Captain Josh McGrath came to volunteer with Mercy Ships in 2007 as Third Officer on the  

Anastasis in Ghana and Liberia. Josh was newly graduated from the Maritime Academy in Northern California and it was the recommendation of one of his professors that led him to serve.  

Returning in various roles for several field services, Josh met his wife on board and later returned with his young children as captain of the Africa Mercy. Earning the nickname “Captain Fun,” Josh not only made family life a blast on board, but he also stepped out of the bridge to teach P.E. to the academy students. In this episode Josh shares stories from his time volunteering with Mercy Ships and shares how his own life, both personal and professional, has been impacted by his time on board.   

For more information about the New Mercies podcast and Mercy Ships, visit  www.newmercies.mercyships.org  

Christelle, a nurse from Cameroon, first heard about Mercy Ships when news spread of the Africa Mercy coming to her home country. She decided to volunteer as a translator in the hospital and was surprised to learn that the patients on board were not like the patients she had seen working in the local hospital. She discovered that many in her own country did not have access to affordable health care. Greatly impacted by this, Christelle decided to join the Africa Mercy crew as a screening nurse after the ship left Cameroon.

The transformation Christelle saw on board was not only in the lives of the patients, but in her own life as well. Now furthering her nursing education in the United States with the dream of going into anesthesia, Christelle shares with us about her Mercy Ships experience and how it influenced her decision to go back to school.

In this episode, you will learn more about the role our screen teams play in finding patients, Christelle’s blessing of telling patients they would receive surgery, and how her Mercy Ships family will be a part of her life forever.

For more information about the New Mercies podcast and Mercy Ships, visit www.newmercies.mercyships.org

At 17 years old, Amy Jones had an experience on a mission trip that sparked a desire to go into nursing and help people who don’t have easy access to medical care. This was just the beginning of the road that led her to Mercy Ships.

Once on board with her husband Ally, Amy not only found her mission in the hospital, but also on the city streets — reaching out to the local people to give them friendship, care, and love.

On this episode Amy is honest about the challenge of combining her faith and practice, she shares an incredible story of helping a young girl in desperate need and is sure to make you laugh with her conversations with the “toilet lady!” 

For more information about the New Mercies podcast and Mercy Ships, visit www.newmercies.mercyships.org

Andrea Scace is a Nurse Practitioner who first volunteered with Mercy Ships 18 years ago. She has recently returned with her husband and three children, this time in a whole new role. Now onboard the Africa Mercy, Andrea is serving as the primary caregiver (PCG) of her children as her family has committed to two years of service. 

In this episode Andrea shares their unique journey of traveling to the ship with restrictions created from COVID-19, how the family prepared and transitioned to ship life, and her hopes and dreams for her children as they experience serving abroad as a family. 

Andrea’s encouraging attitude and flexible spirit with inspire you as this mom is holding plans loosely and trusting God.  

For more information about the New Mercies podcast and Mercy Ships, visit www.newmercies.mercyships.org 

Nick & Irene met for the first time as they boarded the Africa Mercy in Dakar, Senegal. Nick from the UK and Irene from Canada, had each signed on to volunteer for 2 months, Nick as an electrical technician and Irene serving in the dining room. But the pandemic lock down in 2020 extended their time onboard allowing time for a budding relationship to blossom.  

In this episode, Nick and Irene share about their experiences volunteering onboard and the impact the Senegalese people made on them. Now married and living in the UK, they can’t wait to return one day and volunteer again on board one of the Mercy Ships vessels.  

Get ready for a few laughs as you listen to these newlyweds tell their tales of their time with Mercy Ships!  

For more information about the New Mercies podcast and Mercy Ships, visit www.newmercies.mercyships.org 

Amber Greenhow Dissake is a nurse from the United Stated who first volunteered with Mercy Ships in 2017.  Her first commitment was just for a few months, but before those months were over, she had already signed up to return! Shortly after, she made a long-term commitment to serve with Mercy Ships, but that was not the only long-term commitment she’d make while in Africa.   

When she first stepped foot on the Africa Mercy, Amber had no idea that her time of service would change her life in so many ways. In this episode Amber shares about her roles as ward nurse and screening nurse, her love of the patients, and the man that captured her heart onboard.   

For more information about the New Mercies podcast and Mercy Ships, visit www.newmercies.mercyships.org   

Warrie Blackburn first stepped onto the Anastasis when she graduated from college and went to visit some friends on board. Inspired by what she saw, she decided to volunteer for a year.  Now, with almost 24 years of service, she continues to use her gifts and talents to further the work of Mercy Ships. From receptionist to managing director, Warrie has served in many roles and currently volunteers in the chaplaincy department in Texas. 

In this episode, Warrie gives us a glimpse into the role of Managing Director on a Mercy Ships vessel. Warrie also shares with us the thrill of meeting her husband on board, the joy of returning to serve with her husband and twin daughters as a family years later, and the heartbreak of leaving Senegal in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. She is a wise woman who has always trusted God with every step of her journey and because of her passion about the work of Mercy Ships, Warrie is sure to inspire you to find your place on board. 

In this interview, Warrie mentions the book: Ships of Mercy: Bringing Hope & Healing to the World’s Forgotten Poor, by Don Stephens

Captain Djurre Jan Schutte was destined for a life on the water as he was born on a vessel and spent the first six years of his life sailing with his parents. But it was a sign on the side of the road, an invitation to tour a ship, that changed the course of Captain Djurre Jan’s life forever. 

In this episode you will hear about the captain’s life transformation that came after he first stepped onto the Anastasis as a visitor. He shares about becoming “Couple # 229” — a fun part of Mercy Ships history that you won’t want to miss! In addition, he recounts what it was like to be onboard the Global Mercy for part of her maiden voyage.   

Captain Djurre Jan is a fascinating, highly respected man who never stops smiling as he speaks! His joy is evident and his love for the sea will make you want to get onboard.  

Merryl Mackenzie is an OR nurse from Australia who has been in practice for over 40 years. Currently onboard the Global Mercy preparing the hospital for future patients, Merryl is trusting God for all of her needs. 

In this episode you will hear Merryl’s incredible stories of God’s great provision, both for herself and for the patients she has served. She shares all about the facilities on the Global Mercy and what she is most looking forward to when this hospital welcomes the first patient in Africa. In this interview, Merryl is delightful and fun and sure to put a smile on your face.  

Dr. Andrew Clark has served with Mercy Ships for 30 years as a physician and serves currently as the International Chaplain. During his time with Mercy Ships, Dr. Andrew has had the rare opportunity to go aboard every vessel, from our first ship to our newest custom-built ship the Global Mercy. His history is long and his stories are fascinating.

In this episode Dr. Andrew shares how God has been weaving his Mercy Ships journey from the time he was a boy and immigrated to New Zealand from South Africa on a ship. Dr. Andrew also gives great insight into the purpose of chaplaincy and how intentional crew care is a priority for Mercy Ships. From serving as crew physician to his current role as International Chaplain, Dr. Andrew’s stories of God’s incredible work are sure to encourage you!