PRESIDENT OF TOGO VISITS THE AFM IN LOME'

Lomè, Togo, March 31, 2010 – President Faure Gnassingbe of the Republic of Togo visited the Africa Mercy to welcome the state-of-the-art hospital ship to his country.  He and his entourage were warmly greeted by Don and Deyon Stephens, Founders of Mercy Ships, 

Don Stephens with President of TogoPresident Gnassingbe was taken on a tour of the hospital wards, and made a point of stopping to visit with five young patients who recently had surgery onboard the ship.  Dr. Gary Parker, Chief Medical Officer, provided an overview of some of the life-transforming surgical procedures that occur daily onboard.

In his opening remarks, Don Stephens noted that this is the fourth time Mercy Ships has delivered hope and healing to the people of Togo.  In fact, in 1991 Togo was the first country to welcome Mercy Ships to West Africa, and was received warmly by President Gnassingbe’s father who served as President at that time.  Stephens said, “Your father and your country and your people are the nation that opened Africa to Mercy Ships.  So now, tens of thousands of Africans, particularly in West Africa, have been the beneficiaries because of the willingness of your father, your nation, and your people to open Africa to us.”

So far, over 9800 Togolese have attended medical screenings hoping to receive treatment from the Africa Mercy Volunteers onboard while others have come to be treated by Mercy Ships Eye and Dental Teams that are conducting services onshore.  The Africa Mercy Field Service is scheduled to continue in Togo through August offering free medical care to the Togolese people.  Mercy Ships is committed to serving as many people as possible regardless of ethnicity, political affiliation, or religious preference.

During the visit, Mr. Stephens presented a special gift to President Gnassingbe – a framed limited-edition print of a large painting by renowned artist, Rosa Branson of the United Kingdom, which is proudly displayed at the Mercy Ships International Operations Center in Garden Valley, Texas.  The painting depicts all of the ships that have served the organization as well as many of the people that have given tirelessly to Mercy Ships mission of serving the forgotten poor of the world..

President Gnassingbe responded, “We are touched by what we have seen.  We see the friendship you have for our Togolese people … and the power of our God.  Thank you very much.”