Ships Of Mercy: The Remarkable Fleet Bringing Hope To The World's Forgotten Poor

by Don Stephens, Lynda Rutledge Stephenson

Ships of Mercy: The Remarkable Fleet Bringing Hope to the World's Forgotten Poor

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

221 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2005

Reviews

[Christopher Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea of the complexity required to get a hospital ship ready. In SHIPS OF MERCY, Don Stephens and the team explain the beginnings of Mercy Ships, discussing the early, smaller ships, and continuing onto the giant African Mercy. The authors explain all the long legal hurdles, equipment problems, staffing issues, money--you name it. This was a HUGE ordeal getting this organization off the ground.

There are also numerous stories that document the many lives changed as a result of Mercy Ships. It is almost unbearable to read the stories of these poor people with terrible diseases--who are then helped with surgery on the ship. There are also some inspiring photos with "before and after" pictures showing you the results. Really awesome! Some of the children have diseases that we never see here in the U.S. Several children had legs that actually were backwards! Another person had a tumor so large they could barely breathe! Afterwards, their face looked normal (and happy!)

All in all, I found SHIPS OF MERCY to be an inspiring, informative book. The rear of the book contains schematic illustrations of several mercy ships, as well as a future ship.

All I can say is, "Bravo to the Mercy Ships team!"

see also Bassocantor.com/mercy-ships

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a moving book about the creation of the most generous and heartwarming hospital in/around the world.
I was moved so much I have set up a direct debit to donate monthly.

It does however give off a bit of "white saviour complex" because it isnt terribly humble or modest, and it is a tiny bit "look how good this thing *I did* is"

That said, they are sharing their gifts and talents and are warmly welcomed (eventually) everywhere they go, and they are saving lives that would otherwise be lost. They are also teaching a man to fish, which is good!

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiring story of a fleet of hospital ships providing essential medical care all over the world! At times, the book does get a bit repetitive, the same things being said over and over. And the author brags a bit too much about himself at times too. Otherwise, a good read!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be. Inspired.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing stories from on board a floating hospital.

[Ciara Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening and brilliant. So interesting and heartbreaking about the world around us

[William DiGena]

Work read hehe
But still inspiring, encouraging and instructive.

[Marja Verschoor-Meijers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love real-life stories! Don Stephen's story is about the birthing of Mercy Ships. It wasn't easy, it wasn't always fun, but it sure was exciting! I am amazed (again) that the dream and obedience of one man can lead to a worldwide ministry that touches thousands and thousands of lives. This book will definitely encourage and inspire you!

[Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

this recounts the healing ministry of sacrificial giving as professionals travel the globe to assist the less fortunate. some fear they have to renounce their faith to receive treatment and a rumor is put out that the ship actually houses soldiers. insightful. a few pix.

[Chinchilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come

[Peter]

Can someone help me I want to read this book but can't find a copy online

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the mission of MercyShips. Despite the overwhelming needs of developing countries, they decided to focus on one person at a time--and often this one person impacts many more. What they do in providing orthopedic, head/neck, tumor removal, and gynecologic operations, hospice care, physical therapy, vision surgeries and services to people of poverty makes me want to jump on board. Women who develop fistulas after extended obstructed childbirth or violent rape are shunned in their communities and are given not just the surgical repair, but a new dress, makeup, and opportunities to provide for themselves and their families, and often end up literally dancing off the boat. It reminded me of the woman Jesus healed with the issue of blood.

I only liked--not loved-- this book due to its structure and chapter organization--it jumped around with little excerpts in italics, which indicated it was a personal account of one person whose life was changed post surgery, and then back to a historical narrative of their inception and history, and it read in a rather scattered and disorganized way.

[Daniel Fazzina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very inspirational read, full of amazing God stories, heart- warming accounts of lives transformed and divine Interventions. I really enjoyed this book. I had an opportunity to have Don Stephen as a guest on my radio show, "Divine Intervention" and to hear him tell his story, and some of the stories in his book, first hand. He was a great interview, and very interesting. You can listen to the interview here:

http://divineintervention.typepad.com...

[Jill Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this book, I want to go get on a Mercy Ship and save the world. Way more interesting than I thought it would be, I came away with an idea of what Mercy Ships are all about and how they got started. The book is an eye opening account of the tremendous medical needs of the poorist people in the world and what incredably generous people do to help them.

[Kim Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really wanting to go on a Mercy Ship after reading this book.