Dear friends,
We wanted to let you know about the first day of screening in Freetown, Sierra Leone. I will not go into detail but rather let you read the official report sent out by Mercy Ships on the official website. Please pray for our crew who are truly saddened and shocked & especially for the people injured in the screening and for wisdom on how to proceed with screening in order to provide care to the people of Sierra Leone.
Fortunately, surgeries will begin as scheduled next week because of some pre-screening that was done before the ship arrived. We look forward to the next 10 months in Sierra Leone...
Report from the Field
Posted by Mercy Ships staff on Mar 07, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Mercy Ships is deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred today during medical screening at the Freetown National Stadium when a crowd stormed the gate resulting in several injuries and one life lost.
Mercy Ships personnel working at the site attended the injured and accompanied them to local hospitals.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the individuals and families of those affected by today's events. The occurrence of this incident in the course of activities intended to restore lives is tragic. We move forward with tremendous sadness, but great determination, to assist as many people as possible in the next ten months," stated Mercy Ships Founder, Don Stephens.
Mercy Ships exists to serve the forgotten poor and has served Sierra Leone five times over the past two decades, also helping establish two land-based health care facilities. For the next ten months, Mercy Ships will be providing surgeries for qualified patients while working alongside the Sierra Leonean Government to support its five-year healthcare plan and strengthen the functions of the national health system.
Please keep the people of Sierra Leone and the Mercy Ships crew in your prayers, not just today but in the months to come.
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