Provision

By now most of you know that The Journal News did an article about Mercy Ships and my service here in Madagascar. I did a phone interview for the article and I admit it was difficult to answer the questions the reporter was asking. Questions like: What has it been like working as a nurse on the Africa Mercy? What is the healthcare system like in Madagascar? What are the patients like? I mean cause it's so easy to describe these patients and what it's like to care for them in a short, succinct, professional manner.... NOT lol! I hope by the time I get home I'll have figured out a way to sum up this time in Madagascar but in the end this environment and taking care of these patients is such a unique experience and one that you can't fully understand until you experience it for yourself. None the less I'll continue to do my best and hope that you all feel involved and a part of this journey. 

There was one question that I had no problem answering. I had a feeling something would come up about how I was doing this financially and what my job status was. Sure enough towards the end of the interview the reporter asked about my financial status. I wonder if he could sense that I was grinning on the other side of the phone. I mean what an opportunity to share about God's provision and faithfulness in my life. I proceeded to give him my honest answer that I knew God opened the doors for this opportunity, that he had a plan and purpose for me serving with Mercy Ships and that he would provide for all my needs including my financial needs. When I first considered applying to volunteer with Mercy Ships I knew that I was going to have to pay my own way, I knew that I was going to have to put my job on hold or potentially quit. Believe me all of these thoughts ran through my mind but none of them seemed like legitimate concerns when I thought about his faithfulness and how He has never failed to provide for my every need. Reading passages that said "My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" and  "Consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than the birds" just solidified my thoughts that financial fears should not hold me back from the great and mighty things God was going to do in and through me. 

God has also exceedingly blessed me with people like you..... friends and family that have been so supportive of my service here with Mercy Ships and have encouraged me through kind words, cards, prayers and financial gifts. I continue to be overwhelmed by all of your support and thanks to your generosity in the beginning of the field service I actually have some money left towards my crew fees for the next 2 months. The remaining balance of my crew fees is about $800.00. If you are thinking about contributing even a small amount towards my crew fees see the link at the bottom of this post.  

The hope, healing and transformation that is happening aboard the Africa Mercy both in the patients lives and in every crew member is not possible without people like you that support crew members and the organization as a whole. Here is a quick overview of all that was done in the month of November:

 

 

 

 

Celebrating with these ladies never gets old!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "I thank my God every time I remember you.

 In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy because of your partnership

in the gospel from the first day until now.....

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you,

since I have you in my heart."

Philippians 1:3-5,7

http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/DeborahMascia

 Although I am currently serving with Mercy Ships, everything communicated here strictly reflects my personal opinions and is neither reviewed nor endorsed by Mercy Ships. Opinions, conclusions and other information expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercy Ships.