Written by: Gerda Potgieter
Article source: Supplied
Mercy Ships South Africa is part of the larger Mercy Ships International organisation, which provides free surgical operations aboard hospital ships for individuals who lack access to medical care. It is one of sixteen national offices dedicated to bringing hope and healing to those in need. The work that volunteers do on these ships is not only inspiring but also life-changing for the patients they serve. One such inspiring story is that of little Memunatu and her journey to healing with Mercy Ships. Join us as we explore the hope and transformation that unfolded during her life-changing adventure!
The miracle story began when Anne-Marie van Tonder, an administration assistant on the Global Mercy™, met Memunatu at a local children’s hospital in Freetown (Sierra Leone).
“I saw this baby, very fragile, looking at me,” said Anne-Marie, a volunteer from South Africa. “It was like she spoke directly into my life. It was a real spiritual intervention.”
At just 10 months old, a large lump appeared on little Memunatu’s neck, near her throat. The lump grew from a small mass that appeared when she was just five months old. Her mother, Aminata, explained that doctors told her that her baby was too young for them to intervene and that they could not help.
“The problem started when she was just five months old, as if she had a cold,” Aminata said. “I took her to the hospital; they said it was a cold and treated her for it. But then her neck area started to get bigger.” Aminata was referred to several doctors and eventually visited a nearby children’s hospital, where Anne-Marie volunteered to deliver food. Anne-Marie was immediately struck by the baby’s plight and felt compelled to help. She set out to find out if she could get the little one referred to Global Mercy, which was docked just a few blocks away. At Mercy Ships, the team schedules patients well in advance of a field mission, but Memunatu had not attended the registration initiative. This meant that the only way she could get surgery was through a referral.
“It’s rare that we get some of our referrals in late for field service because we already have a hectic schedule. But because of her case, based on her age and her size, and after her CT scan results from the local hospital, we were concerned about her condition and knew we had to get her in quickly,” said Krystal Franke, a volunteer preoperative manager from the United States. That night, before the surgery, Krystal visited Memunatu’s mother. “I just felt especially called, as a mother, to support her while she was here,” Krystal said. “I could see she was just scared and fearful for her daughter’s life. And I know what that’s like.” A British doctor on board the Global Mercy, Dr Leo Cheng, was assured that the growth was not cancerous, but that it posed a life-threatening risk to the little person if it was not attended to. The delicate operation was carried out on board the ship, and it was a huge success. For her mother, it was the last hope—and it was fulfilled. One shudders to think what could have happened to the little one if Anne-Marie had not noticed her and taken pity on her.
WHAT ARE MERCY SHIPS?
The dedicated volunteers of Mercy Ships embody genuine compassion and humility in their unwavering service to others. These teams are constantly adapting and growing, attracting more passionate individuals motivated by the deep fulfilment of making a positive difference in the lives of those in need. Through their relentless efforts, they brighten even the most difficult situations and foster a strong sense of connection and solidarity among people.
Each volunteer brings their unique skills and experiences, working together to provide life-changing medical care and support and to create an environment where hope flourishes—even amid adversity. Their selfless dedication not only transforms patients’ lives but also enriches volunteers’ lives, building lasting bonds of humanity through their collective commitment to healing and compassion.
Mercy Ships is a remarkable part of a global Christian community that operates fully equipped hospital ships. They are manned by dedicated volunteers from around the world who provide free, life-changing surgeries to those in need across Africa. Mercy Ships offers a wide range of medical services, including cataract removal, cleft lip repair, orthopaedic procedures, and maxillofacial surgery, and delivers exceptional care to individuals who would otherwise face significant barriers to access. Mercy Ships are worth your support and your time.
NOTE: This inspiring story above is just one of many. The whole story of little Memunatu can be seen at the link below. If you are a volunteer or know someone who is, follow Mercy Ships’ inspiring journey on YouTube and on their website: www.mercyships.co.za.
Watch Memunatu’s Mercy Ships Journey:
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Date published: 23/11/2025
Feature image: Supplied
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