Theology in the Raw Doing Cross Cultural Ministry through Mercy Ships: Raeanne Newquist
Oct 24, 2024
Raeanne Newquist, who joined Mercy Ships in 2019 with her family, shares her inspiring journey of service aboard a floating hospital in West Africa. She discusses the balance of family life and volunteering, revealing the emotional impact of bringing surgical care to those in need. Raeanne highlights the challenges of communal living on a ship and the bond created among diverse crew members. She also reflects on the transformative influence of medical missions, emphasizing the importance of community and shared responsibility during her remarkable experiences.
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Unexpected Journey to Mercy Ships
- Raeanne's husband, a first responder, felt called back to full-time ministry outside of the church.
- After a friend asked for support for Mercy Ships, he applied to be a chaplain, leading their family to sell everything and join.
Two-Fold Mission of Mercy Ships
- Mercy Ships is the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship organization, performing free surgeries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Their focus is twofold: providing immediate surgical care and training local medical personnel for long-term sustainability.
Life on a Floating City
- Mercy Ships aren't cruise ships, but floating cities with eight or twelve decks, schools, and various departments.
- They set up rehab and screening tents on the dock, but the main hospital with six operating theaters is onboard.