Who We Are

Mercy Ships is a global, faith-based charity dedicated to serving the medical and healthcare needs of the world’s forgotten poor by following the model of Jesus. We welcome all those who identify with our charitable mission and are committed to contribute to our service in the manner of that model. For those wishing to apply, it is important that they understand how Mercy Ships serves its charitable mission and that they know what to expect in serving with us.

A core of our charitable organization is our Community of Faith. It is comprised of dedicated, long-term volunteer crew members from various Christian traditions and cultural backgrounds from around the world. Each ascribes to the Apostle’s Creed and commits to follow the model of Jesus by living and working together faithfully, seeking incarnationally to serve all who are in need regardless of religious, ethnic, or cultural background.

In addition, crew members also include shorter-term volunteers who may choose not to join our Community of Faith. Those volunteers typically have different or no religious affiliation but strongly identity with the Mercy Ships charitable mission, want to contribute their skills and expertise, and are willing to give of themselves working with Mercy Ships in service to others. Whether or not a part of our Community of Faith, all crew members (long or short-term) support our “Mission, Vision, and Core Values” and are expected to comply with our Code of Conduct in service to our charitable mission.

Each crew member is respected and honored for their service contributing to the Mercy Ships mission. Each is encouraged to maintain their own spiritual health as a member of our Mercy Ships crew. Various opportunities and support services are available to help crew members enhance their onboard work, social, and spiritual life.

Being a Mercy Ship crew member is truly a unique experience. It is indeed a life-time milestone of service for each volunteer. No matter how long a crew member serves with us, we all learn and grow as we together work to enhance the lives of so many disadvantaged peoples around the world.