Medical Ships - Australia

news updateApril 2011 edition

At the beginning of last year, when I was planning to take some time off work, I didn’t really expect to be on a boat in remote Papua New Guinea by August. But that’s where I found myself. I had never done any mission work, nor spent any extended period of time on a boat. Despite discovering from the latter that I am prone to seasickness, I am very glad that I had chosen to go!

We spent our two and a half weeks at three remote villages in the Gulf Province, one of the most under-resourced provinces in PNG. As part of the primary healthcare team, I saw a variety of health problems, much of which were unknown to me from my background as a doctor in Melbourne. Some experiences were extremely satisfying, like being able to give intravenous antibiotics to a young child who was suffering from severe pneumonia and then to seeing her laugh the following day. Other experiences made us question why these people had so little and whether we could really do much to help. But the constant smiling optimism of the people of PNG continued to remind us that every little thing that we could do for them was worthwhile. And in return, they opened their lives and their hearts to us for the short time that we were there.

In addition to serving the people of PNG, one of the great things for me about my YWAM outreach was being able to get to know a great group of people from all around the world with a varied skill set. From deck hands to dentists, all had a desire to help the people of PNG and to give what small thing they had to offer.

G’day from KenI hope you enjoy pictures of the ship on the dry dock. What an amazing process and a completely different perspective. I’m so encouraged to have this opportunity to get this vessel into “ship shape.” We still need to raise some finances - around $50,000 more to go! Are you able to help? Every gift makes a huge difference! We are set to sail in just three weeks and we look forward to our first outreach into the Gulf Province bringing hope and life to the people of Papua New Guinea.”

www.ywamships.org

Ken Mulligan - CEO YWAM Medical Ships - Australia

-by Verity SuttonVerity, a volunteer in PNG bringing much hope & joy

The smilesof our friendsin PNG

Featured Crew Member: Alana HewettQ: What have you been involved with during your time with YWAM Ships?A: Since joining the medical team I have been involved in so many things! Last year I helped with registering volunteers to come to PNG! It was exciting to be in contact with people from the start and then get to serve along side them on the Ship in PNG! I was also a part of the PR team for a few weeks during the Australian tour. Part of my role on the medical team has been to help with the organisation of medications, equipment and supplies as well as spectacles!

Q: What did you do before YWAM?A: I worked as a Registered Nurse. I did further training to specialise in Emergency Nursing, my favourite area to work. I spent 2 years living in the UK on a working holiday. During this time I travelled extensively. Some of my favourite countries are Italy, Greece, Israel, Egypt and Tanzania!

Q: What captures your heart about what you get to do with your life?A: The freedom, the variety, and the adventures! The opportunity to meet so many people from all walks of life. It’s a real privilege to help those who are hurting and broken and support people in their pain and suffering and hopefully minister to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Q: When you go to Cold Rock, what do you order?A: Probably something with a Caramello Koala, Tim-Tam and M&M’s smashed in!

For more information:Address: PO Box 1959 Townsville QLD 4810 AustraliaPhone: +61 7 4771 2123 Fax +61 7 4772 4414Email: info@ywamships.org Web: www.ywamships.org

A closer-look at the Pacific LinkDry-Dock in Port Moresby!

Thanking our Sponsors:

The amazing dry dock team/crew with the Pacific Link!

An unusual sight of the Pacific Link out of water!

Crew working hard on parts of the ship that they can’t normally get to when it’s under water.