Volunteer Hospital Director

Keren Fuhrmesiter was happy working as a dietician in Australia when God started to prepare her for something new. She didn’t know what that was or how it would unfold but had two desires: she wanted to travel and live close to the sea. Volunteering for Mercy Ships, God has met both her desires. As Hospital Director of the Africa Mercy and soon for the Global Mercy, she not only lives on the sea but also travels for her role.

In this episode, Keren tells how God took a time of loss in her life and brought something new. She shares the incredible joys of working with the medical staff abord our ships as well as interactions with patients and their families who have impacted her most. Keren’s faith and stories are sure to bring encouragement to your day!

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Bob and Sherilyn Cook can trace their Mercy Ships roots way back to when they were young teenagers at church in rural Colorado. Some of their friends in youth group, Don and Deyon Stephens, went on to marry and become the founders of Mercy Ships. Although Bob and Sherilyn have never served on board one of the Mercy Ships vessels, they are passionate about the mission and have dedicated the past four years to traveling and speaking at churches on behalf of Mercy Ships. 

In this episode you will be encouraged as Bob and Sherilyn share stories of the people they’ve met and relationships they’ve built as they speak about Mercy Ships. These incredible ambassadors share the love of Jesus and encourage many to get on board with us by volunteering and partnering with us through prayer.  

 For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Volunteer Chaplain
Marty Schwebel was ministering as a pastor in California when he and his wife decided it was time to take their three sons and extend their ministry overseas. Marty had read about the need for chaplains in a Mercy Ships newsletter and he just knew this was where his family was meant to serve. They volunteered for five years on board the Africa Mercy and even though they’ve been off ship for over ten years, the impact of their time on board will last a lifetime.

In this episode Marty shares about the rewarding work he did as a chaplain on board. Marty explains the opportunities he had to share his gifts and talents on board and how the deep connections with people are what he treasures most from his time volunteering.  

You will be encouraged by Marty’s pastoral heart and by the work he and his wife are doing today as a result from their time with Mercy Ships. 

For more about Mary’s current ministry, go to: www.newroadsretreats.com 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Volunteer Accountant

When Mercy Ships was serving in his home country of Cameroon, Moise jumped at the opportunity to master his English while working with Christians on board the Africa Mercy. Leaving behind a job as an accountant, he became a translator to help during the field service.  Moise enjoyed his time on board so much that when the ship left Cameroon, he joined as fulltime crew, this time working in the finance department. 

In this episode, Moise shares his joy of working in the background to help patients and the wonderful community he has on board. He also shares the powerful story of how his mom gained a new perspective of white people after living for years with a burden of fear as a result of the tragic history of slavery. This smart, funny, joy-filled man will put a smile on your face as he shares his Mercy Ships journey. 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Thomas Dubourcq first encountered Mercy Ships in 1991 when he was 17 years old and boarded the Anastasis to perform with his drama group. Little did he know this experience on board would not be his last. Eventually becoming a TV producer, Thomas sought to create a series about Mercy Ships and pursued the opportunity to film on the Africa Mercy. This meaningful experience led him to return yet again years later with his whole family.  

In this episode, Thomas shares the amazing way God wrote his Mercy Ships story over the course of many years. Now living on board the Global Mercy, he gives insight to life on board a Mercy Ships vessel that is not yet in field service, and how he considers this equipping season an important part of the mission. Thomas will inspire you to use your gifts, talents and passions to serve God in all seasons. 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org  

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Volunteer Nurse

Nurse Sarah Loving saw purpose in her pain as God took a hard season in her life and through it, gave her a new calling. While serving overseas, Sarah developed a heart for justice and a desire to help those who did not have the resources to help themselves. When she heard about the mission of Mercy Ships, Sarah knew she had to get on board.

In this episode Sarah shares how the African culture impacted her and the joys of bonding with patients. She also explains the valuable lesson she came away with — give God what you have, and He will do the miracle. Sarah is sure to brighten your day with her words of hope.

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Volunteer Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Tertius Venter just completed his 40th visit on board a Mercy Ships vessel as a volunteer plastic surgeon. His first visit aboard the Anastasis radically impacted him and changed his life. Leaving his private practice behind in South Africa, Dr. Tertius became a fulltime volunteer.  

In this episode, Dr. Tertius shares about the complex surgeries he performs, the reward he feels from volunteering, and how he incorporates his faith into his medical practice.  

Dr. Tertius’ compassion and selfless life will compel you to live generously for the sake of another. 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Volunteer Orthopedic Surgeon

With similar missions, CURE International and Mercy Ships have come alongside to partner together in many ways.  

In this episode Dr. Rick Gardner, CURE International’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), outlines the beautiful partnership between Mercy Ships and CURE, the global need for timely, safe surgery, and how having a God-sized vision leads to a life filled with miracles.  

You are sure to be encouraged by what Dr. Rick is doing to better the future of children in Zimbabwe, and how two organizations working together is a glimpse of heaven on earth. 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org           

For more information about CURE, go to: cure.org 

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Heilke de Heer left her home in the Netherlands to board the Africa Mercy in Dakar, Senegal. She originally came as a receptionist but has willingly volunteered wherever there is a need. Currently she is serving in the communications department as a media liaison, enjoying meeting new people and giving them a taste of what Mercy Ships is all about. 

In this episode Heilke shares how seeing love in action impacted her. She also tells of the joys of volunteering on board the Global Mercy while the ship was in her home country of the Netherlands, and how the atmosphere of hope touches everyone who comes on board.  

Heilke is passionate about living intentionally and her words will inspire you to do the same. 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org 

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Colton Dixon is a Christian artist and former American Idol contestant who is partnering with Mercy Ships to help share the mission of bringing hope and healing to people in need. Colton felt an immediate connection with Mercy Ships through his new hit song, “Build A Boat,” so he teamed up with Mercy Ships to create the music video which includes footage of the Global Mercy® being built and features the transformation of twin patients Assane and Ousseynou on board the Africa Mercy®. You can watch the video at http://www.contondixon.com/buildaboat

In this episode Colton shares the inspiration behind the song “Build A Boat”, choosing faith over fear when one of his twin daughters was born without a pulse, and his hopes for his partnership with Mercy Ships. Colton’s words will encourage your faith and give you hope that God is for you! 

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to: mercyships.org  

Follow us on Instagram: New Mercies Podcast