Violence and civil war have plagued some West African countries and left many families on the verge of starvation. Farmers have lost their crops as well as their livestock. But in Sierra Leone, an unusual gift is making a difference for some hard-hit families.

When the Mercy Ship Anastasis docked in Sierra Leone for the fourth time last November, it brought some unusual gifts: 200 specially chosen sheep and goats. They were transported there to rebuild the country's decimated livestock population.

The Mercy Ship's crew members called it the "Mercy Sheep" project.

"This project is an effort to replace livestock lost during the 10 years' civil war in Sierra Leone," explained Gomer Roseman, Community Development Projects Coordinator of Mercy Ships. He added, "There were tremendous losses throughout the country in terms of infrastructure, in terms of human lives. But also, something that's been greatly overlooked, is the fact that in this agriculture-based economy, a lot of livestock were lost and is very difficult to replace."

In the past 10 years, livestock levels fell by 90%. Rebels shot many farm animals for target practice. Others were eaten by combatants and by starving civilians.

To help farmers rebuild their flocks, the Anastasis gathered a herd of sheep and goats from the Gambia, then turned their aft deck into an animal pen, and sailed to Sierra Leone. 185 sheep and goats survived the trip and finally reached their destination: Malambay, a 16-village district near the port of Freetown.

The people there were ready. 160 families stepped forward to receive the goats and sheep donated by Mercy Ships. The farmers also received tips on the proper care and feeding of the animals.

In addition, each farmer had to make a promise: to donate-to a relative or neighbor-the first female kid or lamb from the first two litters produced by their animal, thus quickly increasing this merciful help.

That promise could mean that at least 480 families will benefit from the first generation of these sheep and goats.

Roseman said, smiling as the farmers gratefully received the animals, "I'm just happy to see the expression on everyone's face, as well as their excitement. It makes me feel very good!"