Here are two more links to follow to read more about the Continuing Promise Mission.
Deseret News
LDS Newsroom
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
a beautiful story
Chelsea Warren of Deseret News - Mormon Times wrote this about Continuing Promise 2009.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A letter from Maria
I can write all day long on my personal blog, but when I try to write here I draw a blank. I think it has everything to do with trying to find the words to define the magnitude of work being done out here.
I've heard it described as a drop in the ocean. Both because of how small the assistance we bring may feel in the large scope of things. And also because of the ripple effect created by the simple acts of kindness. We may never see how far reaching the humanitarian effort of the USNS Comfort really can touch.
I'll share a letter from one of the women who received some of the donations from LDS Charities:
My name is Maria Lourdes, from FASE (Fundacion para el Apoyo Social y Educativo), in Panama.
I was one of the recipients of 5 pallets from you project. I just want to thank you with all my heart for all the good you are doing, and for helping so many people in may country.
I´m the president for this foundation, and we work with the women´s jail.
We divided into 4 parts the 5 pallets, and we gave it to:
1. Centro escolar Marie Poussepin, which are catholic nuns who run a pre-school, an
elementary and a diner for many very poor children, and also helps their families.
2. Centro Femenino de Rehabilitacion: In which we have a re-socialization program, and do a lot of work, since 2004, on a voluntary basis. (attending almost 600 women).
3. Dr. Eduardo Barsallo: Who does a tremendous voluntary work in Veraguas, Panama, with poor farming people. Especially in education. As he is a former educational dean.
4. Fundacion Remar: who works with drug parents. They run 10 houses, attending hundreds of children, product of drug parents, until they rehab.
They are all very, very grateful, and in their names...THANKS.
Dr. Barsallo delivered this donation, to this very poor lady, who lives by herself in an extreme poverty, in Veraguas, (Panama).
Best regards from Panama.
Sincerely,
Maria de Lourdes Townshend
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A story by Ali Bowden
Yesterday I was blessed to witness the joy that come of strong faith and small miracles. All of the patients I have had the opportunity to care for here aboard the Comfort have a story, but there are definitely some that will remain with me forever; such is the story of Mary Christopher.
Mary was and elderly woman who was brought to our unit post-operatively, after having a cataract removed from her left eye. I helped her to settle into her steel bunk bed, but quickly became busy with other patients who needed more immediate attention. As I worked, however, I began to hear someone softly singing. I looked over and saw Mary, lying on her side, a huge blue patch over her operative eye, singing quietly to herself. I immediately stopped what I was doing and went to sit with her; and this is when Mary told me her story.
Mary had known that she needed cataract surgery, but had been told by a doctor in Cuba (the closest facility to Antigua that could offer this surgery) that ‘it wasn’t bad enough yet,’ and that she would have to wait for another year before they would consider operating. She was discouraged by this as her sight was already severely impaired, and returning to Cuba would be difficult for her to arrange. When she heard that the USNS Comfort would be coming to Antigua, she had great hopes that she would see a doctor and get the surgery that she knew she needed. However, after two full days of standing in the chaotic mass of people outside the St. John’s Multi-purpose center (where the USNS Comfort providers had set up their ophthalmology clinic), she had not even been successful at obtaining the wrist band that would secure her an appointment with the eye doctor. The next day was Sunday, and, although Mary wanted desperately to try her luck at the clinic again, she decided that it was more important that she go to church - to worship her Lord and to celebrate Mother’s Day with her family.
On Monday morning, Mary woke at two o’clock a.m. to be sure that she was in line at the clinic by three a.m.. All morning she stood her ground, despite the loud, pushing, and sometimes aggressive crowd. She says she was often worried that she would be pushed over and tramples among the mass of people. Then, a policeman who was manning the throng, noticed Mary struggling to maintain her position and balance; he approached her, and scolding the others for not being more respectful of this elderly woman, took her to the front of the line.
Mary was then taken by one of the US Military officers, received her arm band, and was lead into the clinic to have her appointment with the ophthalmologist. Two days later, her surgery has been successful and she sits quietly on the 2 AFT Ward board the USNS Comfort, singing a song of praise. After Mary tells me her story, she begins to sing again, this time louder and with greater feeling:
Mary was and elderly woman who was brought to our unit post-operatively, after having a cataract removed from her left eye. I helped her to settle into her steel bunk bed, but quickly became busy with other patients who needed more immediate attention. As I worked, however, I began to hear someone softly singing. I looked over and saw Mary, lying on her side, a huge blue patch over her operative eye, singing quietly to herself. I immediately stopped what I was doing and went to sit with her; and this is when Mary told me her story.
Mary had known that she needed cataract surgery, but had been told by a doctor in Cuba (the closest facility to Antigua that could offer this surgery) that ‘it wasn’t bad enough yet,’ and that she would have to wait for another year before they would consider operating. She was discouraged by this as her sight was already severely impaired, and returning to Cuba would be difficult for her to arrange. When she heard that the USNS Comfort would be coming to Antigua, she had great hopes that she would see a doctor and get the surgery that she knew she needed. However, after two full days of standing in the chaotic mass of people outside the St. John’s Multi-purpose center (where the USNS Comfort providers had set up their ophthalmology clinic), she had not even been successful at obtaining the wrist band that would secure her an appointment with the eye doctor. The next day was Sunday, and, although Mary wanted desperately to try her luck at the clinic again, she decided that it was more important that she go to church - to worship her Lord and to celebrate Mother’s Day with her family.
On Monday morning, Mary woke at two o’clock a.m. to be sure that she was in line at the clinic by three a.m.. All morning she stood her ground, despite the loud, pushing, and sometimes aggressive crowd. She says she was often worried that she would be pushed over and tramples among the mass of people. Then, a policeman who was manning the throng, noticed Mary struggling to maintain her position and balance; he approached her, and scolding the others for not being more respectful of this elderly woman, took her to the front of the line.
Mary was then taken by one of the US Military officers, received her arm band, and was lead into the clinic to have her appointment with the ophthalmologist. Two days later, her surgery has been successful and she sits quietly on the 2 AFT Ward board the USNS Comfort, singing a song of praise. After Mary tells me her story, she begins to sing again, this time louder and with greater feeling:
“Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely?
and long for heaven and home.
When Jesus is my portion,
My constant friend is he.
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
I sing because I am happy.
I sing because I am free.
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.”
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely?
and long for heaven and home.
When Jesus is my portion,
My constant friend is he.
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
I sing because I am happy.
I sing because I am free.
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.”
Mary thanks the Lord, and all of us who have been an answer to her prayers. She reminds me that the Lord loves his children and is mindful of our every need. In her words: “When me think he no hear, he hear. When me think me prayers no go, he answer.”
I feel blessed to be a part of her joy and to be reminded of this truth – that strong faith in a loving and all knowing God, brings about small, and sometimes, great miracles.
Panama News
{photo taken by Laura, one of our April Angels}
Media: La Estrella (Panama)
Byline: FATIMA ASVAT
Date: 23 May 2009
The hospital ship will be stationed in Colon until June 1, providing free medical service to patients selected by the Health MinistryPanama Star PANAMA. The US Navy hospital ship Comfort will reach Panama today, and stay until June 1 as part of a four months mission offering free medical services through the Caribbean, Central America and Colombia's coastline
During her Panama stay the ship, staffed by an international medical team will be berthed in Colon's Cristobal port. She left Norfolk, Virginia on April 1.The Comfort has 12 operating rooms, capacity for 1,000 hospital beds, and a fully equipped. Treatment center with big red crosses on the hull, the Comfort will comply with a promise made two years ago of offering humanitarian medical help and improving health service in the hemisphere.
Among the 800 crew are medical personnel from partner countries: France, Canada, Holland, and Spain as well as non-governmental organizations and members of all branches of the US army.
This is the fourth humanitarian aid mission and follows the Comfort's trip in 2007 and other visits by ships such as the USS Boxer.This year, the Comfort will work alongside Panama's Health Ministry to treat patients previously selected by the government, to make donations from non-governmental organizations, and to provide assistance to community infrastructures.
On Thursday they will visit the Embera Quera village near the Canal entrance, where the ship's crew will make donations to the community and offer on-site medical treatment.
This visit follows one in 2007, when a 12 country mission of doctors and nurses on the USNS Comfort, treated thousands of patients in Latin America and the Caribbean ranging from medical evaluations to operations to remove cataracts.
In Panama, 29,028 cases were treated, and patients received services such as radiology, laboratory tests, immunizations, surgery, and more.The US technicians also helps to renovate some of the local health centers.
This year the hospital ship made its first stop in HaitÃ, where for 10 days Haitians received free surgical treatment. After Haiti, the Comfort stopped by the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda.
After Panama, the Comfort will continue with its mission visiting Colombia, El Salvador and Nicaragua.The ship will pass through the Canal's Miraflores locks on Wednesday June 3.
Free treatment on US Navy ship
Media: La Estrella (Panama)
Byline: FATIMA ASVAT
Date: 23 May 2009
The hospital ship will be stationed in Colon until June 1, providing free medical service to patients selected by the Health MinistryPanama Star PANAMA. The US Navy hospital ship Comfort will reach Panama today, and stay until June 1 as part of a four months mission offering free medical services through the Caribbean, Central America and Colombia's coastline
During her Panama stay the ship, staffed by an international medical team will be berthed in Colon's Cristobal port. She left Norfolk, Virginia on April 1.The Comfort has 12 operating rooms, capacity for 1,000 hospital beds, and a fully equipped. Treatment center with big red crosses on the hull, the Comfort will comply with a promise made two years ago of offering humanitarian medical help and improving health service in the hemisphere.
Among the 800 crew are medical personnel from partner countries: France, Canada, Holland, and Spain as well as non-governmental organizations and members of all branches of the US army.
This is the fourth humanitarian aid mission and follows the Comfort's trip in 2007 and other visits by ships such as the USS Boxer.This year, the Comfort will work alongside Panama's Health Ministry to treat patients previously selected by the government, to make donations from non-governmental organizations, and to provide assistance to community infrastructures.
On Thursday they will visit the Embera Quera village near the Canal entrance, where the ship's crew will make donations to the community and offer on-site medical treatment.
This visit follows one in 2007, when a 12 country mission of doctors and nurses on the USNS Comfort, treated thousands of patients in Latin America and the Caribbean ranging from medical evaluations to operations to remove cataracts.
In Panama, 29,028 cases were treated, and patients received services such as radiology, laboratory tests, immunizations, surgery, and more.The US technicians also helps to renovate some of the local health centers.
This year the hospital ship made its first stop in HaitÃ, where for 10 days Haitians received free surgical treatment. After Haiti, the Comfort stopped by the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda.
After Panama, the Comfort will continue with its mission visiting Colombia, El Salvador and Nicaragua.The ship will pass through the Canal's Miraflores locks on Wednesday June 3.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Antigua Barbuda - LDS Charities Final Report
Operation Continuing Promise 2009 Antigua & Barbuda
LDS Charities Final Report
May 6th through May 15th
By: Elder Norman, LDS Coordinator
Approximately 850 Patients were served each day at the Clinic set up at the Multi-Purpose Cultural Center in St. John’s, Antigua for 10 days
Patients were also seen at two other sites: Barbuda and All Saints for three days each.
In addition, approximately 150 operations were performed on-board the ship.
1. Patients Treated
The LDS Church donated 24 pallets of Humanitarian Supplies to Antigua & Barbuda, including:
Hygiene Kits
First Aid Kits
Newborn Kits
Orphanage Kits
School Kits
Quilts, etc.
These were distributed by the Navy to the Hospital, Mental Hospital, Boys Club, Girls Club and other non-profit organizations
2. Humanitarian Supplies
NGO Recognition Ceremony
3. Participation of LDS Members at the St. John’s, Antigua Clinic Day
Number of Volunteers - 91
Approximate Number of - 7,025
Patients Served Hours of Work - 369
Areas of Participation
Patient Flow
Registration
Available for Translation
Helping at the Clinic
Thanks to the Navy who generously gave a tour of the ship to 16 of our volunteers. It was a nice reward for the many hours they donated.
4. Ship Tour
Many good relationships were established with the personnel from the ship and with the patients.
LDS participation was mentioned in the local newspapers and on the radio and TV news.
Quote from the LDS volunteer coordinator aboard ship: “Thanks again for all the hard work of the the volunteers. I heard nothing but good and positive remarks to the efforts of the brothers and sisters of Antigua.”
5. Public Relations
Additional Quote: “We had the closing ceremonies this afternoon and in attendance was Prime Minister W. Baldwin Spencer, Minister of National Security and Labour Dr. Errol Cort, and the US Embassy Charge d’ Affairs Dr. Brent Hardt. Dr. Hardt gave Elder Norman and his volunteers a very nice recognition in his speech to the attendees from both the Comfort and various governmental offices in Antigua. He basically thanked Elder Norman and the volunteers for their contribution in helping make the time in Antigua a success. This is the first time during these ceremonies that an official has singled out individuals for their contributions. After the ceremony the Prime Minister thanked all the NGO’s for their contributions to the people of Antigua.”
The opportunity for service by the St. John’s Antigua LDS Branch was fulfilled very successfully. We were able to show our love and goodwill to the people of Antigua. There were many positive experiences including several referrals for the missionaries.
LDS Charities Final Report
May 6th through May 15th
By: Elder Norman, LDS Coordinator
Approximately 850 Patients were served each day at the Clinic set up at the Multi-Purpose Cultural Center in St. John’s, Antigua for 10 days
Patients were also seen at two other sites: Barbuda and All Saints for three days each.
In addition, approximately 150 operations were performed on-board the ship.
1. Patients Treated
The LDS Church donated 24 pallets of Humanitarian Supplies to Antigua & Barbuda, including:
Hygiene Kits
First Aid Kits
Newborn Kits
Orphanage Kits
School Kits
Quilts, etc.
These were distributed by the Navy to the Hospital, Mental Hospital, Boys Club, Girls Club and other non-profit organizations
2. Humanitarian Supplies
NGO Recognition Ceremony
3. Participation of LDS Members at the St. John’s, Antigua Clinic Day
Number of Volunteers - 91
Approximate Number of - 7,025
Patients Served Hours of Work - 369
Areas of Participation
Patient Flow
Registration
Available for Translation
Helping at the Clinic
Thanks to the Navy who generously gave a tour of the ship to 16 of our volunteers. It was a nice reward for the many hours they donated.
4. Ship Tour
Many good relationships were established with the personnel from the ship and with the patients.
LDS participation was mentioned in the local newspapers and on the radio and TV news.
Quote from the LDS volunteer coordinator aboard ship: “Thanks again for all the hard work of the the volunteers. I heard nothing but good and positive remarks to the efforts of the brothers and sisters of Antigua.”
5. Public Relations
Additional Quote: “We had the closing ceremonies this afternoon and in attendance was Prime Minister W. Baldwin Spencer, Minister of National Security and Labour Dr. Errol Cort, and the US Embassy Charge d’ Affairs Dr. Brent Hardt. Dr. Hardt gave Elder Norman and his volunteers a very nice recognition in his speech to the attendees from both the Comfort and various governmental offices in Antigua. He basically thanked Elder Norman and the volunteers for their contribution in helping make the time in Antigua a success. This is the first time during these ceremonies that an official has singled out individuals for their contributions. After the ceremony the Prime Minister thanked all the NGO’s for their contributions to the people of Antigua.”
The opportunity for service by the St. John’s Antigua LDS Branch was fulfilled very successfully. We were able to show our love and goodwill to the people of Antigua. There were many positive experiences including several referrals for the missionaries.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Church News
Follow this link to read an article by our friends at LDS Philanthropies in the Church News about Continuing Promise 2009. Way to go team!
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