John Borrow never planned on being a full-time volunteer but when he first heard about Mercy Ships in the 1990’s, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
His long journey with Mercy Ships has taken Mr Borrow and his family from Belrose, NSW, around the world and since 2016 he has served as the Africa Mercy’s captain.
Mr Borrow first heard about Mercy Ships through a friend. He later visited Newcastle, where the previous Mercy Ship Island Mercy was docked, and after setting foot on board he knew he wanted to be part of its crew.
“I was disillusioned with my sea career. It’s not a great culture to be in,” Mr Borrow recalled.
“I went up to check out the ship and I was pretty excited. I kept thinking that I had found my thing; I found my calling.”
Joining as the Island Mercy’s Third Officer, Mr Borrow travelled to Papua New Guinea on a three-month commitment and absolutely fell in love. After hearing about his trip, Mr Borrow’s partner Lee-Anne, who was a dietician and had just finished her master’s degree in nutrition, was also eager to join.
After the couple married in 2001, they boarded the now-retired Caribbean Mercy, where Mr Borrow served as Chief Officer before moving on to the original Mercy Ship, Anastasis, in 2005, where the couple raised their first child Tim for the first 18 months of his life.
Eventually they returned to Australia to have their second son, Sam. After 8 years of being at home and working ashore Mr Borrow knew it was time to return to Mercy Ships.
The Borrows joined the current flagship, Africa Mercy, in Madagascar in 2015, allowing John to join a small group of people from around the world who had sailed on every Mercy Ship.
He took over as captain in August 2016 and after three years of long-term service which also took them to Benin, Cameroon and Guinea, Mr Borrow and his family have returned to Australia.
“It’s time to look after aging parents, put our boys into an Australian high school, and take a break from the intensity of ship life. Walk on the beaches, buy a bacon and egg role, and enjoy our beautiful country.”
“Our three years on board the Africa Mercy has been an amazing experience and we’ve met some truly inspiring people here, all with the same goal to help those not as lucky as we are.”
Their return home also leaves vacancies in their roles.
“We are struggling right now to find long term Deck Officers, especially Chief Officers and Captains.”
“These roles are not only critical for the safe operation of the ship, but also to lead our deck crew, which are mostly Africans and the most gentle, respectful bunch of men you’re ever likely to meet.”
“Our three years on board the Africa Mercy has been an amazing experience and we’ve met some truly inspiring people here, all with the same goal to help those not as lucky as we are.”
“Once you see this level of pain and suffering you cannot be unaffected. You cannot ignore it, something changes, and you have to help.”
Do you want to join Mercy Ships? We need people from every skill set and background, and you may be surprised where you end up finding your place. Visit mercyships.org.au/volunteer to start your Mercy Ships journey.