Dr Michelle White
Chief Executive Officer
About Mercy Ships
People united by one mission: Bringing hope and healing
For nearly 50 years, people from around the world have brought their skills, generosity and compassion together through Mercy Ships.
Mercy Ships is an international Christian charity that brings people together on board hospital ships to provide free surgical care and strengthen healthcare expertise in partnership with African nations.
In 1978, Don and Deyon Stephens turned an ambitious idea into action: Transform a ship into a hospital that could bring care closer to people who might otherwise go without. That vision became Mercy Ships. From the first hospital ship, the Anastasis, to the international community behind Mercy Ships today, one thing has remained constant: people choosing to use what they have to serve others.
What Guides Us
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Our mission
We follow the 2,000-year-old model of Jesus, bringing hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor.
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Our vision
We use hospital ships to transform lives and serve nations.
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Our values
We seek to love God, love and serve others, demonstrate integrity, and strive for excellence in all we do.
At the heart of Mercy Ships is a simple belief: Every person deserves to be seen, valued and cared for. Inspired by our Christian faith, our mission, vision and values guide how we serve and how we work with others.
Our faith shapes why we serve. Care is provided with compassion and respect to people regardless of race, gender or religion.
When you give, volunteer or partner with Mercy Ships, you are placing your trust in us. We believe that trust comes with a responsibility to be transparent about how Mercy Ships is governed, how resources are used and what they help make possible.
Trust is something we earn
That's why 78% of every dollar goes directly to ship operations and field services.
100
Total
- Ship Operations & Field Services Preparation 78%
- Fundraising 14%
- General & Administrative 8%
No hospital ship operates alone. Mercy Ships works alongside African governments, healthcare professionals and institutions, together with companies, foundations, churches and supporters around the world. Each brings different expertise and resources, helping make surgical care and healthcare education possible.
One mission. A global community.
Mercy Ships is supported by national offices and teams around the world.
The people behind Mercy Ships
Ships don't transform lives. People do. From healthcare professionals and maritime crew to local partners, office teams, volunteers and supporters, thousands of people contribute their skills to make the mission possible.
Global Leadership Team
Gary Brown
Chair, Mercy Ships International Board
Don Stephens
Founder
New Zealand Board Members
Lee Tait
Board Chair
Andrew Clark
Andrew Clark Board Member, Int'l Board Liaison
Janine Stewart
Board Member
New Zealand Team Members
Toni-Maree Carnie
National Director, Mercy Ships NZ
Jean Bartosh
Supporter Care
Mark Collyns
Mark Collyns Fundraising Manager
Want to dig deeper?
Looking for more detail about our work, finances or organization? Explore our latest reports, financial information and resources.
FAQ
Who founded Mercy Ships?
Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, beginning with a vision to use hospital ships to bring healthcare to people who might otherwise go without.
Is Mercy Ships a Christian organization?
Yes. Mercy Ships is a Christian organization inspired by the 2,000-year-old model of Jesus. Our faith motivates us to bring hope and healing while serving people without regard to race, gender or religio
Who runs Mercy Ships?
Mercy Ships is led by international leadership and governance teams responsible for advancing the mission, overseeing the organization and ensuring responsible stewardship.
How is Mercy Ships funded?
Mercy Ships is supported by individuals, businesses, foundations, organizations and other partners around the world.
Is Mercy Ships financially transparent?
Yes. Mercy Ships publishes annual reports and financial information so supporters can understand its activities, results and use of resources.
How can I get involved with Mercy Ships?
You can be part of Mercy Ships by volunteering your skills, donating, becoming a partner, fundraising, advocating or connecting with your local Mercy Ships office.
There’s a place for you in this story
What began with one family's vision has grown into a global community of people choosing to bring hope and healing.
