1139 FOOD FOR LIFE
Hevie, Benin, West Africa, has been the heart of darkness for generations because of the voodoo religion that permeates life there. But the Light is now shining in Hevie, thanks to ‘Food for Life’, the agricultural development program started in 2009 by Mercy Ships and Bethesda of Benin, a non-government organization (NGO). This program is preparing leaders in Scripturally-based, organic farming methods, who can train others to be trainers, too. This easily duplicatable process aims to transform the growing of food supplies in the area, as it lifts the economic status of those involved.
The program has accomplished much in its first year, even the construction of the Bethesda Food for Life Training Center, with funding from Mercy Ships. The Center is made up of dorm rooms for students and a central classroom for training.
During the current field service in Togo, the program is partnering with three NGOs:
Centre pour l’Ecologie et le Developpment in Danyi; IIFEG – Ecole de l’Enterprise in Lome; and Association Developpment Avenir ONG d’appui au Developpment in Lome. Staff members from these NGOs have learned the biblical concepts of agriculture during their four-month training program, and have used the methods to grow crops in their own gardens at the Center. They will now become trainers for each NGO, teaching the Scriptural concepts to their trainees.
The Togo partnerships have built lasting friendships during their training which may form the basis of a Western Africa agricultural network. Such a network would be a “tremendous asset in developing like-minded agriculturists in Western Africa that will train up a new generation of farmers,” said Ken Winebark, Mercy Ships Agriculture Program Administrator. Equipping trainees and partners with skills and philosophy is a strong supporting mechanism that will help them to continue the teaching program after the Africa Mercy leaves Togo.
Scriptural methods of agriculture have proven to be far superior to traditional African methods. The gardens of the trainees now completing their training in Benin are of superior quality to the crops of surrounding farms. The vegetables are bigger, greener and better developed that those grown a few hundred feet away. In addition, the crops were planted two weeks later than the nearby farms. This fact has stirred much interest in the program among those in the area, who are driving through the property just to take a look.
The Biblical farming practices seek to use the land in the way God intended, using the nutrients already present in the trees whose leaves breakdown and replenish the soil with their nutrients. In this way, seeds can be planted in the same stations during the next planting season.
The traditional African farming practice is to ‘slash and burn’ the land. Everything is cut down and the land is totally cleared and burned. This destroys the land, kills the microorganisms, encourages erosion, leaves it open to the elements, and destroys the organic matter that is present for the next crop. The biblical practice is to clear the land, but instead of burning, the soil is covered with a thick coat of organic mulch. This provides nutrients for the growing crop, protects from water and wind erosion, retains the moisture, and decreases the need for weeding. Keeping soil tillage to a minimum helps the root systems to hold the soil in place and prevents micro organisms from being destroyed. The Food for Life program, which seeks to maintain a strong and healthy environment and avoid pollution, provides a sustainable agriculture that is not dependent on harsh chemicals and expensive fertilizers.
The Director of Food for Life Bethesda, Urbain Lontchedji, said, “The program is good because people are starting to do something. …they are serious and have a will to prosper.”
According to Jean-Claude Mouditou, Mercy Ships Agriculture Program Facilitator, the program is promoted by radio ads and through Christian radio and churches. But it’s not strictly a Christian program. “We want everyone who has a need,” he said. “It glorifies God that we don’t limit the program to Christians. We want everyone who has a need.”
Information about the program is also offered at Bethesda’s many offices all over the county. Applicants are interviewed and twenty are chosen. This year, trainees were accepted from Togo. “If people have motivation and want to learn, we want them. Most are already farmers and have a deep desire to learn,.” said Mouditou.
The program is free of charge currently. Mercy Ships supplies all the meals for trainees, seeds, light and tools.
After completing the program, leaders meet with trainees once a month for follow-up, to see what everyone is doing and what they might need. Relationship is used to encourage each other, share problems and work with the inexperienced.
Mouditou added, “I am very excited to see what God is doing for our students. He has given them many opportunities to do agriculture and teach many, many others the things they learn. I am so blessed to see that.”
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
ABEL DALOME BACKWARD KNEES
ABEL DALOME
Abel is an unusually happy eleven-year-old, who says his favorite thing to do is to make friends. His attitude is exceptional, considering the physical problem he has been living with for most of his life, and the reaction of most people to that problem.
His childhood was normal until a problem arose following an injection. His parents noticed he was having difficulty learning to crawl. His muscles had stopped growing, but his bones had not. His legs were not growing as they should because there was so little musculature to direct them. As he grew, they began to bend backward at the knee, forcing his upper thighs out behind him. His parents took him to three different doctors, but none of them knew what to do for him.
Despite this condition, the resolute Abel learned to lean forward, correcting his balance enough to walk, climb and do about anything any other active boy could do. He’s even the goalkeeper on his football (soccer) team. The only thing he couldn’t do was ride a bicycle, since it requires sitting straight on the seat and pumping down on the pedals from the front.
His physical problem was so out of the ordinary, that the other children made him the object of ridicule, calling him terrible names and beating him. Yet, all of this never brought him to despair, never dampened his joyful spirit. His parents, however, were greatly concerned for his future.
One day, there was an announcement on the radio that a Mercy Ship was coming to Togo, offering surgeries without charge. Abel’s father was hopeful that this time maybe something could be done for his son. He brought Abel to an orthopedic screening in Lome, where he received his appointment card for a surgery on the hospital ship Africa Mercy. Several days later, the volunteer surgeons straightened his left leg.
A wonderful surprise awaited Abel when he awoke after surgery. His left leg was straight out in front of him, wrapped in a cast. He sat in his bed admiring it. Then he asked his dad, seated beside his hospital bed, if his right leg would also be straight after the next surgery. His father assured him that it would. “If the other leg is going to be like this one, I am going to give a big thanks to the Lord,” said a jubilant Abel. In a few days, the second surgery straightened his right leg.
The surgeries on Abel’s legs have required a long period of recovery. During that time, he and his dad have been staying at the Hospitality Center a short distance from the ship. Here, Abel did, indeed, make many friends among the other children recovering from surgeries. Many times, Abel and his dad were transported to the ship for post operative care before the third procedure, plastic surgery on his knees. So, Abel has made many friends among the crew, also; flashing his brilliant smile in appreciation of all that is done for him.
With the World Cup approaching, Abel is intensely interested in watching his favorite sport, and especially his favorite player, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba on TV. After so many weeks of recuperation, he is eagerly looking forward to getting out on the field himself. But his long-term goal is to become a surgeon some day, like those on the Mercy Ships “because of the things they have done for me,” he said.
Abel is an unusually happy eleven-year-old, who says his favorite thing to do is to make friends. His attitude is exceptional, considering the physical problem he has been living with for most of his life, and the reaction of most people to that problem.
His childhood was normal until a problem arose following an injection. His parents noticed he was having difficulty learning to crawl. His muscles had stopped growing, but his bones had not. His legs were not growing as they should because there was so little musculature to direct them. As he grew, they began to bend backward at the knee, forcing his upper thighs out behind him. His parents took him to three different doctors, but none of them knew what to do for him.
Despite this condition, the resolute Abel learned to lean forward, correcting his balance enough to walk, climb and do about anything any other active boy could do. He’s even the goalkeeper on his football (soccer) team. The only thing he couldn’t do was ride a bicycle, since it requires sitting straight on the seat and pumping down on the pedals from the front.
His physical problem was so out of the ordinary, that the other children made him the object of ridicule, calling him terrible names and beating him. Yet, all of this never brought him to despair, never dampened his joyful spirit. His parents, however, were greatly concerned for his future.
One day, there was an announcement on the radio that a Mercy Ship was coming to Togo, offering surgeries without charge. Abel’s father was hopeful that this time maybe something could be done for his son. He brought Abel to an orthopedic screening in Lome, where he received his appointment card for a surgery on the hospital ship Africa Mercy. Several days later, the volunteer surgeons straightened his left leg.
A wonderful surprise awaited Abel when he awoke after surgery. His left leg was straight out in front of him, wrapped in a cast. He sat in his bed admiring it. Then he asked his dad, seated beside his hospital bed, if his right leg would also be straight after the next surgery. His father assured him that it would. “If the other leg is going to be like this one, I am going to give a big thanks to the Lord,” said a jubilant Abel. In a few days, the second surgery straightened his right leg.
The surgeries on Abel’s legs have required a long period of recovery. During that time, he and his dad have been staying at the Hospitality Center a short distance from the ship. Here, Abel did, indeed, make many friends among the other children recovering from surgeries. Many times, Abel and his dad were transported to the ship for post operative care before the third procedure, plastic surgery on his knees. So, Abel has made many friends among the crew, also; flashing his brilliant smile in appreciation of all that is done for him.
With the World Cup approaching, Abel is intensely interested in watching his favorite sport, and especially his favorite player, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba on TV. After so many weeks of recuperation, he is eagerly looking forward to getting out on the field himself. But his long-term goal is to become a surgeon some day, like those on the Mercy Ships “because of the things they have done for me,” he said.
KOSSIN DELOU NO LONGER AN OUTCAST!
The tumor grew from the upper jaw bone above the teeth. As it grew larger the growth started to cover his eye and hinder his vision. Kossin’s father is a local pastor and the church is an important part of his family life. Due to the difficulties created by his tumor, Kossin was shamed into staying home during his father’s church service.Kossin’s dream is to study at a university to become a teacher. He is inspired to enrich the lives of children with knowledge and love. Such a deformity of the face would have kept Kossin from getting the proper education to be able to teach.
Physical problems are not the only worries Kossin endured during the four years of this tumor’s growth. Emotional turmoil has been his greatest demon. Children who were once friends ridiculed him on the streets and at school. He even felt like an outsider among his own siblings.
After many hours of surgery Kossin emerged with a newly constructed face. Joy radiated from Kossin and his family as he spent time in the Africa Mercy ward in recovery.Kossin’s father, Pastor Delou, gives thanks and glory to God that such mercy was bestowed on his family. “In this life each one of us need help in some moments of our life. I can say that through Mercy ships, we have found that help.” Said Pastor Delou, “you can have a bad story but before the end of your life God will open a door and smile deep into your heart. I know that God is working through Mercy Ships for the best in my life and in Kossi’s life.”
Kossi can now join his family and friends at church service and play with his siblings without being made into an outcast. Also, in September of 2010 Kossi will be able to start school again where he will kickstart his education on his way to becoming a teacher.
Just three weeks after his surgery, Kossi is healing well and is ecstatic about his new life.
“I just want to thank everyone on Mercy Ships. I am so glad that Mercy Ships came through you people and blessed me”.
KODJO YOVOGAN - RAY OF HOPE!
Kodjo sat alone on a bench at the medical screening. His expression was intensely serious. An attractive young husband and father, he had a tumor the size of a grapefruit on his right cheek that curled around behind his ear. It had been growing since he was twelve years old.
Kodjo had been an auto mechanic until the tumor grew so large it got in the way of his work. To provide for his family, he began driving a taxi. Recently, the growth was having a negative effect on that job, too.
He played several sports, and especially enjoyed football (soccer). But the growth of the tumor eventually stopped it all. He even stopped going to church, where he felt very self-conscious. The tumor was taking the joys of his life away.
A Mercy Ships radio announcement provided a ray of hope. The hospital ship Africa Mercy was coming to Togo. “I trusted Mercy Ships could help me,” he said. He had heard about Mercy Ships when the Africa Mercy was in Togo in 2003, but wasn’t in Togo and could not get there before the field service was over.
This time, he made sure he was there. The volunteer doctors performed the surgery to remove the tumor free of charge. Although Kodjo’s total recovery will take a few weeks, he can return to a more normal life now. “ I can go back to being a mechanic. I can go back to church. I’m going to start everything. I can do anything now!” he said with great exhilaration.
AMA TREVE-UNSHROUDED SHAME NO MORE!
Ama wore a scarf around her head to hide the right side of her face. For three years, a tumor had been relentlessly growing and devastating her lfie. People whispered that the growth was evidence of demons within the lovely young woman. Her husband abandoned her and her ten-year-old daughter.As a child, Ama became a Christian and had always loved to attend Sunday morning worship services. The tumor even took that joy away from her. Now she only went to church in the evening when attendance was lower- with fewer people to stare at her and wonder about her. With hope waning, she became very withdrawn.
But her hope was renewed when she heard about a hospital ship coming to the neighboring country of Togo. The ship’s doctors performed surgeries without charge. Ama made arrangements to stay with her sister, who lived just a few miles from the harbour. Ama’s brother gladly agreed to take care of her daughter while she made the trip.Her hope was rewarded1 She received the precious appointment card for a surgery aboard the Africa Mercy, and Mercy Ships volunteer surgeons successfully removed the benign tumor.
Now, Ama is recovering- with loving support from her ten sisters and her brother. Her total recovery will take some time, with follow-up visits to the Africa Mercy for extended care. But the future is bright. She looks forward to getting back to work as a seamstress and hairdresser.
INFANT FEEDING PROGRAM
Hettie measures patient’s head circumference 
Hettie instructs the mother on how to feed her child.
Marius gets his heart rate taken during a routine check up for the infant feeding program.
HOSPITALITY CENTER HOME FOR THE RECOVERING
HOSPITALITY CENTER
The Hospitality Center, situated about 3 ½ km. (two miles) from where the Africa Mercy is docked, opened its doors the first week in March. The 40 bed facility offers overnight provision for up to 90 patients awaiting surgeries and other procedures, as well as on-land office space for eye services and other programs. The Center housed 88 patients and caregivers overnight to prevent travel problems during Togo’s recent national election.
Pre-op and post -op services for 240 eye patients, including 80 cataract surgeries, were handled during the first week of operation. According to Eye Specialist Woody Hopper, who heads the eye services office, “It is expected that 1600 eye patients will pass through the facility during this field service.”
Surrounded by a gated cement wall, the facility is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the tumultuous city of Lomé. The Center is housed in a government-owned clinic in the process of becoming a hospital. The Togolese government is allowing the use of one wing for this facility for the duration of the Togo field service. Mercy Ships workers have replaced the leaky roof, installed electricity and air conditioning, and done a total cleaning. The result is a sanitary, up-to-date, and pleasant place for patients awaiting medical services.
The management team, Barry and Cheryl Wells, Chris Coburn, and Ellen DePagter, share the work load. In addition, there are 22 day volunteers, working in teams, who do maintenance, drive the shuttles, and assist guests. Ellen heads the education and training sessions. The Hospitality Center is under the supervision of Mark Palmer, Land Based Programs Manager. All surgeries take place on the Africa Mercy.
Opening day, the first group of 30 patients received pre-op services before Dr. Glen Strauss performed their eye surgeries onboard. They returned to the Center for post-op care and assembled on the outdoor foyer, where they received instruction, as well as complimentary pouches containing products for their eye care between visits to the Center. Assistants Innocent Kugbeyo and Marcel Goussunoo gave instructions in both French, Togo’s official language, and Ewe, one of the country’s most prevalent tribal languages.
Following the instruction session, Innocent led the group in prayer. He then produced his native drum, and praying became a celebration in song. “I’m giving thanks to God. I will always call on God” they sang with smiling faces and arms raised, as they moved in unison to the music. Soon, everyone in the immediate area was singing and dancing with them. Once laser surgeries begin, such prayer and celebrations will take place every Friday for up to 120 patients, thanking God in song for His goodness.
Innocent and Marcel were day volunteers in Benin last year, and were trained to assist in the eye program. They lead worship and function as translators. Innocent says he loves what he is doing. “It’s a very pleasure to work with Mercy Ships,” he said. “I worked in Benin last year and (after this field service) plan to finish my discipleship training in Ghana so I can return to work with Mercy Ships.”
Woody Hopper added, “We were blessed to have (workers) that were trained last year in Benin. It makes it so much easier because they know what to do”.
As patients were leaving the facility, one man, Kossi Diabo, smiled widely. “I am very happy to be here this morning to get a healing from God,” he said, “and would thank Mercy Ships for what they are doing. First I can’t see anything. Now, I can see! May God encourage you and give you strength.”
The Hospitality Center, situated about 3 ½ km. (two miles) from where the Africa Mercy is docked, opened its doors the first week in March. The 40 bed facility offers overnight provision for up to 90 patients awaiting surgeries and other procedures, as well as on-land office space for eye services and other programs. The Center housed 88 patients and caregivers overnight to prevent travel problems during Togo’s recent national election.
Pre-op and post -op services for 240 eye patients, including 80 cataract surgeries, were handled during the first week of operation. According to Eye Specialist Woody Hopper, who heads the eye services office, “It is expected that 1600 eye patients will pass through the facility during this field service.”
Surrounded by a gated cement wall, the facility is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the tumultuous city of Lomé. The Center is housed in a government-owned clinic in the process of becoming a hospital. The Togolese government is allowing the use of one wing for this facility for the duration of the Togo field service. Mercy Ships workers have replaced the leaky roof, installed electricity and air conditioning, and done a total cleaning. The result is a sanitary, up-to-date, and pleasant place for patients awaiting medical services.
The management team, Barry and Cheryl Wells, Chris Coburn, and Ellen DePagter, share the work load. In addition, there are 22 day volunteers, working in teams, who do maintenance, drive the shuttles, and assist guests. Ellen heads the education and training sessions. The Hospitality Center is under the supervision of Mark Palmer, Land Based Programs Manager. All surgeries take place on the Africa Mercy.
Opening day, the first group of 30 patients received pre-op services before Dr. Glen Strauss performed their eye surgeries onboard. They returned to the Center for post-op care and assembled on the outdoor foyer, where they received instruction, as well as complimentary pouches containing products for their eye care between visits to the Center. Assistants Innocent Kugbeyo and Marcel Goussunoo gave instructions in both French, Togo’s official language, and Ewe, one of the country’s most prevalent tribal languages.
Following the instruction session, Innocent led the group in prayer. He then produced his native drum, and praying became a celebration in song. “I’m giving thanks to God. I will always call on God” they sang with smiling faces and arms raised, as they moved in unison to the music. Soon, everyone in the immediate area was singing and dancing with them. Once laser surgeries begin, such prayer and celebrations will take place every Friday for up to 120 patients, thanking God in song for His goodness.
Innocent and Marcel were day volunteers in Benin last year, and were trained to assist in the eye program. They lead worship and function as translators. Innocent says he loves what he is doing. “It’s a very pleasure to work with Mercy Ships,” he said. “I worked in Benin last year and (after this field service) plan to finish my discipleship training in Ghana so I can return to work with Mercy Ships.”
Woody Hopper added, “We were blessed to have (workers) that were trained last year in Benin. It makes it so much easier because they know what to do”.
As patients were leaving the facility, one man, Kossi Diabo, smiled widely. “I am very happy to be here this morning to get a healing from God,” he said, “and would thank Mercy Ships for what they are doing. First I can’t see anything. Now, I can see! May God encourage you and give you strength.”
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