March 2013 edition

G’day from KenIt is a delight to have the renovations of the M/V Pacific Link underway. We are filled with much anticipation and joy for the life that is ahead for our patients, students, volunteers, and crew. As part of the celebration of what’s to come, we will be holding a Breakfast by the Sea Fundraiser on May 1st. We look forward to sharing with you our adventure stories of lives changed that are to unfold in the upcoming months. We are very grateful!

www.ywamships.org.au news update

Ken Mulligan - Managing Director YWAM Medical Ships - Australia

Medical Ships - Australia

It was a wonderful moment in our history as Ken Mulligan, YWAM Medical Ships Australia (YWAM MSA) Managing Director, and Patrons, The Right Honourable Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Former Prime Minister and the Honourable Mike Reynolds AM, Former Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, along with a team of YWAM support staff, travelled to PNG’s capital, Port Moresby, two weeks ago to meet with various Ministers and Provincial Governors in Parliament House.

The group presented YWAM MSA’s achievements over the past three years in PNG while also discussing the critical opportunities to multiply YWAM’s operations in PNG and the possibility of expanding into other Provinces in the Southern region of PNG over the next number of years.

The feedback received from the Provincial Governors and Ministers was most favourable with many expressing their gratitude and enthusiasm for us to partner together

as the work of YWAM MSA expands throughout their nation. Many shared that the most attractive trait about our organisation is the Christian values; which reflects in the heart of our work.

While PNG’s social indicators areamong the worst in the Pacific and is currently ranked 153 on the Human Development Index out of 187 countries, the team has reported that hope is rising in PNG. Many Ministers and Governors are making a strong stand against corruption and have declared 2013 to be the year of implementation.

We see this as a unique moment in history to partner with PNG in achieving their vision to be a healthy and prosperous nation. Advance teams will begin on the ground assessments and consultations with Provincial Governments and healthcare workers in Oro Province, Milne Bay, and Central Province over the coming months in preparation for YWAM MSA’s work to expand in these regions.

Expansion on the HorizonThe Hon. Mike Reynolds, Milne Bay Governor Hon. MP Titus Philemon, the Right Hon. Sir Rabbie

Namailu and Ken Mulligan meeting in Port Moresby

Thanking our Partners:

For more information: Address: PO Box 1959 Townsville QLD 4810 Australia Phone: +61 7 4771 2123 Fax: +61 7 4772 4414 Email: info@ywamships.org Web: www.ywamships.org.au

Greatest Needs For Outreaches

We still need:Medical Professionals

Marine Crew

8 Doctors

2 Midwives

3 Physiotherapists

7 Dentists

12 Dental Assistants

8 Optometrists

2 Orthoptists

1 Chief Engineer

1 Chief Mate

1 Second Mate

The past several weeks our ship crew have been literally dragging the chain. The sounds of sawing, drilling, hammering and clunking of anchor chains have filled our ears. On board the medical ship, clinic refurbishments and ship maintenance are well underway in preparation for outreaches this year. We are currently modifying the ballast carriage on the ship which required removing and weighing old anchor chain. The chain had been placed under the engine room deck after the ship received new chain in 2010. Weighing in at 2,880kg and a length of 320m, this was no simple accomplishment. The crew pulled their weight, probably five times their weight, to help maximise the ship’s service capabilities. Along with the anchor chain, we have been focusing on refurbishing the clinic. Since 2010, nearly 10,000 dental procedures have been performed in the remote areas of Papua New Guinea. Currently the clinic is being fitted with new cupboards and fittings, improved storage solutions and a new, durable, hospital grade floor. We are also putting a window in the operating theatre to give those working inside a glimpse of the amazing Papuan coasts and rivers.

As we look back over the services provided, the faces of so many beautiful people flood our minds. This is what spurs us on to not only improve the

functionality and patient flow, but also create a place of life and hope.

One of our crew, Pete Moody, shares his heart for the renovations. ‘As we improve the clinic, we want to see it as a place where people’s health can be restored and lives changed. We want an efficient and comfortable environment for our dentists to work, and a clinic facility that reflects the importance of the work that is done there.’ There is still more to be done in the coming months, but we look forward to seeing the renovations complete and the ship ready to sail into its next adventure.

Ship Crew Dragging the Chain

Some of the ship crew at the dock having just pulled out 2 tonnes of anchor chain

For more information please visit our website:

www.ywamships.org.au