Chapter 2: Returning to West Africa

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19


Welcome back to the blog all! I have some incredibly exciting news to share with you all. In case the name of this blog entry didn't give it away, I will be returning to work with Mercy Ships off the coast of West Africa. During my initial time on board, the Lord started to stir my heart toward a return to the ship. After much prayerful consideration, I have taken a long-term volunteer position serving as a Ward Nurse Educator. My commitment is set to start in Sept 2022 and end in Oct 2024; yes, that is two years that will be spent aboard a ship. If you've been following along with the journey, you already know that the Lord is doing some amazing things through the Mercy Ships organization and its volunteers. 

As mentioned, I will be working as a Ward Nurse Educator. In this position, my time will be split between patient care and working with the international volunteer nurses who are coming to work aboard the ship. As you may imagine, nursing with Mercy Ships looks a little different than it does in the home country of each nurse. Part of my job will be to teach the nurses how to nurse onboard. Then, I get to support them throughout their service period and share the love and hope of Jesus. This position will be in collaboration with a crew member who has been serving onboard for 4 years. I am incredibly excited to partner with and learn from her in the coming months. 

Now comes the reality portion of answering the Lord's request that I return to serve in Africa. The reality of the situation is that I will be financially responsible for my time aboard the ship. To answer some of the most frequently asked questions I have gotten:

  • Mercy Ships volunteers cover all of their own costs to live onboard the ship. This includes:
    • Crew fees of $200 per month (covers room and board)
    • Airline tickets to come and go from Africa
    • Health insurance
    • Daily costs of living (think shampoo, groceries from time to time, etc.)
  • Mercy Ships has asked that I am 75% funded or pledged funding before I return to the ship (set to occur October 2022).
I humbly ask each of you to prayerfully consider financially partnering with me as I return to Mercy Ships. One thing I have learned in my short time working with Mercy Ships is that no person supporting the mission is less than any other. Not all are called to go, some are called to stand with those who go. Would you be one who supports the work that is happening off the coast of West Africa?

Here are a few opportunities:

Financial Support:
  • Donate online (one-time or recurring) 
    •  https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ms-cfp2p/account/1326431
  • Mail a check
    • Make out checks to Mercy Ships and include "Alissa Kehr #5607" in the memo line
    • Mail to:
      • Mercy Ships
      • PO Box 1930
      • Garden Valley, TX 75771

Prayer Support:
  • Join the prayer team. Get regular in-depth updates about what is happening onboard the ship and ways you can join the crew in prayer. 
  • Email alissainafrica@gmail.com to join the prayer team.

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2022 at 3:49 PM

    Miss you and look forward to checking in!

    -Kami

    ReplyDelete

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