Press Releases

U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert (TX-01) introduced legislation that would award the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the United States bestowed by Congress, to Don Stephens in honor of his 38^th year as President and Founder of the humanitarian relief organization Mercy Ships. He released the following statement regarding this prestigious nomination: 

“Over 38 years ago, Don Stephens had a vision of taking health care to places in the world filled with poverty and suffering, just as Jesus had done. Today, he is President and Founder of the humanitarian relief organization Mercy Ships, with international headquarters right in east Texas.  He and all those who captured his vision have selflessly served along with Don and his wife, Deyon, to serve others in need. Through innovation and hard work, Mercy Ships’ large hospital ships have reached over 70 countries and have directly benefitted over 2.5 million people worldwide.”

“Having spent time on a Mercy Ship in West Africa, I can verify the incredible blessings this group brings. After the ship docks and starts seeing patients, the lame walk; the thousands blind from massive cataracts ultimately see; people with massive head and face tumors slowly choking off their air have them removed and get a new lease on life; women with intestinal or urinary fissures which caused them to be ostracized from family as unclean are rejoined with children they haven’t seen sometimes in decades; little children with no hope of a normal life, actually get that chance; and so much more.”

“Mercy Ships has become a beacon of light in some of the darkest parts of the world, and it represents the very best of America — compassion, service, and love for our neighbors. There are few who could merit this medal more than Don Stephens. I realize it is late in the Congress to file this, but it will give us a better chance to get it passed in the next Congress.”

Congressman Gohmert is the Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Prior to being elected to serve in Congress, he was elected to three terms as State District Judge in Smith County, Texas and was appointed by then Texas Governor Rick Perry to complete a term as Chief Justice of the 12th Court of Appeals of Texas.

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