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
