News Release

Hey Everyone,

Crazy things happened today.  I'm not sure how many details I should really give b/c they banned internet all afternoon until just now, but here is what they are releasing to the press over here:

Mercy Ships is deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred today during medical screening at the Freetown National Stadium when a crowd stormed the gate resulting in several injuries and one life lost.
Mercy Ships personnel working at the site attended the injured and accompanied them to local hospitals.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the individuals and families of those affected by today's events. The occurrence of this incident in the course of activities intended to restore lives is tragic. We move forward with tremendous sadness, but great determination, to assist as many people as possible in the next ten months," stated Mercy Ships Founder, Don Stephens.
Mercy Ships exists to serve the forgotten poor and has served Sierra Leone five times over the past two decades, also helping establish two land based health care facilities. For the next ten months, Mercy Ships will be providing surgeries for qualified patients while working alongside the Sierra Leonean Government to support its five-year healthcare plan and strengthen the functions of the national health system.

My whole boat crew is safe and back on the ship.  We will not be continuing the medical screening tomorrow until we come up with a further secure action plan.  The health system does want us to proceed with what we are doing here so we will proceed with what we can with what we have.  Please pray for those who did not get to receive attention to their needs today and for the images the will be forever burned into our minds by the traumatic events that happened today. 

This is the note that I found when I put on a new pair of trousers after today's event's cleansing shower:  2 Thes. 3:3  The Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

He did exactly that today for us all, especially for those of us who were in the immediate danger areas.  Remember!  EVERYONE FROM THE SHIP IS SAFE AND ON BOARD THE VESSEL!!  (A.k.a. Don't freak out)