Financial Support Needs

Hi everyone!

My online giving page with Mercy Ships is all set up now, here is a link to it:  http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/suzannes/  On this page it explains the options for online giving or mailing a check to the Mercy Ships base in Texas. 

Here's what's going on with fundraising.  As most of you know, everyone serving with Mercy Ships is a volunteer who raises their own support for crew fees and expenses.  To serve on the Africa Mercy for two years I will need to raise a total of $25,000.

So, I just need to ask for $1 from 25,000 of my closest friends, right!? 

Here is a breakdown of what the support will go towards:

1-  Initial costs such as my training fees for the two month On-boarding program, travel to the Texas training base, any special vaccinations, etc.

2- Monthly needs during my two year commitment.  This includes crew fees (room and board), funds set aside each month for travel, medical insurance, and other practical needs. 

So this is me- stepping out of my comfort zone and asking for you to prayerfully consider giving support. God is already teaching me so much through this process, it really is a partnership and I am very thankful for all the people who have already been so encouraging.  I know that God has led me to begin this journey- He opened the door for this opportunity and it is my job to work hard and follow Him closely.   

  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

 This video gives an overview of the work that Mercy Ships does:

Answering some questions....

As I have been sharing with friends about working with Mercy Ships, I have noticed that there are a few questions that come up in many conversations.  I thought I'd go ahead and share them on my blog for whoever wants to know.  :)

How did you hear about Mercy Ships?

I really don't remember.  I have known about the group at least since middle school, and I remember reading a little about their work.  I have been interested in serving in long term missions for many years, and recently the more I learned about Mercy Ships the more convinced I became that this is where God wants me to be. 

What countries will you go to?

I will join the ship when it is docked in Conakry, Guinea.  The field service there lasts until June 2013.  The next field service is not yet assigned.  

Will you get paid?

No-  all crew members are volunteers and raise their own crew fees (room and board) and travel expenses. 

How long will you be gone?

I have committed for 2 years of service.  Before I begin this service I have 2 months of training.  I leave for training in mid-September and join the ship immediately following training.

Will you come home during the two years?

I do get vacation time for each year, and from what I have learned it seems like most crew come home once or maybe twice a year. 

If you want to know more about the ship, here is a link to a video tour:

Part 1:

 Part 2:

That's all the questions I can think of right now.  Thanks everyone!

Post number one.

Hi everyone!  This is the blog address where I will be posting updates.  I have promised to keep in contact on this journey, and decided that a blog would be a good way.  :)

I am thrilled and blessed to have the opportunity to serve with Mercy Ships beginning this fall.  I will be working as a nurse on the Ophthalmic Team, and will live and work aboard the MV Africa Mercy! 

The Africa Mercy is world's largest non-governmental hospital ship.  It has a 78 bed hospital with six operating rooms.  Everyone who serves on the Africa Mercy is a volunteer-  volunteers come from all over the world and serve anywhere from a few weeks to living on the ship long term.  I have committed to serve for two years beginning this fall.

If you are not familiar with Mercy Ships, go check out their web page!  www.mercyships.org

For the next months I will be focusing on finishing school (graduating from IPFW in May!) and getting started on fundraising.   I will add another post soon that answers some of the questions I have been asked a lot lately. 

Many blessings!

Suzanne

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

   my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

   and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 28:7