World Religion Day
Faith-based volunteers who have served onboard the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest charity hospital ship, are celebrating World Religion Day today ahead of the ship’s impending outreach to Togo.
Mercy Ships is preparing for a seven month outreach to the country of Togo, following a very successful 10 months in Benin last year.
In 2009 volunteers on board the Africa Mercy performed 5,000 free surgeries, over 33,000 eye treatments and 10,000 dental procedures for the people of Benin who had no other access to these types of healthcare.
Each year more than 450 volunteers from over 40 nations give up their time to selflessly help improve and save the lives of others.
Leo Cheng, a Consultant Oral and Facial Reconstructive Surgeon in London and Cambridge has volunteered with Mercy Ships more than five times in the last five years. Along with other volunteer medical staff, Leo offers his skills and time to provide corrective and reconstructive surgery to people suffering from large tumours, cleft lips and war wounds.
Speaking about his experiences and motivations for volunteering with Mercy Ships, Leo said: “Mercy Ships is an incredible charity that offers hope and healing to so many people. I have volunteered with Mercy Ships more than five times and it is my faith and belief in God that keeps me coming back to help others. I feel honoured that I can use my skills to save the lives of others.”
Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK, said, “Togo is the 107th largest country by population with most of the population living in rural villages. Togo has limited health care with approximately four physicians per 100,000 people. We just hope that we can be just as successful in Togo as we were in Benin as help here really is needed.
“Our volunteers are the lifeblood of Mercy Ships and allow us to provide free medical services to the poorest of the poor. Our UK volunteers come from all over the country and volunteer with us for many different reason and motivations, faith is just one of those. All our volunteers are invaluable and we are eternally grateful for their support.”
Mercy Ships will once again be running its Easter Breakfast campaign this year, encouraging churches, schools, offices, and communities to hold breakfast events to raise funds and awareness for the charity. It’s a great opportunity for people to have a good time, and every penny that is raised will help save lives and improve the well being of thousands of people.