President of Liberia Visits Mercy Ship

The crew of the Africa Mercy was honoured by a visit from the president of Liberia, her Excellency President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Upon her arrival, President Johnson-Sirleaf was greeted by Mercy Ships Founders Don and Deyon Stephens as well as Executive director Solfrid Quist and was presented with a bouquet of flowers. Accompanying the President was Dr. Walter Gwenigale, Liberia’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

Members of the media, distinguished guests, and Mercy Ships crew waited for the president’s arrival in the Africa Mercy’s largest meeting area, the International Lounge. Africa Mercy’s Captain, Jurryan Schutte, formally welcomed the president to the ship and thanked her and her countrymen for being gracious hosts.

Mercy Ships President Don Stephens then addressed the president saying, "Madame President, we feel that we are really invited guests in your nation. You and your people have made us feel most welcomed. We view our service here as a partnership, we couldn’t do it without you . . . we partner together in bringing hope and healing to the people of Liberia."

President Johnson Sirleaf responded saying, "You could have used your resources for your own comfort, but you decided to give. And so, we honour you for that. There are many of you in this room, who serve; the captain, the doctors, all of those who work on the ship; volunteers give their time to be able to come way across the ocean to serve people they don’t know. To be able to care for them and to make them whole again and to give them a life again. That‘s something that can only come from one whose heart is touched by the life of Jesus."

Following the president’s speech, guests were invited to reception that included a tour of the Africa Mercy.