By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator
For the past couple of months I’ve been updating you on the packets that our kids made as a project for VBS in June. I’m so excited to share with you a letter that was sent to us directly from the ship with an update on how those precious patients are receiving those packets. I know you’ll enjoy reading this, and you may shed a tear or two like I did. It blesses my heart so much to see that the project – the patient activity kits that our kids worked so hard in putting together – is encouraging boys and girls and their families halfway around the world.
Written by Joanne Thibault, edited by Nancy Predaina, and photos by Debra Bell.
Enjoy.
Mercy Ships provides free specialized surgeries to the poorest of the poor in West Africa. Medical care is delivered onboard the Africa Mercy, a 78-bed hospital ship, which is the largest humanitarian hospital ship in the world.
Youngsters add a delightful energy and exuberance to the hospital wards. As they begin to recover from their surgeries – generally a day or two later – they are eager for something to do to pass the time.
One of the greatest blessings that our young patients enjoy during their hospital stay is the gift of a patient activity kit. The 2012 Guinea Field Service began with a wonderful donation of 150 fabulous kits donated by Life Bible Fellowship Church in Upland, California, United States.
Yvonne Riddick, Senior Hospital Chaplain, was so excited when she opened the box from Life Bible Fellowship Church that arrived by cargo container. She said, “Every new patient that comes in receives an activity kit, so we are always thrilled when a new donation arrives. The kits are ideal. They contain a variety of coloring books, crayons, markers, notebooks, playing cards, and stickers. We also know that each kit comes with so much love and care. What a blessing!”
Yvonne noted that the activity kits are equally popular with the mothers and fathers staying with their children, and even the adult patients: “When we distribute the kits, even the adults are excited. This time they were thrilled to learn that Life Bible Fellowship Church, thousands of miles away, was thinking about them and praying for them. I can’t tell you how appreciative everyone is for this kindness.”
The sincere thanks of the children can be measured by the groundswell of smiles, giggles, and hugs that go along with each kit that is handed out. Yvonne explains, “The kits are so loved because they give the patients something fun to do, and they also learn about North America. For example, the girls really love the Strawberry Shortcake coloring books and have a great time getting to know all about her.”
The biggest squeals of delight erupt when the sheets of stickers start making the rounds. Guffaws are hard to contain when stickers start appearing on patients, caregivers, volunteers...and sometimes even on Dr. Gary, our Chief Surgeon!
According to Yvonne, playing cards also deserve mention: “They are especially popular at bedtime. Parents and their children have a lovely bonding time over a game of cards as the ward starts to quiet down for the night. It is so heartwarming to know that the generosity of people halfway around the world helps families stay close through the journey to healing.”
The difference that Life Fellowship Church patient activity kits has made is nicely summed up by little Sheika, an orthopedics patient, who said, “I have never had such a beautiful gift. I think Jesus must have helped bring them here, and I sure want to give him a very big hug – and one of my new stickers.”
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