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The Dedication of a Student: Jessica’s Journey
“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve at Mercy Ships and hope to create my own NGO someday to empower young Malagasy girls and street kids. I believe that, as a Christian, I should reach out with God’s love to those living on the margins of society.”
Jessica Bency, Translator
Some students learn a new skill in a classrooms, others might visit websites to grow in their education. Jessica Bency’s pursuit of knowledge came from a different place.
Jessica currently works with Mercy Ships as a translator, bridging the gap between volunteer and patient as lives are changed through safe, free surgery on board the Africa Mercy. But her journey to becoming an interpreter was a unique one. Not only did she have the remarkable determination to learn English on her own, without any formal training, but the guide she used to develop this skill was none other than the Bible.
“My friend invited me to join him for Bible study at their church,” Jessica shared. “I really enjoyed the lessons, but it was so hard for me to follow what was being discussed on days when my friend was unable to attend the meetings. His absence meant that I had to figure out what was being said on my own.”
In 2017, she met Matilda, a South African missionary who also attended her church — and she had a solution for the language barrier in Jessica’s way.
“She gave me an English language Bible and suggested a really smart way for me to study it,” Jessica recalls. “Read my Malagasy language Bible alongside the English language one, and that way, I would understand what was being said.”
The method worked! Jessica continuously grew both spiritually and in her English comprehension. She didn’t know at the time, but God was using her determination to learn English to prepare her for a new opportunity. One that would change lives and transform futures.
“I had learned about Mercy Ships before through social media and really liked the work that they do,” she said. “I had a friend who works on the ship as a crewmember. He encouraged me to apply.”
When one of our hospital ships arrives in-country for a new field service, it is staffed with hundreds of volunteers. And working alongside those volunteers are our national crew — native speakers of national languages who are familiar with local customs and etiquette. These national crew members team up with Mercy Ships crew across all departments to interpret for patients and their caregivers, as well as healthcare professionals receiving training.
For Jessica, who works with the communications team on board, the role involves interpreting interviews with the patients whose stories are being documented from pre-operation to post-operation — even visiting them at home to share how their lives have been transformed. Thanks to the efforts of Jessica and other national crew like her, we can share stories that otherwise might not be heard.
One of Jessica’s favorite parts about being on board is the opportunity she has to practice her English as well as further strengthen her own faith: “The people here are so kind and love the Lord. I have grown in my walk with the Lord while on board!”
We are so grateful to partner with national crew like Jessica, whose dedication to hope and healing means more health and joy in the countries we serve. And you can serve alongside those like her! There are many ways to serve as a volunteer professional with Mercy Ships — whether you’re at home in the engine room, the hospital, the galley, or the classroom, you can find your place on board today!
Among those volunteers are people equipped with professional skills in medicine, seafaring, accounting, cooking, and many other fields.
They hail from countries around the world, and they navigate long journeys, language barriers, visa procurement, and more logistics before they board the ship and begin serving.
Through it all, the Mercy Ships People & Culture (P&C) team is beside them, offering crewmembers the support and expertise they need to succeed.
“People are more than letters or papers,” said Olumuyiwa Adebayo, volunteer P&C facilitator on the Global Mercy. “These are real people who have come to make a difference.”
Olumuyiwa makes a difference, too. However as a P&C volunteer, he makes his impact by helping others make theirs.
Joining the Crew
In 2022, a Mercy Ships chaplain visited Olumuyiwa’s home country of Nigeria.
“He spoke to me about the amazing things happening on the ship, the lives that are being transformed every day,” Olumuyiwa recalled. As he listened, it struck him. He wanted to be a part of this mission.
“That same very day, I picked up my laptop and applied to come and serve,” he said.
Once he’d climbed the gangway of the Global Mercy, Olumuyiwa’s attention turned toward helping to bring others on board. As a P&C facilitator, he works closely with the ship’s department heads and Mercy Ships’ 16 national offices around the globe.
“The mission of my department is getting and keeping the right people on board,” he said. “That is also my joy that I’m able to serve our crewmembers before they come and also while they are on board.”
Often, Olumuyiwa works to help a potential volunteer navigate the application process, along with the international requirements that go along with living abroad. When that person finally walks up the gangway, it’s a surreal experience.
“It’s good to see the face behind the name,” he said. “These are also people who have left what they used to be much more familiar with to embrace something that is probably foreign to them.”
Olumuyiwa knows these newcomers need support — and that’s when his role is most important.
Set Up for Success
Once these volunteers from all over the world come on board, the P&C team’s work is just beginning.
“When they arrive, there’s also something I am doing to support them to have a wonderful time on board,” Olumuyiwa said.
P&C continues to assist crewmembers as they serve, some for weeks and some for months or even years. Olumuyiwa said this ongoing support is what helps Mercy Ships retain the right people.
“From day one, Mercy Ships set me up for success,” he said. “I’ve been equipped with tools, technologies, and training that have allowed me to be able to implement (P&C) best practices.”
By extension, Olumuyiwa said, his team does the same for the rest of the crew.
“If you sign up to serve with this organization, you are being set up for success,” he said. “Not only that, you are going to be a part of something that is bigger than yourself.”
‘Experience the World in One Spot’
Living on board a hospital ship, surrounded by people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, is bound to be life-changing.
“Every day, I get to be exposed to opportunities to communicate cross-culturally,” said Olumuyiwa. “That means when I speak to people, I have to do more listening. I have to show more empathy.”
When Olumuyiwa hears an unfamiliar viewpoint, he’s learned to think about it in a new light.
“Those views are not wrong,” he said. “They’re just different.”
Olumuyiwa feels that his time on board the Global Mercy has broadened his mind and given him the gift of travel — even when the ship remains docked.
“You get to experience the world in one spot,” he said. “I may not have been to many parts of the world, but on this Global Mercy, I think I’ve been there already.”
From the languages he learns to the foods he tries, Olumuyiwa gets to explore not just his host nation but dozens of other nations as well. In turn, he shares his home country of Nigeria with others.
“It’s a brave and also a bold choice to live in this kind of environment,” he said.
The People & Culture Department has a critical need for more volunteers to help staff the Global Mercy and her sister ship, the Africa Mercy. In 2025, Mercy Ships will have two ships in active field services simultaneously which means more volunteers than ever are needed to serve — and P&C’s recruitment and retention efforts are a vital component of the mission.
“We cannot do this without people. We need people to run with a vision. We need people to pursue the vision,” Olumuyiwa said. “There is a part for you to play.”
Are you ready to find your place on board like Olumuyiwa? Do you want to use your experience to change lives? Mercy Ships has a variety of openings available. Learn more about all current opportunities and take the first steps in this next chapter today.
Life-changing surgeries and medical training begin soon
Freetown, Sierra Leone – August 15, 2024: The world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the Global Mercy, was welcomed back to Freetown yesterday in a partnership between international charity Mercy Ships and the Government of Sierra Leone to deliver more than 1,400 life-transforming surgeries and continued training opportunities for Sierra Leonean healthcare workers.
The Global Mercy departed the country in June after spending the previous ten months performing 1,979 life-changing surgeries for 1,728 patients and training 145 healthcare professionals on board in that time.
The ship’s return followed an invitation from President Julius Maada Bio for Mercy Ships to extend their stay to continue supporting the delivery of safe surgery and training in Sierra Leone.
In his address last week, President Bio highlighted his commitment to affordable and quality healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans, aiming for Universal Health Coverage, and affirmed the partnership with Mercy Ships, which began in 1992.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the charity selected patients in 12 locations across the country for the upcoming field service and supports ongoing training for staff at Connaught Hospital and students at the University of Sierra Leone, in line with Sierra Leone’s strategic healthcare plan.
The ship’s return, after a brief annual maintenance period in Tenerife to fulfill maritime law, was celebrated as the Global Mercy docked.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby welcomed the ship for the second time expressing his excitement about the possibilities of free surgeries for people in desperate need.
He said: “I’m extremely happy that Mercy Ships honored the President’s call to stay longer to provide life-changing surgeries and train our healthcare professionals. In the next ten months, the ship will perform over 1,400 free surgeries and will continue on-ship training for 130 healthcare workers. As Minister of Health, I am excited about this possibility and very proud of the partnership with Mercy Ships.”
Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, said: “We are delighted that the Global Mercy has returned to Sierra Leone. With the strong partnerships formed, we will build upon the existing impact and momentum to support government plans towards the sustainable development of the surgical care system.”
The ship, its volunteers, and the Sierra Leonean national crew will now prepare the hospital on board the ship to deliver the next phase of free surgeries for surgical programs, including maxillofacial/head and neck, general, pediatric orthopedic, pediatric general, reconstructive plastic, and ophthalmic.
There, you will find detailed information about the application process and requirements. You can submit your application online by finding the position you’re interested in, filling out the forms, and providing the requested documentation. You can make the process quicker and easier by providing as much relevant information as possible, including your nursing qualifications, experience, and any specialized skills you possess.
Once your application is submitted, one of our recruiting specialists will review it thoroughly. If you meet the requirements and align with our mission, you may be invited for an interview.
If you are selected to join our team as a volunteer nurse, you will embark on one the most incredible journeys of your life.
Once you’re on board, you can expect to work alongside a diverse team of healthcare professionals from all over 40 countries. You will have the opportunity to provide medical care and support to patients in need, both on our hospital ship and our land-based medical programs.
Volunteering as a nurse with Mercy Ships is not just about providing medical care. It’s also about building relationships, fostering hope, and making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. If you’re ready to use your nursing skills to transform lives, apply today and join us on this incredible journey.
Our Volunteer Nursing Roles
“As a PICU nurse on the Africa Mercy, I get to be a part of rebuilding broken hearts with love and laughter and the light of Jesus. This is why I volunteer.” — Meggin Tallman (PICU Nurse)
At Mercy Ships, we offer a variety of volunteer nursing positions that provide you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Whether you prefer hospital-based positions or specialized opportunities, we have options that match your skills and interests.
If you enjoy the fast-paced environment of a hospital, our hospital-based volunteer nursing positions are perfect for you. As a volunteer nurse in our state-of-the-art hospital ships, you will work alongside a dedicated team of medical professionals to provide essential healthcare services to patients who otherwise lack access to medical care. Every day, you’ll have the chance to use everything you’ve learned in different areas, including the operating room, recovery room, and general patient care.
If you have a specialized area of nursing expertise, we also have volunteer opportunities tailored to your skills. Whether you are an experienced pediatric nurse, a wound care specialist, or have expertise in a specific medical field, we can match you with a role that allows you to utilize your unique skills and knowledge.
We don’t just need nurses, though. We can’t do the work we do without people from all different professional backgrounds. From administrative roles to technical positions, there are various ways to contribute to our mission of providing life-changing medical care to those in need. Explore our website to learn more about the different volunteer roles available and find the perfect fit for your skills and passion.
Requirements for Volunteer Nursing
Volunteering as a nurse with Mercy Ships is a rewarding and impactful way to use your skills to make a difference in the lives of those in need. To ensure the safety and quality of care provided on board our hospital ships, there are a few requirements for volunteer nursing that must be met.
Nursing Certifications and Qualifications: First and foremost, you must hold a valid nursing license in your country of residence and have completed an accredited nursing program. Additional certifications or specializations in areas such as pediatric nursing or intensive care are highly valued.
Background Checks and Health Screenings: As part of our commitment to patient safety, all volunteer nurses are required to undergo background checks and health screenings. This includes providing references, completing a criminal background check, and submitting a comprehensive medical evaluation. These measures ensure that our volunteers are suitable for working in a healthcare environment and capable of providing high-quality care.
Availability and Commitment Expectations: Availability and commitment expectations are also important considerations. Our hospital ships typically operate on a 10-month field service schedule, during which time volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum service period of three months. This allows for continuity of care and ensures that our patients receive the best possible treatment.
If you meet these requirements and are passionate about using your nursing skills to bring hope and healing to those in need, we invite you to join our team of volunteer nurses. Your expertise and compassion can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities around the world.
What Makes Mercy Ships Different?
“I’ve met really wonderful people around the ship. It’s really something. You feel like you have a real family, so I really love this family.” — lvis Ngwang (preop nurse)
For over 45 years, Mercy Ships has used our hospital ships to bring life-changing and, in many cases, lifesaving medical care to those struggling with treatable and preventable conditions such as cleft lip, bowed legs, cataracts, benign tumors, and more.
And we continue this mission today through the thousands of volunteers serving on board our two hospital ships, the Global Mercy and the Africa Mercy. Over 1,000 volunteers from more than 50 different nations serve on board our ships annually — a truly international team working and living alongside one another.
Serving on board one of our ships is similar to living in a small city. You know your neighbors. Friends abound. The dining hall is a great place to eat as a family or with a group of friends. Then there’s the academy where kids and crew members attend school. And community church services are filled with lively and joyous worship.
Crew are adults. Crew are kids. Families. Singles. Young. Mature. Wise. Learning. All coming together to share a common goal — serving those in need.
The adventure of your lifetime is waiting for you.
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