the stats

... in Benin over the 10 month outreach. 

Taken from The Peet Family in Liberia (Thanks, Olly!) :)

996 reconstructive and plastic surgeries;
185 cleft lip and palate repairs;
1161 general surgeries;
2 local surgeons trained;
3,521 cataracts removed;
570 other eye surgeries (pterygia and stabismus);
2 local eye surgeons trained;
33,851 eye evaluations and other treatments;
7,083 pairs of sunglasses distributed;
5,689 pairs of reading glasses distributed;
18 community eye field workers trained;
154 obstetric fistulas repaired;
4 local surgeons trained in fistula repair;
231 orthopedic operations;
10,175 dental patients seen;
794 dental hygiene patients;
13,174 oral health education;
25 oral health teachers trained;
2 dental assistants trained;
28 patients received palliative home care;
6 Burkitt's Lymphoma patients received palliative support;
19 families trained in wound care;
10 agricultural staff trained;
23 local agricultural trainees;
1 hostel constructed for agricultural college;
19 mental health workers trained;
119 church & community leaders trained in mental health;
50 prison officers and workers trained in mental health;
2 church leaders conferences attended by 602 attendants;
and 12,000 people watched the Jesus Film and many made a commitment to Christ...

3 word summary: GLORY TO GOD!!!

First-- God, and God alone, did incredible things through us in Benin. None of it was by our power, but through His power and skill that He has given us. We also couldn't have done it without our amazing day volunteers who were our voice and words in so many, many ways.

Second--A BIG "Thank You" to all our supporters, both in prayer and finances, who make it possible for Tim and I to serve here and do what we do. Behind each of these numbers are the countless individuals who have lifted up in prayer the patients and crew members involved in and around their care, in every department on the ship. You and your prayers are the backbone of this ministry. Thank you.

Third-- While these numbers are exciting, may we not forget that God doesn't even need us to heal. He could have healed each one of these patients by Himself. Instead, He WANTS to use us. The Creator of this world, the God of the universe wants to carry out His plan through us sinners. I find this so humbling!! May we not get caught up in how many we did and feel good about ourselves or Mercy Ships, but rather approach His throne with humility and awe. Behind each number is a soul. It must not be overlooked. Although we significantly changed their bodies and/or appearance, the physical change is not eternal. 

Please pray for the souls behind those numbers. Seeds were planted, weeds were pulled, thorns uprooted, and seeds were watered. 

It has only just begun.