Everyone was lined up from the gangway of the Anastasis to the doorway of the Africa Mercy. Dr. Gary Parker and his family, who have served on the Ana for over 20 years, were on the Ana. Don Stephens and his wife, founders of Mercy Ships, were in the doorway of the AFM.
Probably the most beloved piece of the Ana is the cross that was on the bow- symbolic of the God we serve and the fact that His cross will always go before us. It was that cross that was removed and would make its way to its new home on the AFM bow. As it was passed from crew member to crew member, we all said something of praise to our God for His faithfulness in times past and His faithfulness to come.
Next was the torch- made from pieces of the three previous ships in the Mercy Ship fleet- the Anastasis, the Caribbean Mercy and the Island Mercy. Although decommissioned, their spirit and memories live on. "For His fame and for His glory" was was Dr. Gary shouted over the crowd as he held up the torch with his family and began to pass it on.
"Choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my house we shall serve the Lord." Joshua 24: 15
"For the Lord is good, his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Psalm 100:5
"And Jesus spoke to them saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'." John 8:12
"I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Isaiah 49:6b
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