinations and health counseling for their newborns.
The posters about the upcoming Mercy Ships screening had just been posted the very morning that Grace and Clement came to the clinic. And now, just a few short weeks later, Clement had been healed!
Grace was already thinking ahead to the jubilant return home. “Francisca, my precious five-year-old daughter, is at home with my sister Afi. I am so eager to see them both and let them see how Clement is made better by Mercy Ships. Francisca loves her little brother so much and will be dancing to see him healed,” she happily predicted.
As if on cue, Clement roused from his sleep. The baby immediately reached for his mother, letting out a chortle at the new ease of taking nourishment.

"HEY YOU!!!! YES YOU!!! WANT A HOT DOG?????" THIS IS ME AND EMMA ON THE DOCK GRILLING DOGS FOR THE CREW AND THE DAY WORKERS!!! THIS WAS A GREAT EVENT THAT INCLUDED FOOD, MUSIC AND AN INSPIRING MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPLAINS!! AMEN TO GETTING TOGETHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS!!!!!!!!!!

THIS HAS BEEN AN EXCITING FIELD SERVICE SO FAR!!!! LOTS OF FOOD, FUN AND FRIENDS!!! MY HEART IS ALSO SAD THIS MONTH BECAUSE IT MARKED THE LEAVING OF THREE OF MY CLOSEST MERCY SHIP BUDDIES; BECCA, EMMA, AND JOSH!! THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE AS MERCY SHIPS CREW MEMBERS HAVE TO LEARN TO DEAL WITH. BECAUSE WE ARE A VOLUNTEER MINISTRY WE HAVE A HIGH TURNOVER RATE ON SHIP. GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE AND GETTING CLOSE TO THEM IS HARD. SOME PEOPLE COME FOR TWO WEEKS, SOME SIX MONTHS AND OTHERS(LIKE ME) ARE HERE FOR THE LONG TERM OF TWO YEARS PLUS!!! THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW ME KNOW THAT I NORMALLY DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM MAKING FRIENDS BUT I DO HAVE A PROBLEM LETTING PEOPLE GET REALLY CLOSE(WORKING ON THAT). NOW THAT I HAVE REALLY DEDICATED MYSELF TO SERVING THE LORD I HAVE BEGUN TO LET PEOPLE IN AND WITH THAT COMES THE HARD PART OF LETTING PEOPLE GO. THE LORD IS REALLY WORKING ON ME IN ALL AREAS OF MY LIFE AND THIS ONE IS HARD. SO THIS MONTH I WOULD LIKE TO ASK ALL OF YOU TO KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS IN ASKING THE LORD TO HELP ME TO OPEN UP MORE BUT TO ALSO LEARN TO LET GO. THANK YOU TO ALL MY SUPPORTERS AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU!!!

WELL IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO POST ANYTHING SO LET ME START BY SAYING HELLO!!!! GREETINGS FROM LOME', TOGO!!!! THIS IS THE START OF A NEW FIELD SERVICE THAT WILL KEEP US HERE FOR 6 MONTHS. THE TRANSITION HAS BEEN SO HECTIC THAT I HAVE NOT HAD A MOMENT TO SLOWDOWN OR EVEN BREATH. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED PRAYER AND SUPPORT!!! WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1 WE HAD A MASS MEDICAL SCREENING AND IT WAS OVERWHELMING!!! THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LOOKING FOR AND GRASPING AT HOPE IN AND THROUGH MERCY SHIPS!!!! WHAT A FEELING, TO SEE ALL THESE PEOPLE WAITING FOR MAYBE THEY'RE ONLY CHANCE TO SEE A DOCTOR THAT COULD CHANGE THE WAY THEY HAD LIVED FOR YEARS!!! GOD BLESS THOSE WHO CAME. MY FRIEND NICOLE IS A STAFF WRITER AND WROTE A BLOG THAT I WANT TO SHARE ON MY BLOG:

Screening Day and the Reality of Togo
There are times when, even as a writer, it is hard to find words to explain an experience. There are moments when words fail me, when words only blur the reality of experiences.
Today I am going to tell you the truth. The mass medical screening went extremely well and smooth. We were able to schedule surgery for hundreds of people. They received their first sign of hope and it is beautiful.
This IS the truth…but it is not the only truth. There is a truth that many find it hard to speak of – they want to focus on the positive outlook. But I can’t bring you only the happy truth, I promised you I would bring you along with me on this journey – so I feel a need to tell the truth, the whole truth – so you know the reality in Togo – so you know how to pray.
HERE IS OTHER TRUTH
Screening day is a heartbreaking day. You see the effect of little healthcare. I was faced with an endless line of people frantic for my help. Every one of them looks at me, their eyes screaming in desperation. I was faced with sights that are hard to explain.
- A small child with hydro-syphilis (water on the brain) whose head was 4x larger than normal. His body emaciated and paralyzed. The only movement is from his eyes. He looks me straight in the eyes – does he even see me through his pain? Is he beyond pain? As they leave I have to remind myself, we can’t help everyone. Where is God in this?
- Another moment broke my heart as a mother brought her 6 month old child up to me. As she gave me her baby, he weighed all of 2 pounds at 6 months old. I've seen pictures of starving children in Africa but this is the first time I've seen a child so emaciated I thought he was fake. As I stared down at him he struggled to breathe, his eyes moved and I knew he was still alive. The child had already been treated in local hospitals and was sent home to die. After a long time in consultation with the dietician, they are lead away. As they leave I have to remind myself, we can’t help everyone. Where is God in this?
Where is God in this? Where is God in all of this suffering? These are honest questions asked with an honest heart. An answer is given.
Where is God in this? God is in me, and through me He can do His mighty work. Where is God in this? He is in the crewmember next to me making the children laugh in the midst of suffering and pain. Where is God in this? God is in the people working at the prayer tree who prayed with those people who were sadly turned away.
God is in me, and He has sent me here to Togo, West Africa to be His hands and feet. I can’t help everyone but I can help some.
- I can help Radia, a 17 year old who has a large facial tumor. I kneel down next to her and tell her that I am going to be with her through her time with Mercy Ships. I tell her she will not be alone, she has nothing to fear. I touch her knee and look her straight in her good eye – I unflinchingly tell her I am here for her. That is not me, that is God reaching out through me touching a life full of suffering, pain, and rejection. That is God giving Radia the first sign of hope and I will be here with her, showing her His love, and His mercy.
God is here, because I am here. God is here because others are here – serving Him and the people of Togo. God is here, because God is everywhere, despite the pain and suffering – He is here holding them, crying for them…
That is the truth of Togo. We are able to bring hope and healing. We are able to helping hundreds, even thousands, of people. But at the end of the day, Togo is in need, desperate need and we need to pray for her people. That is the reality of Togo

THIS BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE CONTENT BUT BECAUSE I HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE HERE IN TOGO!!!!!

Hey Friends!I wish you could join us for dinner and a tour of Mercy Ship Africa, getting a taste of the great things the Lord is doing here in the port of Tema , Ghana .

These last 4 months have been a blur of activity for me, so here's a brief update. After graduating from the 10-month Discipleship Training Institute in Riverside , California , I began my ministry with Mercy Ships in September by taking a 5-week Orientation Course in Tyler , Texas . We learned cross-cultural skills, emergency response protocol, did team-building activities, and much more, preparing for my service aboard a ship that has such far-reaching impact. At the end of October, a team of us flew to Sierra Leone where we did some on-field training.
In November, I began as the Food Service Manager for a ship that maxes out at 465 crew (from over 30 nations!) and numerous daily visitors. My responsibility is overseeing all of the details and personnel that are part of preparing and serving up to 1700 meals each day! It's a big challenge, particularly in another culture, but I love it! I know this is where the Lord wants to use me right now, and I'm so grateful for his grace in my life. I've also had the opportunity to serve dinner to the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone , and to the President of Ghana (we arrived here from Sierra Leone two weeks ago).


More than preparing food, we are nourishing the hundreds of crew members who are making an impact here on an under-served population that come with incredible medical needs. Let me share one story...
Mariama Feika: Dancing into a New Life
In West Africa, a child with bowed legs is feared, considered to be cursed by evil spirits. So, barely a
month after Mariama’s entrance into the world, her parents fled in the night – leaving their tiny,
fragile baby girl on a doorstep. Alone and helpless in the terror of the night.
But God had a different plan for this beautiful life. The next morning, the child’s grandmother found
out what had happened and rushed to the rescue. Mariama was saved.
This courageous grandmother confronted each challenge with admirable strength, striving to give
her granddaughter a bright future. There were daily frustrations – the exhaustion of hard work, the
difficulty in finding good nutrition for a few pennies, and the escalating ridicule of Mariama’s
deformity.
As she grew, Mariama drew hope and strength from her grandmother’s courage. The little girl’s
feisty nature emerged, giving her the determination to survive. A strong bond developed between
the little girl and her grandmother, as they faced the daily battles together.
This bond is evident when her grandmother fondly remembers the times she held little Mariama’s
hand as they strolled to the mosque, with the little girl skipping along beside her. With a smile, she
recalls her decision to send the child to a Christian school which offered the best education. This
was a grave sacrifice, but she graciously opened the door for Mariama to enter into another religion
“…in support of the best learning opportunities for her future.”
At four years old, Mariama embraced Christianity with all of her heart. Her life was brightened by
joyous bursts of gospel songs and flamboyant African dance. Her determination was now supported
by her new faith. She believed whole-heartedly that God would heal her legs. It was just a small
matter of timing.
One day her grandmother heard a radio jingle announcing Mercy Ships had arrived in Sierra Leone.
At the medical screening Mariama received an incredible offer for treatment. There had never been
such a whirl of excitement in their simple home as they prepared for the trip to the hospital ship.
A few days later they boarded the ship. The strange surroundings suddenly caused a wave of
uneasiness for her grandmother and a feeling of vulnerability for Mariama. But her grandmother
bravely stated, “It’s just a matter of walking through the storm.” However, there was no storm
awaiting them. Instead, they were greeted by a room of smiling nurses who immediately swept
them into a reassuring, compassionate world.
Mariama made an immediate impression. With her burgundy hair twisted into a pineapple ponytail,
she mischievously peeped out from behind the hospital beds. For the first time, her charismatic
personality took precedence over her usual determined fiery attitude. The world on the hospital ship
was a wonderful place, even before the surgery. No one tormented her. She revelled in this new
happiness.
After the surgery, Mariama experienced pain. Her legs were encased in thick casts restricting every
movement. Her grandmother feared the little girl would never walk again – casting a new shadow of
sadness on their spirits. Confused and frightened, Mariama angrily lashed out at all those caring for
her.
But the continuous kindness and compassion dissipated her anger, and the pain subsided.
Underneath her feisty persona, there was an abundance of love ready to share. As this love stirred
up inside her heart, she began to sing her favorite gospel songs. With great delight, the other
people on the ward joyfully joined in. The comforting music flowed over her, and her body
responded in rhythmic African moves. In these moments, her heavy casts were no longer a burden.
Mariama determinedly practiced walking. Soon the casts were removed, and she prepared to return
home.
Then an unexpected problem arose, marring the joy of going home. As Mariama’s health had been
restored, her feet had grown. She had no shoes. Without shoes, she could not go to school.
On the last night before she went home, she received a surprise gift. A crew member gave her new
pink sandals for school.
Mariama was elated! Her anger was long forgotten, and she was ready to tackle the world with love.
And her happy grandmother just smiled and exclaimed, “Praise God!”
Story by Claire Ross


The medical team onboard our ship have not only given expert medical care; but every patient and their family also hears a clear presentation of what it means to know and follow Jesus. Our heart is to use medical care as a means of giving spiritual care, knowing that both body and soul matter so much to our Heavenly Father.

I could tell you many more stories just like the one above. Feel free to check out MercyShips.org for other stories of life change. It truly is a privilege to be part of this team, and I value your prayers as we seek to reflect the love of Jesus to everyone we meet. If it's okay with you, I'll send occasional updates on how God is at work here in West Africa . Also, if you would like to be part of my support team, that would be great! You'll see how easy it is to give an online credit card gift right here: http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/hatfieldk/.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas weekend. May this year ahead by your best yet
!

Love you,

Ken

WOW!!! So much has happened since I last blogged that I do not know where to start. We finished our out reach in Yams farm and had to leave it to our local villagers to finish. Part of what we (MERCY SHIPS) do, is not just go into a community and build something for them, but teach, involve and inspire those in that community to build for themselves!!! Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach him to fish....... So, sadly we had to leave Yams Farm and start our real jobs on board the Africa Mercy. Wow! Do I have a big job! We serve somewhere in the area of 4000 meals a week and more when the hospital is completely full. I am the Manager over the Food Services Department which includes Dining room, Galley, and special events. Not to mention sanitation, safety and staffing.(but, I just did)lol. I am so blessed that God has given me the knowledge and the ability to do this job and has provided the opportunity as well. I find so much joy in seeing people enjoy the food and service that my team provides and in knowing that I am in the right place that God has chosen for me. I have a wonderful staff of both volunteers and locals from the countries we are serving in and have to work hard to balance them out throughout the weeks. Challenging? YES! Life Fulfilling? ABSOLUTELY!! I am thanking the Lord daily and striving to improve with every minute on board. Well, this is all the time I have right now........so more to come SOON!

So here is the more I said was coming......

In the classroom we were able to share the world with the children......no really....the world. We brought a WORLD MAP and most of the children there had no idea that there was a world outside of yams farm. When asked what the blue areas were on the maps the common reply was "clouds?" Even the teachers of the school had a tough time recognizing the different countries and continents of the world. The schools are not only small and crowded but they are not equipped with the materials that we have taken for granted since childhood. There are several different schools in this area and we were able to visit and share the map with them. The children do have order and song in the schools, they wear uniforms much like the Catholic schools in the USA. We also visited a Muslim school and were very well received by the teachers and students. We had a large team so as the teachers taught the rest of us did manual labor.....digging, dipping water from the well, moving dirt, making blocks, and I had the chance to do the surveying and leveling of the floor for the school. We have formed a unique bond as a team and work well together. It is sooo hot working that you basically start sweating when you get in the "Poda Poda" or van to go the work site and stop sweating when you are ringing your dirty clothes out at the end of the day. The crew of men that are working with us are really cool guys and have known each other all there lives. They sing, dance, and play around like kids....it is so cool to watch how they love each other. We had the chance to take them to the beach and play soccer, swim, and eat with them. I have made some wonderful friends that I will never forget. So now that our time for field service in Yams farm has ended I miss those guys and pray for them and there families daily. Okay tune in next week when I will talk about going to African Church................

Okay, a little information about our project in Yam's Farm. We (Gateway Team) went to the little villiage to help in the construction of a school. In this community there were about 300 kids sqeezed into a room about the size of a 2 car garage. In this room there were 6 classes and all were being taught at the same time. From pre-schoolers up to jr. high level crammed together. This room also doubles as the church and the villiage taylor shop. The first day we arrived to work in the community we were able to witness the first cement for the foundation being poured. That in itself is a task.....no mixer, sand, rock or trowls. We used "head pans" to carry the cement after we hauled the sand and rock from the east side of the villiage and mixed it on the ground with shovels. "Head pans" are exactly what they sound like....pans that are carried ....well...on your head!! After the ceremonial first pan we quickly got to work moving dirt and making( yes I said Making) blocks and pouring the foundation. Part of the team were school teachers and started working with the kids and the teachers......what a blast!!!! Okay got to get to work.......more to come.........