A New Chapter Begins with Mercy Ships

Some of you remember the dream I had while reading John Ortberg's book, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat.  That dream is as clear to me today as it was in 2007.  Pam and I were in a large boat and we saw Jesus walking on the water, calling us to get out of the boat and become "Water Walkers."  As I started walking on the water toward Jesus,  I saw thousands of sick and hurting people drowning all around me, and Jesus said "Get them on the boat so they can find Hope and Healing and hear about me." So one by one, I started lifting them to safety where the blind were given their sight, the lame were helped to walk, and those suffering from disfiguring tumors were healed in the name of Jesus.  Then they got out of the boat and started rescuing thousands of others.

At the time, I felt this was a prophetic message from the Lord to use my pharmacy skills and passion for the "least of these" in a holistic ministry to the poor and "least of these."  I still believe that it was; but I now believe there was even more significance to the "boat" in my dream. The boat wasn't just an ordinary boat. It really was a big ship...a hospital ship.  A ship where the Mercy of Jesus was shown to the world's forgotten poor.

I believe with all my heart, that since then, God has been preparing and drawing us to serve on this ship and its organization, Mercy Ships.  

Please look at the following video to learn more about how God is using Mercy Ships to Bring Hope and Healing to the World's Forgotten Poor.



We first heard of Mercy Ships from one of our supporters, David and Jean Dean, back in 2003, who suggested we check out the amazing work this mission agency was doing. Ever since then, we have followed their ministry seeking a pharmacy position on board, but each time, none was available.  Obviously God had other plans and we feel that He wanted us to learn more and wait on His timing.

When we checked with them in May, there was a need for a pharmacist, so we applied.  To our amazement, Mercy Ships asked Harry if he would be interested, not in the pharmacist position, but rather a supervisory position over pharmacy and nine other departments.  Wow! God’s timing could not have been more perfect to use his skills and experience.  While Harry serves as Hospital Ancillary Services Supervisor, Pam will be using her experiences with Mission Waco by first serving the crew as a steward.  With her cheerful personality and wonderful gift of hospitality and encouragement she will be a joy to everyone.

Mercy Ships relies on a team of volunteer crew members who pay their own room and board, travel and personal expenses while serving.  This allows general Mercy Ships donations to be used for direct patient care, community development programs and other costs associated with its Field Service initiatives. From doctors to nurses, engineers to deck hands, housekeepers and teachers, everyone serves as a volunteer.         

Since Mercy Ships requires that we raise 100% of our support, we will need to raise $1850 per month to fully meet our needs and their budgetary requirement for our service.  We want to invite you to join us on this journey by supporting us with prayer and a commitment toward our monthly expenses.

You can make a single gift or a recurring pledge to:
                         
                          Mercy Ships
                          Crewmates
                          P.O. Box 2020
                          Garden Valley, TX 75771

Please put on the memo line: Harry and Pam Porter #3345

Or if you prefer, you can even make a gift online by clicking on the donate button.

We would love to keep you updated on all that God is doing through Mercy Ships would also love to send you our monthly newsletter.  Please click here if you want to be added to our list of crewmates and join us "Water Walking with Jesus."

Your Missionaries,
Harry and Pam Porter