Captain John Borrow (Australia)

“We provide for people who have lost hope in a very direct and purposeful way, so it just works!”

Captain John Borrow

John and Lee-Anne Borrow never planned on being full-time volunteers, but when they first heard about Mercy Ships in the 1990’s, they knew it was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. Joining as the ship’s third officer, John traveled to Papua New Guinea on a three month commitment and absolutely fell in love. After hearing about the ministry, Lee-Anne, who was a dietician, was eager to join John. After the couple married in 2001, they served on two different Mercy Ships for four years.

“We could both use our skills; using his at-sea skills and my medical background,” says Lee-Anne. “And we just felt that God was drawing us in. We fell in love with it because of the community.”

After an eight year hiatus, the Borrows and their two sons returned to the Africa Mercy in 2015, where John now serves as captain. When asked about what makes Mercy Ships special, Captain John Borrow replies: “We provide for people who have lost hope and have no other way of being rescued out of hopelessness. We deal with that in a very direct and purposeful way, so it just works!”

Do you have any questions?

Don’t forget to check our general information and FAQ page where you will find a lot of helpful answers!

Maria, Jessica and Janina

Talent Acquisition and Volunteer Engagement team - Switzerland

Jessica (French / English / German):
+41 21 654 32 70

Janina (German / English):
+41 31 812 40 34

Maria (French / English / Italian / German)

+41 21 654 32 01

[email protected]

Discover other stories from our volunteers

Dr. Sarah

“When I signed up, I had come for two weeks before but then I signed up for a year… and it will certainly be a lot more!”

Lukas

I remember I did the whole application, wondering, ‘Am I ever going to be on this ship? Is it actually real?’” remembers Lukas, a vehicle mechanic from Switzerland. “Then, one day, you stand on the gangway, and you can’t believe that you are really there.

Sarah

Ten years ago, whilst training as a nurse, I travelled across Africa and fell in love with the continent. Mercy Ships gave me the opportunity to return there and to help where the needs are great.