A Sydney Anglican is using her gifts as a nurse to help give sight to people half a world away.
Maryanne Guymer has spent the last eight months on assignment to Ghana in West Africa as part of Mercy Ships, a fleet of hospital ships bringing health care to developing nations
Maryanne, a volunteer nurse who attends St Stephen's, Thirlmere in Wollondilly Parish has seen many lives changed during her time in Ghana, including that of one 12-year-old boy.
"The boy was blind with cataracts in both eyes. His mother was dead and it was very obvious his father cared for him so much even though he was blind," Maryanne says.
Surgeons removed both cataracts. Maryanne says as soon as the eye patches were taken off the boy's eyes, he looked straight at his dad and smiled.
"I have never seen a father and son so happy in my life," Maryanne says.
"It was awesome to be there and share this thrill with them."
Maryanne has no doubts that this is the ministry God has called her to do.
"I am sure this is where God wants me to be. It has been difficult financially, but God is good and has always looked after my financial needs in the past, so I continue to trust Him."
Maryanne is nearing the end of her second period of service with Mercy Ships. She spent three years serving with the organisation from 2001 to 2004 for her first assignment.
Maryanne serves as a Charge Ward Nurse onboard the Anastasis hospital ward, containing more than 40 beds, two ICU beds and seven nurses.
Maryanne, whose year-long commitment comes to an end this June, is thankful for the opportunity she has to see God at work every day.
"I see lives changed; the lame walk and the blind see. I see people giving their lives to Jesus. I see children get excited because they can now go to school because cleft lips have been repaired," she says.
"I love being able to use my skills in nursing, leadership and administration and watch God at work."
Mercy Ships is a global Christian charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978.
Mercy Ships offers a range of health care services free of charge including operations to correct disability, disfigurement and blindness; establishing clinics to provide vaccination programs and dental treatment; and the building of hospitals, clinics, training facilities and basic housing where none exist.
