Jessica Bency, a 24-year-old woman from Madagascar, works with the Mercy Ships communications team on board the Africa Mercy® as a translator. Her journey to becoming an interpreter was a unique one from the start. Not only did she have the remarkable determination to learn English on her own, without any formal training, but the workbook 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 in Antananarivo,” Jessica said with a smile. “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! The young woman continuously grew both spiritually and in her English comprehension.
“I had learned about Mercy Ships before through social media and really liked the work that they do, and I had a friend who also works on the ship as a crewmember. He encouraged me to apply, and I did,” she shared.
While docked in a partner nation to provide safe surgical care and education, Mercy Ships recruits day crew who are citizens of the host country— native speakers of national languages who are familiar with local customs and etiquette. These translators 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 day crew like her, Mercy Ships can share stories that otherwise might not be heard.
Jessica enjoys working with Mercy Ships because it affords her the opportunity to practice her English as well as further develop her personal spirituality.
“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,” explained Jessica, an ever-growing smile spreading across her face, “because I believe that, as a Christian, I should reach out with God’s love to those living on the margins of society.”
Jessica’s hard work and pursuit of excellence prepared her to make the most of every opportunity and serve her own people. Are you on the lookout for ways to put your unique skills and experiences to a greater purpose as well? 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.
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