PACIFIC LINK VOLUNTEERS SERVE THOUSANDS IN MADANG, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The m/v PACIFIC LINK and its team of volunteers visited 94 villages throughout Bogia, Sumkar, MadangMichael 4 and Rai Coast districts over the course of eight months. More than 48,000 health care and training services were delivered by the YWAM Ships Kona vessel, valued at over 4.6 million Kina (or $1.45 million USD).

YWAM Ships Kona director Brett Curtis said that the first voyage to Madang was transformational for so many people.

“Thousands of lives have been impacted over the last eight months, including one family that had three blind from cataracts. Each of them regained their sight with a 40-minute operation dramatically improving the future for their entire family,” Curtis said. “It is Karkar with canoeeasy to forget how much we rely on our vision until we meet someone who has lost it and the complexities it brings to the entire family. It was wonderful to witness their new lease on life and to hear how our crew befriended them explaining God had not forgotten them.”

Curtis said none of these results would have been possible without people sacrificing their resources and time for the people of Papua New Guinea — both locals and those traveling long distances to participate in the work.

“We are very grateful for the volunteers who joined us from around the world, our generous donors and Madang provincial health officials for partnering with us in making this voyage such a success,” Curtis said.

Other field activities delivered include over 5803 immunizations, 1294 dentistry procedures and public health teaching delivered to 5,293 people.

24408885211_61c1de8795_kMadang Province director of health Markus Kachau said that the collaboration with YWAM Ships has strengthened health care delivery in Madang.

“Our partnership with YWAM has been a great support in helping to achieve the objectives outlined in our health plan,” Kachau said. “Our health workers have been able to work with the YWAM Ships health care volunteers in delivering both essential and specialized health services to some of our province’s most remote areas. I’m very grateful for this partnership that has been established. I hope that this voyage is just the beginning of much more to come.

Key stakeholders will be hearing a first-hand report on the outreach aboard the m/v PACIFIC LINK in Madang port throughout this week before it sets sail for her maiden voyage to Wewak.

Another YWAM medical ship, the M/V YWAM PNG, operated by YWAM Townsville, will be returning to Papua New Guinea in October for an eight-month deployment throughout the Southern region and Huon Gulf.

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