Tema Outreach Update*
as of Dec. 5th
Just wanted to give you a New Year's update on the Mercy Ship Tema Outreach. We are scheduled to be finished here in Ghana by mid Feb. Our last surgical date onboard is Feb. 2nd.
Here is a bit of whats going on over here. God is doing wonderful things here, not only physical, but very much giving hope and changing hearts. Feb 25th we will sAiL to Liberia to begin a 10 month outreach!!! The Africa Mercy is rescheduled to meet us May 15th!
1) Reconstructive surgery- accomplished to date: 277 Goal: 500
(ie 277/500) Common patients I see: Hemimandiblectomies r/t facial tumors, thyroidectomies r/t goiters, burn
contracture release r/t acid burns(abuse) & fires, cataract removals, Benign tumor removals
2) Vesicovaginal Fistula Repairs- 31/70 Many more to come in beginning of January. Please pray for courage for these
woman as they re~enter society after being abandoned for many years.
3) Dental Clinic- 2,565/4,500
4) Eye patients (cataracts, strabismus) 968/2,000
training locals- 15 eye workers
17 eye professionals
5) HIV Aids Care & Prevention: starting volunteer programs to equip locals to teach locals
83 participants from 23 communities/churches
Hope to have 2+ Mercy Coalitions created
* Although Malaria kills more people in Africa than AIDS!!!, much edu is needed in this area. Please pray for receptive
ears and earnest workers. Common myths keep this disease alive (ie- A.I.D.S. American Invention to Discourage Sex!
or that if they sleep with a virgin it will cure them!)
6) Fountain Head Christian School
The local community communicated a need to expand the school beyond Elementary school to include a Junior High so their
children would not have to switch schools. This is a Christian school lead by YWAM, Many influential government leaders
are sending their children here! Please pray for the staff as they have a daily impact to change the future of Ghana :)
*added on 6 classrooms, 2 offices, staff room, bathrooms
7) Tema Polyclinic Maternity Ward
To be completed in January
Project requested by Minister of Health to meet a "felt" need.
8) Ashaiman Youth Health Center
Giving youth a safe place to come to for HIV/AID edu and help
To be completed in January
9) Water & Sanitation
13/38 Wells completed. Mercy Ships working with a local company that has committed to complete what we are not able
to do before leaving in Feburary. The Minister of Health identifed the areas for us where there was the most need.
Local villagers are also being taught how to build effective latrines.
10) Bee keeping
training 52 local woman, 1st Harvest in January!!!! These woman work for Ghana Forestry & have committed to do
continuing education for locals~ passing on their new knowledge.
11) Agricultural Training
Ben, our agricultural expert just arrived last week. Please pray for him as he jumpstarts this program!
training HIV Africans to start a produce business, starting late December.
12) Empowering Woman
154 participants graduate Dec 13th, after having started
snail, rabbit, or mushroom businesses! Wonderful woman!
13) Strategic Health Initiative Program (SHIP)
Partnering with Medical Ambassadors to teach 30 men and woman to be their Village's Basic Health and Sanitation
Leaders. Pray for the new leader's courage, effort, and effectiveness in spreading the word! Have gone out with the
director several times..she is very creative and thorough! Pray for Jean's perserverance in finishing strong.
14) Church Leaders Conference
300+ local pastors to meet mid January Topic: Unity
Thanks so much for your support in so many ways :)
