Mercy Ships South Africa

Mercy Ships follows the 2000-year-old model of Jesus, bringing hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor via skilled volunteers and hospital ships

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

What started as a boil on Sawa’s neck steadily grew into a large goiter. According to him, it began more than two decades ago.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

At 14, Sheku came to Mercy Ships in need of life-saving surgery for a facial tumor that made it difficult to breathe.

Today, he serves on the #GlobalMercy in Sierra Leone, using his story to encourage patients on their own healing journeys.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

After ten weeks of patient selection across Madagascar, the #AfricaMercy hospital has officially reopened for the 2026 field service.

This week, patients from across the country began arriving aboard as surgeries began.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

After losing her sight to cataracts, 69-year-old Delphine could no longer work in the fields, care for her grandchildren, or attend church gatherings in her community.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

For 69-year-old Delphine, the ship’s return was life-changing news. The grandmother had lost her sight due to cataracts and became the first patient to receive surgery aboard the Africa Mercy during this field service.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

Three siblings arrived aboard the Africa Mercy carrying more than physical pain; they carried years of stigma from their community.

Together, they took steps toward a different future.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

Prep week is here, and the crew is hard at work, gloves on, scrubbing, dusting, and disinfecting every corner of our hospital ship as we prepare for the first surgeries ahead!

From car repairs to wards and ORs, the #AfricaMercy looks spotless as we prepare to welcome patients.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

Deep clean in progress!

Shoutout to the #AfricaMercy crew working behind the scenes to get the hospital ready in Madagascar.

In just a few days, we’ll begin welcoming patients onboard. Every scrub, wipe, and preparation helps create a safe space for healing. #MercyShips

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

🌟 Meet South African volunteer Lusanda Pawuleni!

We’re excited to introduce Lusanda Pawuleni, one of our dedicated volunteers serving onboard as a Hospitality Team Leader on the Africa Mercy.

Thank you for your service Lusanda 😊

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

Before the first patients arrive and surgeries begin, there is always a moment to pause and pray.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

At 14, Sheku came to Mercy Ships in need of life-saving surgery for a facial tumor that made it difficult to breathe.

Today, he serves on the #GlobalMercy in Sierra Leone, using his story to encourage patients on their own healing journeys.

#MercyShips #HopeAndHealing

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

Africa is calling... and honestly, it looks pretty promising.

Your next great adventure could come with purpose. Volunteer with Mercy Ships today https://t.co/u6z3t9omlQ

#ItsAllWaitingThereForYou #Africa #MercyShips

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

On the edge of saying yes to volunteering? This one’s for you.

We asked a few volunteers what they’d say to someone just like you. Swipe through and see what’s waiting on the other side of yes.

#MercyShips #Volunteer #ServeWithPurpose #LifeChanging #TakeTheLeap

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

For years, people in their village knew them as “the family with bowed legs.”

There was pain and mockery for Fenitra, Rolland, Rody, and their family

Sometimes healing changes more than a body; it changes what people believe is possible. #MercyShips #HopeandHealing #Madagascar

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

The #AfricaMercy is sailing back to Madagascar, and the people leading it are getting ready.

As part of preparations, team leads gathered for a leadership retreat, where they took time to reflect and realign ahead of the next field service.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

Amara, a 41-year-old father of six from Conakry, Guinea, lived with a severe jaw tumor for more than 20 years.

What began as a toothache worsened after two surgeries and a construction accident. The swelling grew, and doctors said nothing more could be done.

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

Welcome to Deep Dive, where we break down the big questions about Mercy Ships.

To kick things off, our volunteer Paula explains what Mercy Ships actually is (for anyone new here 👀).

Stay tuned for more, and tell us what we should cover next. #DeepDive #MercyShips #Volunteer

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

We are so grateful for the volunteers who make Mercy Ships possible. Because of you, this mission continues to move forward. #MercyShips #Bieberchella #EverythingHallelujah #Bieber

[Mercy Ships South Africa @MercyShipsSA]

A little timeline reset.
Laughter, games, and kids being kids at the HOPE Center.

You can pause here for a bit. #MercyShips #HopeAndHealing #SierraLeone #SafeSurgery

Photo Credit: Josianne Heuver Harting