Official statement from Mercy Ships:
“ The current situation of COVID-19, highlighted by the W.H.O.'s announcement of the designation of COVID-19 as a pandemic and the increasing travel restrictions applied by several countries, have made it increasingly difficult for Mercy Ships to continue to carry out its programs to the required standards, while protecting against the possible spread of the virus.
Therefore, in line with the measures taken by the President of Senegal with the Ministry of Health, Mercy Ships has reviewed the activities associated with the Africa Mercy and has decided to wind down the programmatic operations of our mission in Senegal.
The main concerns of Mercy Ships are the health of the Senegalese people and the safety and well-being of our own volunteers, crew and staff worldwide.
While we regret these measures, we are convinced that they are necessary for the safety and well-being of all concerned.
As we face these challenging events, we would like to thank you for your ongoing prayers and support to Mercy Ships and our mission to bring hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor.”
As for me, I’m unsure when I’ll be coming home. I came to serve the people of Senegal with Mercy Ships and that’s what I intend to do even if it looks differently that I expected. Thank you all for praying and helping me financially. I ask that you please pray for the over 500 people remaining that are now being told that they will not receive the life changing surgery they had hoped and prayed to have. Also, please pray for the current post-operative patients, that they experience extreme healing by our Savior.
Written by Lauren Craig
2020 Global Health Collaboration Missions Scholarship Recipient
Working with Mercy Ships
Dakar, Senegal- Africa