Don and Deyon Stephens, along with a group of other young people, purchased the former passenger liner Victoria for one million dollars in 1978. After four years of refit, the vessel was "resurrected" and sailed as the newly christened Anastasis - the first Mercy Ship.

Mercy Ships is now a global charity, operating hospital ships in developing nations. Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships is a faith-based Christ-centered charity that brings hope and healing to the poor. mobilizing people and resources worldwide. Mercy Ships' services are provided without discrimination or regard for race, gender or religion. Mercy Ships provides medical care, relief aid, community development, and long-term sustainable change in developing nations; the goal is to serve one million people per year.

Professionals and skilled workers from many nations donate their services onboard the ships or at land-based offices.  Each of the staff shares a common vision of helping the world's most neediest people. We also have a large number of supporting crew that do everything from welding to cooking, from accounting to teaching in our school, from serving as the ship's chaplain to cleaning the toilets. We're all parts of one body, and all are needed to make it work.

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