SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 523
WHEREAS, For 40 years, Mercy Ships has sailed across the
world to help people in developing nations without access to
safe, affordable medical care; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, the
Christian charity uses state-of-the-art hospital ships that are
crewed by hundreds of volunteers, including surgeons, dentists,
nurses, health care trainers, and teachers; due to the fact that
more than half of the world's population lives within 100 miles
of a coast, the organization's ships are able to reach thousands
of people and perform a variety of onboard procedures, which
include dental, plastic reconstructive, maxillofacial, eye, and
orthopedic surgery; often, these surgical interventions have a
profound impact in the lives of patients, whose conditions may
have previously left them unable to find work and socially
isolated in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, volunteers with Mercy Ships
have carried out more than 95,000 surgeries, and the organization
has provided services and materials that are valued at over $1.53
billion; its hospital ships have visited close to 600 ports over
the past four decades, and its current vessel, Africa Mercy,
boasts a greater capacity than all prior ships combined; and
WHEREAS, The many caring volunteers of Mercy Ships have
brought hope and healing to those in need by following the example
of the Lord Jesus, and in so doing they have transformed the lives
of countless people across the globe; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby congratulate Mercy Ships on its 40th
anniversary and extend to all those involved with this remarkable
organization sincere best wishes for continued success with
their important work; 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 Senate.
Hughes
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 1, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate