mercyships.org.uk | September 2026 | Issue 29
News and stories from the Mercy Ships community
Fuelled by love, hope and mercy.
Inside: A glimpse into the life-changing transformation ahead in the nation of Ghana.
Onboard magazine | Aissatou’s Story
What we do
Contents
Mercy Ships brings free, life-changing surgeries and medical training to women, men and children who need it most.
See what’s coming up in your Onboard magazine
Safe surgery is out of reach for 9 out of 10 people in sub-Saharan Africa. People are robbed of years of healthy life, for conditions that are often easily treatable. This is unjust.
3 Reflection from Mercy Ships
But with your help, we can change this. You can help bring surgical care and followup treatment to people who lack access. With your help, we can train and empower healthcare professionals to better serve their own communities. And your support can help rebuild health clinics, transforming lives for generations to come.
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What we do
Executive Director
4-5 Marie Jeanne and Germaine: a story of going from darkness to light
6-7 Fuelled by mercy, anchored in prayer
8-9 Ship news: a new chapter begins 10 Summer round up: celebrating a summer to remember
11 Community news: what’s happening in Mercy Ships UK
Hope. Healing. Transforming lives. Follow us on social media @mercyshipsuk
mercyships.org.uk 01438 727800
Mercy Ships UK, The Lighthouse,
info@mercyships.org.uk
12 Meadway Court, Stevenage SG1 2EF
Registered Charity No: 1053055. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC039743. Company No: 3147724 (England and Wales). Reg. Office: The Lighthouse, 12 Meadway Court, Stevenage SG1 2EF
Dear friend, As I write to you, there is so much to be thankful for. Firstly, thank you for your generosity that reflects Christ’s love and compassion. This issue of Onboard Magazine celebrates what happens when people like you are fuelled by love, hope and mercy. Through God’s grace, lives are being transformed and communities are being strengthened. We recently celebrated the arrival of the Global Mercy to Ghana, where we will once again partner with the country’s government to provide life-changing surgery and training for healthcare professionals. It’s the first time we’ve sailed one of our hospital ships to Ghana in 19 years, so the Global Mercy’s arrival was an exciting reunion. I can’t wait to see how God will use this opportunity to rekindle old relationships, grow new partnerships and bring lasting hope and healing to people across the country in the months ahead. In this issue, you’ll meet Marie Jeanne and her daughter, Germaine, whose lives were transformed through surgery and compassionate care. Their story is one of courage, healing and the ripple effect that hope can have across an entire family. It’s a powerful reminder that every patient who walks up our gangway is deeply loved by God and carries dreams for the future - and that, together, we have the privilege of helping make those dreams possible.
Image: Marie Jeanne and Germaine celebrate their restored vision after cataracts surgery.
None of this happens without you. Whether you give faithfully each month, volunteer your skills, pray, speak at events or partner with us in other ways, you are part of every story of healing. Your generosity makes surgery possible today, and also helps train healthcare professionals and strengthen local health systems for tomorrow, creating a legacy that will continue long after our ships sail on. In this issue, you will also hear more about how the current fuel crisis is impacting Mercy Ships, more than doubling the cost of powering our hospital ships. In order to keep the hospital lights on, keep clean water flowing and continue bringing hope and healing, we need all hands on deck as we face this crisis. Learn more about how you get involved on page 9. Thank you for standing with Mercy Ships and for sharing in this mission. It is your compassion that helps keep us fuelled by love, hope and mercy. I hope you enjoy reading this issue and feel encouraged by the lives you are helping to transform. Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Many blessings,
Shelley Pigott Executive Director, Mercy Ships UK
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Onboard magazine |Marie Jeanne and Germaine’s story
Your love brings new sight… and new life
By the time she turned 80, Marie Jeanne had endured more losses than most. Seven of her eight children had passed away. Her only living daughter, Germaine, farmed the fields and cared for her own daughter and granddaughter. Grief had shaped Marie Jeanne, but it hadn’t broken her spirit. Along with spending time with her family, she spent her days weaving raffia mats and hats; a passion she treasured. But three years ago, her world started to fade into darkness. Cataracts stole her vision, confining her to the familiar corners of her home. “I can’t see,” she said. “I stay here [in my house] and when I have to go, I use a cane.” A year later, Germaine’s sight also began to fail - now mother and daughter both suffered with cataracts. Farming became impossible, and dependence replaced independence. “During the holidays, we used to celebrate, dance and share meals with the whole family,” she recalled. “Now, life is different. If I had a weak faith, I might have given up.” Supporters like you gave both Marie Jeanne and Germaine a chance for healing together. Hope arrived through a familiar voice. Florence, a relative in the port city of Toamasina, heard about Mercy Ships on the radio and television. She urged them to seize the opportunity for free surgery aboard the Africa Mercy. They made the long journey to Toamasina filled
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with hope and prayers. Their journey was more than a physical one - it was a step toward reclaiming the life they had lost. Hand in hand, mother and daughter climbed the hospital ship’s gangway. That same day, side by side in the operating theatre, they underwent surgery. Dr Guy Chevalley, their surgeon, described the severity of their condition: “Their cataracts were so advanced that their pupils were no longer black, but completely white.” Ophthalmic programme manager Ella Hawthorne added, “They could only see movement, just a hand waving in front of them. That was it.” The following day, the moment of truth arrived. With bated breath, the medical team removed their eye patches. “When I am healed, I will express my happiness before God and all of you,” Germaine declared. For the first time in nearly three years, Marie Jeanne and Germaine’s eyes met. Light and colour flooded back in an instant. The surgery had taken only 15 minutes, yet it had changed everything. Overcome with emotion, they danced
Image: (Above) Marie Jeanne and Germaine walked side-by-side into surgery on the Africa Mercy.
were able to return to their village with renewed purpose. Marie Jeanne eagerly resumed her craft, weaving raffia into mats and hats with the skill she had longed to use again. “I missed braiding so much; it’s something I’m good at.” Germaine embraced her independence as well. She returned to the fields, walking independently, selling fruit and attending church unaided. No longer confined by blindness, she reconnected with her community, fully participating in village life. “Thank you so much, and God bless you,” she said, her gratitude shining through.
Image: (Above) Marie Jeanne and Germaine lived in darkness after they both developed cataracts.
Once burdened by loss and blindness, their family now thrived in the light of restored vision. Marie Jeanne could watch her daughter live fully again, and Germaine took pride in supporting her family. Thanks to the gift of sight, they stepped into a future filled with new possibilities.
just as they had when music, laughter and the warmth of family filled their lives. As you can see in the video, their joy was contagious.
Your kindness makes stories like these possible. Thank you.
“It was very emotional to see their happiness when the patches came off at the same time,” Dr Chevalley recalled. Watching the moment unfold, Ella Hawthorne reflected: “What a blessing it is to help this family. To see someone truly, to spend time with them... having that taken away and then restored is incredibly special.”
Marie Jeanne and Germaine aren’t alone. Across sub-Saharan Africa, there are millions of other families still suffering from conditions that are easily treatable. Will you give today to help us bring light and restore hope to many more?
“We no longer live in darkness.”
Scan the QR code to watch the story of Marie Jeanne and Germaine come to life.
Because of you, Marie Jeanne and Germaine
“God be with you! Our eyes can see, and our hearts are full of happiness. We no longer live in darkness,” Marie Jeanne celebrated. mercyships.org.uk 5
Onboard magazine | Anchored in prayer
Our faith in action At Mercy Ships, we believe that every person has the right to safe surgical care. Our faith is at the heart of who we are, how we serve and why we’re committed to bringing hope and healing. It inspires compassion and reminds us that every patient is more than a diagnosis - they are made in the image of God and deeply loved. Together with supporters like you, we’re fuelled by mercy and anchored in prayer. We’d love it if you’d lift up these prayer requests with us.
Please pray for... Our healthcare service in Ghana We are now beginning a new season of service. Please will you pray with us for every patient waiting in hope, for our volunteer crew and local healthcare partners, and for lives to be transformed through surgery, training and the care we share on board.
Fuel for the mission Please pray for a resolution to the ongoing fuel challenges and for generous supporters to feel led to donate toward the rising cost of fuel, so our hospital ships can be powered to continue bringing healing to those who need it most. Learn more about this need on page 9.
Hope that lasts Pray that every operation, training opportunity and act of kindness will effectively strengthen local health systems and reflect God’s love for years to come. 6 mercyships.org.uk
Thank you for being part of a community that is fuelled by mercy and anchored in prayer. To stay up to date with our latest prayer requests, we’d love it if you’d sign up for our monthly online newsletter. Scan the QR code to learn more.
Fuelled by mercy. Anchored in prayer.
Onboard magazine | Anchored in prayer
A shared vision “I also have had cataracts removed and understand what a fantastic difference it made. Fortunately it was easy for me to have this done. It should be available for anyone anywhere who needs that operation,” shared Frances, a supporter from Northampton. “I am amazed by the impact Mercy Ships has on the lives of so many people. By following our Lord’s example they are showing practically the love of God. Hope one day my wife and I could come and serve with Mercy Ships!” said Valentin, a supporter from Leicester. “Any real work done to better the life of children, especially underprivileged children, is not only fundamental but an investment to a better and more just society,” shared Rebeca, a supporter from London.
Image: Crew members gather in the Global Mercy hospital to pray for Mohamed, the first patient of the 2025-26 healthcare service in Sierra Leone.
These words from our supporters capture the heart of our mission. We believe everyone has a right to access world-changing surgery, no matter where they live. Through your prayers, generosity and encouragement, that hope becomes reality. mercyships.org.uk 7
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Onboard magazine | Ships
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A new chapter begins in Ghana Last month, the Global Mercy was welcomed by an epic celebration in Ghana, marking the beginning of a 10-month healthcare service and Mercy Ships’ return to the country after almost 20 years. This upcoming visit will be our fifth healthcare service in Ghana. During this visit, we hope to provide: ●
Up to 2,600 surgeries
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Up to 2,145 dental treatments
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Training for up to 250 healthcare professionals
We’re honoured to be invited by Ghana’s president John Dramani Mahama, who said: “Health is not a luxury; it is the foundation of freedom... I am delighted to welcome Mercy Ships to Ghana.”
Where are we now? Bringing more hope and healing in Madagascar In May, the Africa Mercy returned to Toamasina, Madagascar, marking the sixth time that we have visited the island nation since 1996. During this year’s healthcare service, we aim to provide more than: ●
1,400 surgeries
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1,400 dental encounters
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22,500 hours of training and education for healthcare professionals across Madagascar.
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Since 1991, Mercy Ships’ partnership with Ghana has resulted in: ●
2,670+ surgical procedures
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18,120+ dental procedures
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2,920+ healthcare professionals trained in their areas of expertise 14,990+ medical beneficiaries
Image: Mercy Ships volunteers wave flags to celebrate the return of the Africa Mercy to Madagascar.
Onboard magazine | Ships
Image: Mercy Ships Board members, Dame Ann Gloag and Lois Boyle, Gilchrist Koutob, Africa Services Managing Director, and longtime Mercy Ships partner, Rosa Whitaker, visit the office of Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health for Ghana.
Powering the mission As you may have read in our letter, Mercy Ships, like many of you around the world, is facing a serious rise in fuel costs just as we prepare to launch a new healthcare service in Ghana. You might wonder, how much fuel does a ship that’s just docked in port for 10 months at a time really need? The reality is, our hospital ships never stop working. They are a hospital, a home, a training centre and a workplace - all powered around the clock. “The Global Mercy uses around 11,500 litres of fuel every day,” explained Global Mercy captain Richard O Shea. “That powers our operating theatres, patient wards, cabins, galley, lighting, water systems, refrigeration and everything needed to keep the ship and hospital running.
By the numbers
Our hospital ships are purpose-built with environmental sustainability in mind, including following all international regulations and using the latest clean waste management technology, to ensure we care for the environment as we care for people on board.
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Every operation - every hospital light - every patient meal - every drop of water. It all depends on reliable power. As we start welcoming thousands of patients up our gangway in Ghana, we need your support more than ever. Will you help us power hope in Ghana? Please donate today at mercyships.org.uk/fuel
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3: Number of times our hospital ships refuel each year. 11,500: Litres of fuel the Global Mercy uses a day while in service. 25,000: Litres of fuel a day when the ship is sailing. 27,000: Number of LED lights on board the Global Mercy. 40,000: Litres of water used a day while in service.
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Onboard magazine | Summer round up
A summer to remember What a summer it’s been!
From maritime conferences and Christian festivals to launching our brand-new Home Crew community, we’ve loved meeting so many of you across the UK. Whether you stopped for a chat, signed up to volunteer, prayed with us or simply said hello - thank you. Every conversation helps bring hope and healing closer to people waiting for surgery. We couldn’t do it without you.
A new voice for Mercy Ships We were thrilled to welcome singer-songwriter Jake Isaac as a Mercy Ships ambassador.
Welcome aboard, Home Crew!
This summer we launched Home Crew a new way for people to be part of Mercy Ships from home.
Jake shares our heart for bringing hope through compassion, and we can’t wait to see where this new partnership takes us. You can learn all about this partnership and listen to Jake’s Mercy Ships-inspired music at mercyships.org.uk/jake
As part of Home Crew, you can volunteer at events, share our story in your community, pray faithfully and lend your skills to support the mission. Thank you to everyone who’s already joined us on the journey!
Where we saw you this summer
We had an amazing time meeting so many supporters, both familiar faces and first-time visitors, at festivals across the UK this summer. Take a look at the map to see the ground we covered.
Together Festival Seawork Wildfires
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Big Church Festival
Keswick Convention
If you missed us this summer, don’t worry. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet us in person in the future - watch this space! A word of thanks… To every volunteer who gave their time, every supporter who visited our stand, every church that welcomed us and everyone who shared Mercy Ships with a friend…thank you so much.
BAOMS Conference
Seawork Focus
Onboard magazine | Transforming lives
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Building a new Memory Wall
We’re creating a new memory wall, a special place where you can remember and celebrate a loved one who has passed away. You’ll be able to add a photo and a short message or dedication, sharing a little of who they were and why they’re so missed. Over time, our hope is that it will grow into a wall full of stories, names and memories, each one a reminder of lives that continue to matter deeply. We’d love you to be part of building it with us stay tuned to learn more about how you can participate.
How you can help There are so many ways to help transform lives, right from where you are.
Give
Help transform lives every month with a regular gift. Go to mercyships.org.uk/donate
Fundraise
From cake sales to dog walking, there are so many fun ways to fundraise. Find out more at mercyships.org.uk/fundraise
Leave a legacy
Gifts of Hope
Is September too early to start thinking about Christmas shopping? We certainly don’t think so! You can find a wonderful range of gift ideas in your Gifts of Hope catalogue, coming very soon. Inside, you’ll find meaningful gift options for your loved ones, Christmas cards, wrapping paper and much more. Shopping Gifts of Hope is a special way to spread hope, joy and love this Christmas season.
Let your love live on. Go to mercyships.org.uk/legacy to find out more about leaving a gift to Mercy Ships in your Will.
Volunteer
Share your talents on our hospital ships. Find your place on board: mercyships.org.uk/volunteer
Pray
Pray for the patients we serve on our hospital ships: mercyships.org.uk/pray
Follow us
Join our community of Mercy Shippers on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or LinkedIn: @mercyshipsuk
Christmas Carol Service
Please save the date for our Carol Service at Southwark Cathedral on 3rd December at 7.30pm. We’d love to see you there! Stay tuned for more details coming to your inbox soon.
Thank you for making hope and healing possible.
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Make a lasting impact It starts with a dream. A ‘what if’ and a ‘why not’. A packed bag and a prayer. A hope that your skills can mean something more. The journey never started with the ship. The journey starts with you.
Find your place on board today: mercyships.org.uk/volunteer Registered Charity No. 1053055 (England & Wales). A Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC039743 All photos © Mercy Ships: (Page 1, 6, 12) Eugene Danso (page 2) George Beinetti (page 3-5) Joshua Kiew Wing Chau (page 8) Henintsoa Rasolonjatovo, Elizabeth Page Brumley (page 9, 11) Romeo Urikeraka (page 10) Katrina Collington