The Trinity Broadcast Network, the world’s largest Christian television network, shared the mission of Mercy Ships and the humanitarian work done by the organization for the past 40 years.

Matt and Laurie Crouch, hosts of TBN’s flagship ministry and talk show “Praise,” shared the Mercy Ships through an interview with founders Don and Deyon Stephens. From Don’s initial dream of “a fleet of hospital ships” to the launch of the newest Mercy Ship, the Global Mercy, viewers were able to watch the story of hope and healing from start to finish.

It is reported that over 5 billion people lack access to safe, affordable surgical and anesthesia services, resulting in nearly 18 million annual deaths because of preventable conditions. In addition, billions of people experience chronic pain, financial catastrophe, and social stigma because of injuries, ailments, and disfigurements that surgery could fix.

For over 40 years, Mercy Ships has worked to stand in the gap for nations with a lack of access to medical care by providing free, life-changing surgical procedures as well as state-of-the-art training for medical professionals in the countries served.

Since 1978, Mercy Ships has worked to fulfill the mission of providing hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through our volunteer crew onboard our hospital ships and has impacted more than 2.8 million people in countries around the world.

Mercy Ships is committed to raising awareness of the extraordinary level of unmet need in global surgery, and to encourage an active and informed response to it. We have achieved much in our 40-year history, but are dedicated to doing more. Our focus is firmly on the future and fulfilling our mission of bringing hope and healing to those in need.

Why Ships?

Our state-of-the-art teaching hospital ship enables our volunteer surgeons and medical professionals to provide lifesaving surgical procedures in a safe, sterile environment — with clean water, reliable electricity, and monitored care center. Instead of trying to build the facilities we need to bring life-changing surgeries, we can provide a safe, stable, fully outfitted hospital ship that provides the best platform for our two-pronged approach. 

Why Volunteers?

It takes a dedicated crew with different skills and talents to run a hospital ship. Over 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve onboard the Africa Mercy every year. Volunteers serving with Mercy Ships raise their own finances to serve onboard. This means that every dollar Mercy Ships receives in funding is complemented by contributed gifts-in-kind and services, enabling Mercy Ships to deliver medical and development services for a fraction of the usual cost.

Why Africa?

Nearly 30 years ago, Mercy Ships focused the scope of our mission to the need found in sub-Saharan Africa. With only two physicians per 10,000 people, many lack access to even basic medical facilities, let alone safe, affordable surgical care. Since then, Mercy Ships has conducted 47 field services in 14 African countries, most of which are ranked by the United Nations Development Index as the least developed in the world.

Looking for a way to join Mercy Ships mission of bringing hope and healing? Partner with us through a gift, joining us in prayer, or by volunteering with us.