THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 1, 1996 TAG: 9603010499
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT MCCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
It's a kind of floating hospital, but one where the crew pays to cruise the seas and deliver aid to Third World nations.
On Thursday, the Caribbean Mercy ship arrived at the downtown Norfolk waterfront after spending three months providing free health care in the Dominican Republic.
The vessel was greeted by the Norfolk Christian High School band and a city delegation. Mayor Paul D. Fraim declared Feb. 29 ``Mercy Ship's Day.''
``It's always a good day when a Mercy vessel calls on Norfolk,'' Fraim said. ``This is a great ministry. These folks help people all over the world.''
The ship will be here for a three-week goodwill stay. The arrival marked the third time in eight years that a Mercy vessel has visited Norfolk.
There are four ships in the Mercy fleet, each traveling a different part of the globe to deliver health care and Christian spiritual guidance to nations in need. Crew members pay a monthly fee to help support the ships.
The Caribbean Mercy, a 265-foot Norwegian ferry, has a crew of approximately 150, representing some 20 nations. The roll call includes doctors, engineers, plumbers, teachers and carpenters. They offer a series of skills needed to provide relief to the Caribbean and Central and South American countries the ship serves.
Aid comes in many forms - dental care, eyeglasses, education and even the construction of homes.
``I think this recent trip to the Dominican Republic was one of the most rewarding,'' said Capt. Jon Fadely. ``It was wonderful just seeing the people's hope and dignity restored.''
Fadely lives on board with his wife and children. Like all crew members, he pays about $250 a month to serve the stricken. Most crew members are Christians and receive financial support from hometown churches, families and friends.
The ship will be in Norfolk until March 20, offering daily tours and hosting special events. Built in Denmark in 1952, the rich interior speaks of a bygone era. Visitors can get a look at the vessel's eye-surgery clinic now under construction.
During the stay, Caribbean Mercy officials will be recruiting volunteers and procuring supplies and equipment. All the Mercy vessels rely on donations of materials to fulfill their missions.
Established in 1978 and based in Lindale, Texas, Mercy Ships is the maritime arm of the Youth With A Mission organization, an international Christian group. There also are offices in Switzerland, Holland and New Zealand.
The vessel will make another goodwill stop in Wilmington, N.C., before going on to Nicaragua. ILLUSTRATION: GARY C. KNAPP photos
Timothy Mack, 7, left, of Chesapeake was among the well-wishers that
greeted the Caribbean Mercy ship at the downtown Norfolk waterfront
Thursday. Others in the welcoming party included the Norfolk
Christian High School band and a city delegation.
The Caribbean Mercy ship began a three-week goodwill stay in Norfolk
Thursday. The arrival marked the third time in eight years that a
Mercy vessel has visited Norfolk.
by CNB