“I am willing.” With these words, Jesus touched a man with leprosy and healed him. Not only was the man physically healed, but he was restored to family and community. These simple words made it more than an act of healing—they revealed His amazing love. He was willing.

When I read this story, I often wonder what it would have been like to have been there—to see Jesus restore hope to a man who had gone through a life-changing healing.

Last year, I was introduced to Mercy Ships through a video online. As I watched, I saw how the healing work of Jesus is still continuing today—physical healing paired with His love and hope for people who often have none. Like the leper, many patients on Mercy Ships are not only healed physically but restored to family and community.

On this hospital ship, people from many professions—not just doctors and nurses—take part in the holy work of providing life-changing surgeries to the forgotten poor. I found myself wondering, Could I play a role in something like this? And in that moment, I felt the quiet question in my heart: “Are you willing?”

I would like to say my response was, “Yes, Lord,” but in reality it was, “I need to talk to my wife.” After watching the video again together, Laura felt the calling just as strongly as I did. So I visited the Mercy Ships website and, sure enough, they were looking for a Communications Director to serve on board. It was a two-year commitment—and our whole family would go together.

We showed the video to our kids—Penelope (14), Maverick (12), and Lewis (10)—and they seemed even more excited about the idea than we were! So we applied, prayed, and shared with a handful of family and friends who prayed with us through the process.

It took quite a while—apparently God is still working on my patience—but in January we received an official invitation to serve on the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, with a crew of about 600 and space for about 200 patients on board. We will live on the ship, and our kids will attend school with the other 70 children on board as well. Our service begins in July, and for our first year the ship will be docked in Ghana, Africa.

My role will primarily be helping tell the stories of hope and healing to the extended Mercy Ships family around the world. Once we are settled into ship life, Laura will find a role to serve on board as well.

We would love for you to walk with us. Here are a few ways you can support us and be involved:

1. Prayer—prayer, and more prayer

2. Financial support—we have a Mercy Ships webpage where you can give monthly or with a one-time gift here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ms-cfp2p/account/2228747/ 

3. Stay connected—if you’d like updates, simply email us at laura@roebuckmedia.com

Jesus is the example— He said “I am willing” to those forgotten by the world. His healing touch is still transforming lives through Mercy Ships. Our family feels deeply humbled and honored to go and serve with such an amazing organization. To God be the glory.

With Hope,

Jacob, Laura, Penelope, Maverick and Lewis