Rock Star Becomes Food Service Manager for Mercy Ships

Posted by Mercy Ships staff on Jan 20, 2012 at 11:23 am

With a background as a touring rock star and an Executive Chef, Ken Hatfield joins Mercy Ships as the new Food Service Manager. His journey is one of total transformation and redemption – leaving behind a world of luxury and stardom for life onboard the Africa Mercy, a state-of-the-art hospital ship in West Africa.

It all started twenty years ago when he achieved success in the business world and the world of music. That year, he started his own restaurant, TJ’s Doghouse, a live music venue. He was the owner and executive chef. In the same year, he was a percussionist and tour manager for  the Michael McDermott Band, which started touring around the country and recorded their first album. Fame and fortune continued through the years. They were even featured in mainstream movies that included actors such as Vin Diesel and Matt Damon. The Michael McDermott Band continues to record great music, but Ken is no longer with them.

In 1996, Ken sold his restaurant and started working for the House of Blues Corporation. His job was to open a new restaurant in Atlanta during the Olympics. Afterward, when he was not touring with his band, he opened additional restaurants throughout the United States for the House of Blues Corporation. His experience as an Executive Chef continued as he worked for Premium Cinemas (movie theaters that include fine dining) and Taste of Excellence (a premier catering company). However, the hard work, while extremely successful, took its toll.  

When Ken finally started to face the reality of his lifestyle, he realized that he was burned out. He turned to the Lord, asking for direction and guidance in his life. An organization called Teen Challenge caught his attention. Teen Challenge is a drug rehab center that has a year-long discipleship program. They were in need of an Executive Chef.  So, Ken sold his home and his possessions, and he decided to give one year of service to Teen Challenge – giving God some time to show him what to do next in his life.

One year of service turned into a change of heart that sent him to Africa to work on a hospital ship. After learning about Mercy Ships, Ken found himself driving to its training program, called Gateway. It was not until he received his airplane ticket for Africa that he realized what God had done in his life. He was set to leave for West Africa exactly one year from when he started working for Teen Challenge. Not only did God guide him, but He also provided everything Ken needed in less than a month of preparations.

Ken has joined the Africa Mercy to fill a new position, Food Service Manager. He will be developing a position that helps connect the dining room, galley, and stores. The ship produces many meals every day – the fully staffed ship with a full hospital ward requires 1,500 to 2,000 meals a day. This does not include the off-ship programs or the onboard bakery. Ken says, “I completely respect those who work in the galley and dining room. They are the workers who work behind the scene and don’t get a lot of thanks.” It is Ken’s job to make sure these departments are connected and work together well. It is no easy task, but Ken is ready for the challenge. In fact, he has even made a two-year commitment to serve with Mercy Ships.

Family and friends have supported Ken every step of the way. In fact, Ken says, “If it weren’t for my family and home church, I don’t know if I would have completed the preparation process.” What excites Ken the most about being on the Africa Mercy is the ability to live alongside of those he serves. “There are so many different cultures here. It’s satisfying to see people come and take some food. It breaks down all barriers and gives us all a common ground,” he explains.

January 2012

Story by Nicole Pribbernow

Edited by Nancy Predaina

Photos by Debra Bell

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