Emmanuel’s Story of Service With Mercy Ships
“Mercy Ships made me really see the need in Africa. It was mind-blowing to see that in just one field service, the ship carries out over a thousand surgeries. I’m really happy this is happening in Africa. And I get to be a part of it.” — Emmanuel, Second Officer
Emmanuel Nwaji, a 34-year-old maritime officer from Nigeria, is known for his impeccable leadership and commitment to excellence. This makes him a perfect fit for his role as a second officer aboard the Global Mercy, where he keeps the ship and its mission on course.
As a child, his father desired a different career path for him. One where he’d put on a white coat and a stethoscope to save lives in a hospital. But Emmanuel chose a different path; one that involves charts, compasses, and the open seas.
Today, in a full-circle moment, Emmanuel serves on a hospital ship. It’s not quite the hospital his father had in mind, but he enjoys living out his career dream while being part of a mission that provides free surgical care to those who need it most.
Charting an Unexpected Course
Emmanuel’s journey to becoming a maritime officer started in 2009, as he prepared to attend university.
His father’s desire for him to become a medical doctor was clear, so out of respect, Emmanuel chose to pursue medicine. Though he was accepted into the program, his heart wasn’t in it.
“I didn’t like the idea of seeing blood every time and handling medication,” he shared.
He was just about to start the program when he heard about a government scholarship in Nigeria. Without hesitation and with little knowledge of what it entailed, Emmanuel applied.
“I just said, if this was the way out [of studying medicine], I was willing to take it,” he said.
A few months later, he got an unexpected confirmation that he had been awarded the scholarship to study nautical science at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in Egypt.
His father welcomed the news, “He didn’t have to pay school fees, so it was a win-win for both of us,” Emmanuel noted.
In 2010, Emmanuel began his four-year nautical studies. At first, it was just the allure of travelling and studying in another country that excited him. But soon he recognized the value and impact of his chosen field.
“95% of world trade is dependent on the maritime industry,” he explained. “I was fascinated by the amount of wealth a nation stands to gain if they have a properly developed maritime system.”
The inspiration by his lecturers and the travel opportunities deepened his passion for the career he hadn’t planned for.
Learning The Ropes at Sea
After years of education and training, Emmanuel was finally ready to serve as an officer on his first vessel in 2016.
“I was loving it. I was visiting a lot of places I’d never visited before, and the pay seemed good,” he recalled.
He got most of his work experience working on tankers, where he honed his skills before transferring to offshore vessels and working aboard a survey ship. After years of experience, there was still one place he’d yet to sail… with a Mercy Ships vessel.
Anchored In a Greater Mission
A friend shared information about Mercy Ships, prompting Emmanuel to learn more about the organization, including the faith that drives Mercy Ships’ mission.
“Something that excited me was the fact that it was a faith-based organization,” he added.
This was a chance for him to share his love for Jesus while helping others. So after going through the application process, Emmanuel was ready to come on board.
Embracing the Mercy Ships Experience
Emmanuel first served aboard the Africa Mercy for three months in 2024.
“Speaking as a sailor, it was totally different from what you would find on a commercial vessel,” he said. “Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. There was just this atmosphere of love and acceptance.”
He felt at home immediately. This sense of belonging shaped his next steps, and in time, he applied for an extension, saying, “My heart isn’t ready to go back to working on commercial vessels.”
There was just one thing missing from his time on board. The opportunity to share these new experiences with his wife, Sophia.
“I used to call her on the phone to show her what’s happening,” he shared.
But not long after Emmanuel decided to stay with the organization, Sophia joined him aboard, the family moving to the Global Mercy where Emmanuel would serve as second officer and Sophia would volunteer as the crew banker.
A Community Like No Other
For Emmanuel, the greatest difference between commercial vessels and Mercy Ships is in the culture and community. “On a commercial vessel, you work for money, and your goal is your career. But on Mercy Ships, there’s a better reward. There’s just this fulfillment you get, knowing that you’re a part of something bigger.”
That culture of encouragement and humility struck him from the beginning.
“On Mercy Ships, you’re encouraged, you’re trained. Everyone is willing to give you a helping hand without looking down on you,” he shared. “I remember coming on Mercy Ships and everyone, including the captain, was willing to help me in any way. The chief officer told me, ‘If you need any help or when you’re ready to do the job, just let me know, we’ll do it together.’”
“My Mercy Ships experience has been wonderful,” Emmanuel reflected. “There’s been a lot of reasons to laugh and a lot of learning. There’s never a week that passes that you feel like it was boring. There’s always something to look forward to.”
Although Emmanuel didn’t become the doctor his father initially envisioned, the joy and rewards he experiences in his current role are far greater than he ever imagined.
“I think it’s divine that my dad wanted me to be a doctor,” he reflected. “I’m not here as a doctor, but the work I do supports surgeries and medical procedures on the ship.”
Are you a maritime officer ready for a new calling? Mercy Ships is looking for skilled professionals like you to drive our mission of bringing hope and healing. Visit our opportunities page today to get started!