The End Of An Era

(link & source: Alicia's Porch Swing)

After a long and fruitful career of service to Central America, Asia, South America, and the United States, it has been decided that the Caribbean Mercy will at last be retired. The following is the official text of the final decision:

1. On April 6, 2006 Mercy Ships will commission the flagship of our future, the Africa Mercy. Due to a significant increase in the hospital and community development capacity, the Africa Mercy will double the amount of people served by the Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy combined.

2. It is our belief that the Africa Mercy will serve some of the region’s most needy for the next 30 years.

3. Both the Caribbean Mercy and Anastasis are over 50 years old. International maritime regulations indicate significant additional expense should the two ships remain in service. The Africa Mercy is the first ship of a new era of Mercy Ships hospital ships and part of the long range plan to bring hope and healing to the world’s poorest people.

4. The Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy are both to be retired after serving as effective tools in bringing hope and healing to countless of the world’s poor.

5. Many of the crew from the Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy are considering service on the Africa Mercy.

Thank you so much to all who have followed the news here, worked, and prayed along with the crew. Especial thanks and recognition are also due to the last of the faithful long-term caretakers: Maria Elena, Kathy, Tom, and Joyce. May God be with every one of the countless crewmembers who have served together on the CBM in years past as we all seek his dreams for the future.