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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
🌟 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 😊
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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