81R27709 CBE-F
By: Flynn H.R. No. 1732
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Mercy Ships has
operated hospital ships that deliver free, world-class health care
services to those without access in over 70 developing nations; and
WHEREAS, This Christian-based global charity was founded in
1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens of Garden Valley with the mission "to
bring hope and healing to the forgotten poor"; today they oversee
the Africa Mercy, the world's largest nongovernmental hospital
ship, consisting of six operating rooms and berth capacity for some
484 people; and
WHEREAS, Representing more than 35 nations, the crew of the
Africa Mercy provides up to 7,000 surgical interventions onboard
every year, including cataract removal, tumor removal, cleft lip
and palate reconstruction, orthopaedic repair, and obstetric
fistula repair; and
WHEREAS, Volunteers also go ashore to provide dental and oral
health care education, immunizations, and lessons on a variety of
community health issues; moreover, they offer palliative home care
for terminally ill patients, as well as support for their families;
and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the organization has directly
served more than 2.16 million people, delivered services valued at
more than $748 million, and completed more than 900 construction
and agriculture projects, including schools, clinics, and
orphanages; and
WHEREAS, The founders, staff, and volunteers of Mercy Ships
have had a profound impact on the fight for global health, and their
tireless work in behalf of individuals in need around the world is
truly an inspiration; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor Mercy Ships for its outstanding
contributions to global health and extend to all those associated
with this remarkable organization sincere best wishes for continued
success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mercy Ships as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.