THE AFRICA MERCY SAILS INTO TOGO, WEST AFRICA: Welcoming Celebrations

FEB 10, 2010:  Hurray we are back in Africa! The Africa Mercy cruised into the port of Lome, Togo, West Africa, February 10th after a ten day sail from Tenerife of the Canary Islands, Spain.  This is Mercy Ships fourth field service in Togo.  In fact Togo was Mercy Ships first field service in West Africa from 1990 to 1991.  (previous years-1995 & 2003).  The Africa Mercy and our crew will be serving the forgotten poor of Togo until August 2010.

As the bow nosesd her way into the new port of call, I became very emotional knowing that within the next 6 months 1000's of patients will be impacted and transformed bringing hope for a better future to their lives.

The dockside was buzzing with people waving, shouting and entertaining us with African drum rhythms, traditional dance and song.  The Assemblies of God brass band marched along the dockside as the hull of the huge hospital ship sailed in.

Our Advance Team, dignitaries, invited guests, friends and local media waved us into port.

As the deck officers and port workers secured the lines, the crew of the Africa Mercy joined in the celebrations from the decks above and burst into song and dance to the cultural rhythms from below. Everyone anxious to put their feet on the ground and begin the next months serving the people of Togo.

Once the gangway was lowered and secured, myself and our Communications and PR team were first down the ramp to capture the events on the ground.

Clementine Tenge from Togo, a long term volunteer crew member of Mercy Ships, carried the Togolese flag down the gangway, followed by Mark Thompson (Vice President of International Programs and Interium Managing Director).
Mr. Biyao, Cabinet Director of Ministry of Health) greeted Mr Thompson with a welcoming handshake.

Mr. Biyao expressed his appreciation and support for Mercy Ships.  He spoke on behalf of the government of Togo welcoming Mercy Ships to the country and wished us an excellent stay.  He said the whole organization of Togo is mobilized to make everything easier for Mercy Ships...He wished us a very blessed mission in Togo.

Pastor Diakouti, the President of the Council of Churches in Togo welcomed Mercy Ships on behalf of the whole church of Togo. " Just like in the past the churches mobilize again to welcome you, the body of Christ is happy to welcome you", said Pastor Diakouti, " and I am very sure together that we are going to pray for the souls in Togo".

In response, Mark spoke of the importance the Togolese people are to Mercy Ships and how dear they are to the hearts of the Africa Mercy crew as this is Mercy Ships fourth field service in Togo. He expressed expectations for the Togo field service by quoting Florence Nightingale, the famous English pioneer of modern nursing. "Ones feelings wastes themselves in words they need all be distilled into actions which brings results", Thompson said, " Mercy Ships is confident today that our good relationships with the government of Togo will see many good results of our time here".   

After a few hours of speeches, formalities and protocal in the midday sun, the ceremonies came to a closure. The Captain invited Mr Biyao and guests aboard the ship for cool refreshments and to meet some of Mercy Ships leadership. 

Note: Discovery Channel Canada joined the ship in Tenerife, sailed to Togo and will stay until Feb 25th.  The production will be aired on a program called 'MIGHTY SHIPS'.  Please check your TV schedule for viewing dates and times.