Shirlee Abbott

“The day Ulrich arrived on the Africa Mercy for his free surgery, volunteer surgeon, Dr. Frank Haydon, was shocked. “He moved like an insect. Like a cricket. I’d never seen anything quite like it.’”

12 year old Ulrich’s muscles hadn’t developed at the same pace as his bones. Hand-held sticks supported his body weight. His hands and joints hurt.

After several complex surgeries, Ulrich walks upright, no more sticks.

Worldwide, five billion people lack access to safe surgery. For 40 years, Mercy Ships has taken state-of-the-art healthcare to places without clean water, reliable power and adequate medical services. In 2017, Mercy Ships 2,792 surgeries and 19,309 dental procedures. They trained more than 1800 African healthcare professionals.

Lord, bless Ulrich as he safely steps into his future. Give Dr. Haydon and other medical volunteers the wisdom and stamina to continue their healing ministry. Provide the needed resources for Mercy Ships to serve where hope and health have been hard to find.