Eric Baliantz: Volunteer Mariner

During some downtime as a mariner, Eric Baliantz decided to volunteer with Mercy Ships with motives different than most — he simply wanted to return to Madagascar. Eric had been sailing on ships since he was 19 years old but had never encountered a crew quite like the Africa Mercy crew. Eric’s eyes were opened to something that he had been searching for his whole life and this discovery caused him to return time and again to this impactful community.

In this episode, Eric shares how his life was radically changed through Mercy Ships. He talks about the struggle to find purpose and fulfillment through his thrill-seeking lifestyle and how volunteer work gave him something he’d always been looking for. As Eric speaks from the heart, we encourage you to examine your life and consider the place where your purpose can be fulfilled.

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Erin Muyres — Volunteer Medical Capacity Building Projects Director

Erin Muyres was in nursing school in Canada when she began to question her decision to become a nurse. During the late hours in the library one night, Erin started to research what she might be able to do with her nursing degree when she finished school, and that was when she discovered Mercy Ships. She spent the next weeks watching every Mercy Ships video she could find, crying through them, and dreaming of a new vision for her life. She was determined to volunteer with Mercy Ships as soon as she was eligible, and that’s just what she did. 

In this episode, Erin shares how her first field service was not only a dream come true, but also the start of a whole new dream. Erin explains how her knowledge and experience as a neonatal nurse allowed her to teach others and save many lives. 

You will be encouraged by this sweet woman’s story of keeping her heart open as God prepared her for a role she never expected.  

 For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org  

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Dr. Gary Brandenburg serves as the International Spiritual Development Officer for Mercy Ships. In this role, Gary is the pastor that oversees all the chaplains both on and off our ships.  

He worked in pastoral ministry for over 40 years and throughout his church ministry, he became acquainted with Mercy Ships. Through the years, he has taken on various volunteer roles from board member to training local pastors in the countries where Mercy Ships was serving. When he retired from church ministry, God opened the doors for him to officially join the staff of Mercy Ships and there couldn’t be someone more suited for his position.

In this episode, Gary shares his passion for keeping the Kingdom ministry of Mercy Ships central. He highlights the unique aspects of his role and offers encouraging stories of transformation as well as inspiration for us all in this new year. 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Many of our patients who have endured physical challenges suffer emotionally and mentally as well. Being shunned or cast out of their villages due to their conditions can leave some suffering in many ways. Our mission is not to just take care of physical healing, but also to restore hope.  

In this Holiday Highlight, nurse Kelly Denning shares about the hope and healing that Mercy Ships offers our patients through her encouraging story of a woman who suffered alone for decades, until she boarded the Africa Mercy. 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Dr. Andrew Clark currently serves as the International Chaplain for Mercy Ships, but first volunteered as a physician many years ago. In the early days of Mercy Ships, the hospitals were not located on board, but the medical professionals would go into remote areas and help in local clinics. With limited resources, some situations seemed hopeless — but nothing is impossible with God!  

In this holiday highlight, Dr. Clark shares a powerful story of trusting God and watching miracles unfold. 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org                 

Follow us on Instagram: New Mercies Podcast  

Our blessings come in many forms and from many places. For Carys Parker, one of her childhood blessings came in the form of an 8-year-old patient on board the Anastasis whose name just happened to be — Blessing. In a time of loneliness, Blessing became a friend to Carys and their friendship continues to this day.  

In this episode, Carys shares the story of Blessing, the impact of her unique childhood growing up on ships, and how her work today reflects all she gleaned from Mercy Ships.  

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org

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As the year is coming to a close, we reflect back on the good times and some of the not-so-good times that left a mark on us. For many of our patients, their tumors removed was a highlight, but there are scars left behind. Even if we haven’t had surgery, we’ve all gone through tough times in life that have left marks on us. For volunteer nurse Cara Stafford, those scars are not to be covered up, for they are the very proof that we survived! 

In this episode, Cara shares how one young patient brought her immense joy. She also talks about encouraging patients about their own scars that now tell the story of what they have come through. 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

Follow us on Instagram: New Mercies Podcast 

It’s the season of giving gifts and we all know that the best gifts aren’t the ones that come wrapped with bows. On today’s holiday highlight, Dr. Brian Barki shares a special gift he was able to give on the Africa Mercy. He also tells about a gift he received and a Christmas on board that he’ll never forget.   

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org                      

Follow us on Instagram: New Mercies Podcast 

This holiday season we’re bringing you New Mercies highlights from the past year. So many powerful, inspirational stories have been shared — some too good to only hear once!

Our first holiday highlight features Mercy Ships founders Don and Deyon Stephens. They were our first guests on the podcast and always greatly encourage everyone with their words of hope. From an article in Life Magazine, to a meeting with Mother Teresa, they will tell you all about how Mercy Ships began.  

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org  

Follow us on Instagram: New Mercies Podcast 

Bill Beagley heard of Mercy Ships many years ago and soon was aching to volunteer. When he heard that his electrical skills were needed on the Global Mercy, he jumped at the opportunity. He was only on board for 30 days, but the impact of those precious days will last a lifetime. 

In this episode Bill talks about the major life transformation that had to happen before he was able to volunteer on the Global Mercy. He shares the blessing of the many new friends he met as well as the reward of being a part of the transformations that will occur on board next year. 

Volunteers like Bill are vital to fulfilling our mission, and because of prayerful and generous friends like you, we are able to help even more people find the hope and healing they desperately need. Every donation, every prayer, and every person can touch the lives of so many. Your donation makes a difference. 

This GivingTuesday, give the gift of hope to someone in need. Visit mercyshipgifts.org to learn more.