Mercy by Moonlight was an evening ferry cruise on Auckland's Waitemata harbour. It was created to raise awareness, increase media exposure and fundraise for free surgeries provided onboard. Our 258 guests sailed for two jazz-filled hours while enjoying wine and canapes, silent auctions and inspirational storytelling by the local crew. A dynamic video tastefully focused the evening on the life-changing services Mercy Ships provides. The event raised more than NZ$13,000 for free surgeries onboard, and 20 different articles appeared in local and national media, including front page coverage.
Our wee Mercy Ships NZ team received a huge amount of help in running the event from Rhema Broadcasting's Laurel McCullock, and MIT students Christine and Shivani ... the event was also the application component of my (Sharon's) Communications studies at uni. Now that's what I call two birds with one stone!
PRINZ Judges' comment: Mercy by Moonlight was a one-off event with long term positive repercussions for the organisation. Mercy Ships had an almost non-existent budget, yet still managed to grow it's database and strengthen media relationships. This project obviously touched the hearts of those who could support Mercy Ships.
The other great family news is that Jason, who is completing his last year of his Business/Communications conjoint degree has just been offered a full-time job at the National Business Review - his first choice and one of the country's most prestigious business publications. We are thrilled. Chelsea is loving nursing and is working through her second year of studies, and is living life with enthusiasm. Daniel is contemplating what he will do after his last year of high school concludes in November. Graeme keeps us all on an even keel and chuckling at his puns and tricks - which is a mean feat given the amount of responsibility he caries. In addition to his directorship of Mercy Ships NZ, Graeme has been serving for a couple of years as the Chairperson of the local church we attend and really enjoys it. This year I have finally graduated with my Diploma in Communications.
After just 10 months in the Republic of Congo, more than 2,200 people received a free, life-transforming surgery onboard the Africa Mercy. People like 17-year-old Grace (above), who now has a regular teenage's expectation for her future, and young Jordis who can now play soccer with his mates after his foot's 'elephantitus' was corrected, and pint-sized Clare - the courageous woman barely topping four foot whose goitre comprised 35% of her body weight. Each of these amazing people were weighed down with not only terrible physical conditions, but were also the subjects of frequent torment and superstition.What a privilege to be a part of setting them free! 10,000 people in pain received dental care, and hundreds of others received eye and other treatments. Hundreds of other received training in agriculture, sanitation and hygiene, and mentoring and further education in areas of health care and surgery.
Now it's transition time for the Africa Mercy. The vessel is in annual dry-dock in the Canary Islands and many of the long term crew are having some R&R. In August the ship will sail to Benin for the next 10 month field service in this desperately needy French-speaking nation.
Thank you for your encouragement, financial support and prayers as we serve Jesus and His heart for the broken and forgotten.
Many blessings!
Graeme, Sharon and family
Check out our website for more ship information, videos, and patient stories
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Great to hear from you, thanks a million for your note!