Mercy Ships

Two Ships. Twice the Transformations.

In 2021, Mercy Ships will launch our newest ship, the Global Mercy, to join our current ship, the Africa Mercy, in our life-changing mission. This will double our ability to provide free surgeries and increase our capacity to train local doctors in the communities we serve.

Mercy Ships began our mission to provide hope and healing to those in need in 1978. Each year we send hospital ships filled with volunteer professionals who selflessly provide life-changing surgeries to children and adults who otherwise would go without. Together we are saving lives.

Don Stephens founded Mercy Ships in 1978 with the purchase of the Anastasis, where he and his family lived for ten years. During his time as President, Don directed and led thousands of professional volunteers from over 40 nations as well as employees in offices in 16 countries.

He’s also the voice of “The Mercy Minute”—a radio broadcast aired on over 840 stations daily—and the author of three books: Trial by Trial (1985), Mandate for Mercy (1995), and Ships of Mercy (2005). In 2009, he was awarded the International Humanitarian of the Year award from Variety International.