SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 440

	WHEREAS, For nearly three decades, Mercy Ships, 
a global charity, has come to the aid of people in need 
by maintaining a fleet of hospital ships in developing 
nations; and
	WHEREAS, Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 by 
Don and Deyon Stephens of Garden Valley when they purchased
the Anastasis and set to transform it from a passenger ship 
to a floating hospital; today, following the tenets of their 
spiritual beliefs, they have expanded the charity to include 
three ships, which all provide medical treatment for people 
throughout the world; and
	WHEREAS, In its benevolent quest, the organization 
has served more than 5.5 million people, delivered more than
$21 million of medical equipment, hospital supplies, and 
medicines, and completed nearly 350 construction and 
agriculture projects, including schools, clinics, and 
orphanages; the charity relies on 850 staff members and more
than 1,600 volunteers to carry out its mission; and
	WHEREAS, The founders, staff, and volunteers of 
Mercy Ships have made an indelible impact on the fight for 
global health and development; their tireless work in behalf
of individuals in need is truly an inspiration, and it is a 
pleasure to honor their achievements at this time; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
79th Legislature, hereby commend Mercy Ships for bringing 
hope and healing to developing countries and extend to 
Don and Deyon Stephens and all those associated with this 
remarkable organization sincere best wishes for continued 
success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution 
be prepared for the staff and volunteers as an expression 
of high regard from the Texas Senate.
                                                                          Deuell




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 21, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate