Don Stephens

Education: Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Bethany College, Santa Cruz, California Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies Belhaven College, Jackson, Mississippi Hon. Doctor of Letters in Law Career and Affiliations: Don Stephens, a native Texan, reared in Colorado, founded Mercy Ships in 1978. As Founder, he continues to inspire a workforce of over 1,000 professional volunteers from over 50 nations with offices in 16 nations. Mercy Ships operates the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship. The Mercy Ships’ staff is comprised of skilled professional volunteers from around the world including deck officers, engineers, lab technicians, doctors, surgeons, office workers, galley crew, etc. The newest ship in the fleet, Global Mercy, is currently being constructed in China. Mercy Ships follows the 2,000-year-old model of Jesus by providing services to the marginalized poor, free of charge. Don is the author of three books: Ships of Mercy, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005, Mandate for Mercy, YWAM Publishing, 1995 and Trial by Trial, Harvest House Publishers, 1985. Awards: Nominated for US Congressional Gold Medal – 2016 Points of Light Award, Founded by President George H.W. Bush – 2014 International Humanitarian of the Year, Variety Club – 2009 Commanders of the Republic Award, Republic of Benin – 2009 Two Hungers Award, Food for the Hungry – 1989 Don and Deyon have four grown children and five grandchildren.