Mercy Ships Arrives in Togo, West Africa

Posted by Mercy Ships staff on Feb 22, 2010 at 11:54 am

The ship was greeted with a warm welcome from the Assemblie of God brass band and the Advance Team for Mercy Ships, as well as local staff and media. African celebrations of music and dancing on the dockside gave a festive air to the arrival of the vast hospital ship. The crew of the Africa Mercy joined in the celebration from the decks above, dressed in their best attire and bursting with excitement.

First-time volunteer crew member Caitlin Patterson (USA), serving in hospitality, describes her experience: "It was really exciting and more emotional than I expected ... It felt really surreal to see how excited the people of Togo became to see us coming in."

The arrival ceremony continued with warm greetings from Mr. Biyao, Directeur Cabinet of ministry of Health (MOH), who expressed his appreciation and support for Mercy Ships.

"On behalf of the government of Togo, we welcome you to Togo today, and we wish a very successful mission for Mercy Ships," says Biyao. "I want to wish you a very, very excellent stay in Togo for your mission, and I can testify that the whole organization of Togo is mobilized to make everything easier for you. We all wish you a very blessed mission in Togo."

Pastor Metri, the President of the Council of Churches in Togo, welcomed Mercy Ships on behalf of the whole Church of Togo. "Just like in the past, the churches mobilize again to welcome you; the body of Christ in Togo is happy to welcome you," said Pastor Diakouti. "And I am very sure together that we are going to pray for the salvation of souls in Togo. And we are very thankful for the government of Togo for all the facilities that it has given to the Africa Mercy ... good stay and thank you".

In response, Mark Thompson, President of International Programs and Interim Managing Director for Mercy Ships, thanked the dockside audience. He also emphasized the importance of the Togolese people in the hearts of the Africa Mercy crew and staff, as this is the fourth Mercy Ships field service in Togo.
Mark Thompson expressed expectations for the Togo field service by quoting Florence Nightingale, the famous English pioneer of modern nursing: "One's feelings waste themselves in words ... they need all be distilled into actions which bring results."

He added, "Mercy Ships is confident today that our good relationships with the government of Togo will see many good results for our time here".

Written by: Joy Clary
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Debra Bell and Ali Chandra

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