Easter in Togo

Every year on the Africa Mercy Easter is celebrated in a very special way. For a full week activities are provided. Everything from Easter themed movies to the popular open cabins on Easter Monday. The ship enjoys a four day weekend that lives in the memories of crew as a highlight of the year. This year one, particular crew member had a dream that had stirred in her heart for a long time. This Easter the Africa Mercy presented Godspell the Musical. Jessica was very happy to be involved in the ensemble cast and was able to join in various scenes including singing of "All Good Gifts" and the epic "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord".

Jess and friends in the ensemble cast take their bow.

The talented cast and crew of Godspell, the 70's style musical that tells the parables of Jesus and portrays the last supper, death and resurrection of Christ. Some times hilarious and sometime heart wrenching the crew did a wonderful job recreating a shortened version of this very popular musical.

One long time tradition of the Africa Mercy every Easter is Easter egg colouring. Jess gets busy colouring her eggs. Once again I helped to make devilled eggs from all these coloured eggs for the Easter brunch.

This Easter we had a very special invitation. The Academy children were invited to the home of the US Ambassador's Lome residence. The Ambassador and his wife went all out to make us feel very welcome and to create a wonderful experience for us all. At great cost to themselves, this family invited strangers into their home, fed us and showered our children with gifts. This is a living example of Christ and his sacrifice for us. Except the cost was so much higher. It cost Jesus his life so that we, in turn, may have life and life abundant.

Throwing water balloons.

Three legged race.

Andrew's turn with the water balloons.

The Easter Sunday service was a wonderful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus and the nations of the ship. All the countries represented on the ship stood in a line and in their own language, accent or dialect each of them in turn said, "He is Risen". It was amazing. Andrew represented Australia. He is on the far right in the burgundy shirt.

So far from home it was special when one of our Aussie mates, Zoe, dropped over a coupla chocolate Bilbys for us to munch on. It has been two years since I have had an Easter egg so it was very good!

Also a long standing tradition of the AFM-the Easter brunch, Hugely anticipated, wonderfully catered for and spectacularly arranged, the crew line up in great excitement to sample the feast on offer. Running for two hours every one fills their bellies and fellowships together.

Jess and her friends Deborah and Anna. Another Easter past, another memory made.

HE IS RISEN.....