The blood, sweat, faith and tears of Don and Deyon Stephens and thousands of visionary volunteers, saw a 20-year-old retired Italian ocean liner become a vessel of mercy. That first hospital ship grew into a fleet of hope and healing.

The patients who found their way to this hospital ship encountered unconditional love that healed them – inside and out. Volunteer professionals from all over the world embraced them; providing free essential surgery, medical treatment, love and unconditional acceptance.

The Mercy Ships’ crew were changed by these encounters; their patients were transformed. These are some of their stories.