Whilst Don Stephens was still on board we had a "Passing of the Torch" ceremony. As the ANA is headed for retirement it was a very moving & symbolic occasion. The ceremony started with the torch being lit and Dr. Gary Parker, his wife Susan and their children stood on the top of the Anastasis gangway.
Dr. Gary has lived and served on the Anastasis for over 22 years. He met his wife on board and their children have lived on board all their lives. The rest of the crew (over 350 people) snaked in a long line up and down the dock and up onto the Africa Mercy with Solfrid Quist (Executive Director of AFM) and Don & Deyon Stephens (Mercy Ships President and Founders) at the top of the Africa Mercy to receive the Torch.
The torch was passed through the hands of each and every crew member and was symbolic of the handing over of the Ministry of the Anastasis -To Bring Hope & Healing to World's Forgotten Poor, the Africa Mercy the worlds largest non-governmental hospital ship.
No comments:
Post a Comment