What are the Roebucks actually doing?
We are serving full-time with Mercy Ships, a global nonprofit that operates hospital ships providing free surgeries and medical training in African nations.
Jacob has been invited to serve as Director of Communications on Global Mercy, and our entire family will live onboard the ship during our service.
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Why would you leave your businesses to do this?
For us, this isn’t about career advancement — it’s about calling.
We’ve always believed our work should align with eternal impact. When the opportunity opened to serve in this way — together as a family — it felt like a clear invitation from God.
BrickTown builds imagination. Mercy Ships restores hope.
Both matter. But this season feels uniquely important.
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How long will you be gone?
We have made a two-year commitment to serve with Mercy Ships.
Our service begins July 1, 2026.
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Where will you be serving?
Our first expected port of service is Tema, Ghana.
Before deploying, we’ll report to Lindale, Texas for pre-departure training.
Mercy Ships rotates through host nations based on government partnerships and need.
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Will the whole family live on the ship?
Yes.
Mercy Ships is unique in that it allows families to serve together. The ship functions like a floating community with:
• Family cabins
• A school program for children
• Church services
• Volunteer-run community life
It’s essentially a small town — but one with a hospital.
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What happens to BrickTown and the business while you’re gone?
BrickTown will continue operating normally.
• Paul Semones (General Manager) will oversee day-to-day operations.
• Joe Huckaby (Jacob’s brother) will provide leadership support and oversight.
• Major strategic decisions will still involve Jacob through consultation.
The goal is continuity — not pause.
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Are you moving away permanently?
No.
Roswell is still home.
We are keeping our house. We are keeping our business. This is a season of service — not a relocation.
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What will Jacob actually be doing?
As Communications Director, Jacob will help:
• Tell patient stories
• Capture the work of the ship
• Support fundraising communication
• Share impact updates
• Represent the mission publicly
In short: helping the world see what’s happening onboard — and why it matters.
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Are you being paid?
Mercy Ships is a faith-based nonprofit. Most crew members, including us, raise personal support to cover living expenses while serving.
That means:
• Our salary and living costs are funded by supporters
• The surgeries themselves are funded by donors and partners
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How can we support you?
Three simple ways:
1. Pray for our family and the patients.
2. Sign up for email updates on our page to follow along with what’s happening.
3. Support us with a monthly or one-time financial gift by clicking here
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What is Mercy Ships?
Mercy Ships operates the world’s largest civilian hospital ships, delivering:
• Free life-changing surgeries
• Medical training for local healthcare professionals
• Infrastructure support and education
The organization focuses on sub-Saharan Africa, where access to safe surgery is extremely limited for millions of people.
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Is Mercy Ships faith-based?
Yes.
Mercy Ships is motivated by the example of Jesus — bringing hope and healing to people in need.
While the care provided is free and given to patients of all backgrounds and beliefs, the core long-term crew serving onboard share a common Christian faith and commitment. Short-term volunteers and day workers may come from a variety of backgrounds.
For us personally, this calling to serve grew directly out of our Christian faith.
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What ship will you be on?
We expect to serve aboard the Global Mercy.
Mercy Ships also operates another vessel, the Africa Mercy, and is building a second purpose-built ship to expand capacity.
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How big is the ship?
The Global Mercy is approximately:
• 571 feet long (174 meters)
• 92 feet wide (28.6 meters)
• 12 decks tall
• Home to up to 600+ crew and volunteers
It includes:
• 6 operating rooms
• Over 100 acute care hospital beds
• Intensive care and recovery wards
• Dental clinic
• Laboratory and diagnostic facilities
• Classrooms and medical training spaces
• A school for children onboard
It is currently the largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship in the world.
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Is this safe?
Mercy Ships partners directly with host governments and operates under international maritime and medical standards.
There is 24-hour security on the dock and onboard the ship, with controlled access points.
The ships are fully staffed with professional medical personnel and licensed mariners.
No overseas assignment is risk-free — but Mercy Ships has been operating for over 40 years with a strong safety record. Of course our safety is equally in God’s hands whether in our home in Roswell or on board a ship in Africa
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Can we visit?
Possibly — but port access varies by country and security requirements.
We’ll share details if and when visits are possible.