So, You Want to be a Missionary?

Often when I talk to people about Mercy Ships they are surprised to hear about all the jobs they can do and be considered a "missionary". Many people have in their minds that a missionary is only someone who preaches the gospel in the market or plants a church in a remote village or does medical work for the poor and the needy.

This ship has medical people doing surgeries, people teaching adult literacy, people building clinics and schools but what's unusual about Mercy Ships is the support staff we have on board. We are a floating community with over 350 people from more than 35 different nations. To support the people in the "Programs Department" we have missionaries on board who cook, some who clean public areas on the ship, others work in our bank, we have an IT department, a school for the children of the families on board, even a hairdresser for all of us that need haircuts.

A large need we have on this 52-year old ship is that of technical crew. We have a deck department, plumbers, welders, and carpenters who work on the upkeep of the ship. This is a constant job and every year the ship leaves W. Africa for a time and goes to shipyard to have work done. This year we are taking an extended time to get some much needed projects completed. These projects are imperative for us to continue to do the work we do.

Here's where we need your help. In mid-June we will leave Liberia and sail to South Africa. We need extra technical crew once we arrive to South Africa and so far we have had very few applications. We will be in shipyard from July 4th to September 2nd in East London, South Africa. We are looking for skilled welders, pipe fitters, plumbers, electricians, electronic technicians, carpenters, painters, refrigeration technicians, mechanics and skilled tradesman. Volunteer terms can range from 2 to 8 weeks. Volunteers are asked to raise their own airfare but room and board will be provided.

So, if you have one or more of the above skills and want to serve with us you may contact me through a comment or email me at: vesselofmercy2005@yahoo.com and I will put you in touch with the right people. Maybe I'll see you this Summer!