Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Lasting Impact in Cameroon

On our return home from Cameroon, we spent three days in Belgium.  It was a great way to re-enter the western world.  Even after five months, it does take some adjustment to return and process all that we've experienced.  We stayed in the beautiful city of Brussels, and also took side trips to Antwerp and Ghent.

One of the highlights was visiting Saint Bavo's Cathedral and seeing the restored alter piece created in the 15th century by Flemish artists Jan and Hubert van Eyck.  The center of the piece is call the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.  It is taken from a scene from the Biblical book of Revelation where Christ is represented as the Lamb that was slain.  This lamb is standing because Christ is risen.  His life giving blood is pouring out into a chalice.  Surrounding the Lamb are worshipers from throughout the world.



The group at the bottom left represents people from all over the world.  Today it would look a lot more diverse that the 15th century European perspective of people groups, but would certainly include people from Cameroon.  Thousands of Cameroonians were impacted by Mercy Ships during the time time we were in the country. Many not only found tangible hope and healing, but also came to understand that life really does get better and that life in relationship with Jesus really makes a difference.

During the time in Cameroon, Mercy ships provided 30,286 surgical screenings.
10,780 patients received dental care and dental health training.
There were 2,746 surgeries performed on the ship.  They were in the following areas:
General surgery:  237
Women's health (obstetric fistula, etc)  278
Orthopedics 82
Plastics (primarily burn victims)  165
Ophthalmic  1542 (primarily cataract surgery)
Maxillofacial  442 (primarily tumor removal, cleft lip/pallet)


In addition 1,475 local health care providers (doctors, surgeons, nurses) received some type of medical training so that the ongoing health care can continue in the country.
There were 89 different medical capacity partners.

There were about 270 day crew, local Cameroonians who worked on the ship.  They received practical work experience and were helped to create resumes for future work.  Many received certificates for specific qualifications making them more employable in the future.  And of course there were many impacted by the mercy ministries to hospitals, schools, orphanages and churches which were all strengthened and helped along the way.

We went to Cameroon simply to serve and be a part of this work.  We left truly blessed by our time there.  To those who have read this blog, and taken an interest in the work of Mercy Ships, thank you.

Chuck



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