Ready for Mercy Ships Take 2?

A few weeks ago, in another post, I mentioned a big announcement was coming soon. Well, here it is: I'm not done with Mercy Ships yet! I'm sure it doesn't surprise many people that I love this place and am fully committed to this ministry for as long as God continues to allow me to be here. That being said, I will be coming back again for another 10 months starting in August - this time we'll be sailing to Benin in West Africa! 
I've been dying to scream from the mountaintops (or at least Deck 8) about this big news, but I was waiting until everything was official before I let the world know! As much as I miss seeing my friends and family at home, I've been overwhelmingly grateful at the response of those who I've told the news already. It makes such a HUGE difference to know people are excited for me to come back and so supportive of the work we're doing here. So thank you, thank you, thank you for that! Below is the email I sent to those on my update list for anyone who I haven't been able to contact. Feel free to read more of my heart :)

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. -Philippians 1:3-6

 Dear Friends and Family,

As I sit here on the Africa Mercy typing this email, I think of all the ‘good work’ that has been done in Madagascar in the past 7 months. Since September, Mercy Ships has provided 1167 free surgeries, seen over 5,000 dental patients and trained over 1,000 medical professionals - and that’s all with 10 weeks left before the ship will sail away. God is using this ministry to bring hope and healing to the country of Madagascar in many ways. All these numbers and statistics will never be able to capture the other side of the story where people who receive surgery are given dignity again…where parents of a disabled or disfigured child are able to dream for their future again…where hundreds of local workers the ship hires have learned what a difference it makes when work is grounded in the love of Jesus…and where physicians, nurses, anesthesiologists and hospital administrators have been empowered to provide safe care for their patients and make a difference in a broken system. I wish you could meet the people behind each of these stories to truly understand the impact this ministry has had in this place and to know that your support makes it all possible. Above, I used that verse from Philippians because I am so very thankful for your partnership and when I think of all that you’ve done, I am truly filled with JOY!

Patients recovering from plastic/reconstructive surgery enjoy free time on Deck 7

But the good work is not yet completed. There is much, much more to come, which is part of the reason I am writing today. Sadly, our work in Madagascar must come to an end, but that is only because in just a few months, the Africa Mercy will head to Cotonou, Benin and I’m extremely excited to announce that I will be going with it!

Benin is the country in blue and Cotonou is right near the tip of the arrow.

Benin is a small country on the coast of West Africa about the size of Pennsylvania. It’s a relatively stable and safe country that was a major part of the African slave trade and believed to be the birthplace of Voodoo. While Benin is a developing country, a huge portion of the population lives in poverty and there is less than 1 doctor for every 10,000 people. The Africa Mercy is scheduled to dock in Cotonou, the largest port city in Benin, from August 2016 – June 2017. Not only will I be returning for those 10 months, in July I also have the opportunity to sail with the ship to Benin from South Africa, where it will be docked for annual maintenance and repairs.

The Africa Mercy sailing into Madagascar, August 2015

 I’ve spent the last few months in prayer over this decision, but I fully believe God has called me to this place for longer. There are many ifs and buts that have gone through my mind; however, I have been forced to a place of complete trust in His plan and timing. God has shown me over and over again that He has me here for a reason and He will provide for all my needs. You are one of the ways He has done that! Whether you have given financially, prayed daily or sent a note or inspiring word that came at the exact right moment – each of you is so very important to allow this work to continue! Which means your work is not done yet…

Once again, everyone at Mercy Ships is a volunteer and we are required to pay our own travel expenses plus room and board to live on the ship. In the past year, I have been blessed to receive more support than I ever imagined possible, which means some of that will be able to go towards my monthly expenses for Benin. But I will still need to raise about $6000 to cover the rest of the 10 months. If you are one of my generous monthly supporters already, it’s easy to continue giving in the same way you do now. I appreciate you all so much for your consistent support the past year, but I also understand that finances can change and if you are unable to continue giving past your original commitment that will not be a problem! If you are interested in joining my Crewmates team, I encourage you to visit my Donorpages site here: http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/JenniferMullis/ Click the DONATE link to give via credit or debit card. If you’d rather not give online, please reply to this email and let me know so I can send you more information about other donation options. All donations given through Mercy Ships are tax deductible. Again, none of this would be possible without your support and God is using your gifts to further His kingdom!

Sasimeny and I sharing giggles on Deck 7. Read more about Sasimeny's story here: www.shinebrightmercy.blogspot.com/2016/03/my-little-shadow.html 

I’ve also been blessed by your prayer support and words of encouragement that keep me going on a daily basis. One thing I have experienced the past few months is the power of prayer! This community is built on prayer and it’s beautiful to see the body of Christ come together in this way. There are people all over the world praying for this ship, our patients and this country. I try to post several times a month on my blog (shinebrightmercy.blogspot.com) about what’s happening here and areas that could use prayer. Also follow me on Facebook (Jenny Mullis) or Instagram (username: jennjam23) for pictures, Mercy Ships links and videos, as well as patient stories.

Thank you again for prayerfully considering how you can support Mercy Ships in the coming year! I look forward to sharing more with you as I continue this journey to Benin in a few months.

Love to you all,

Jenny

PS- Because of this change, I will only be in the US for about 5 weeks in June and July. My schedule will be pretty full but I would love to see you and catch up on life! I plan to be in West Palm Beach from June 28 – July 20 or so with a trip to St Petersburg fit in there somewhere. Please let me know if you want to get together while I’m home!