Frank’s Volunteer Experience with Mercy Ships

Before Frank Seibure ever stepped on board a Mercy Ship, he was already on a mission to bring hope by advocating for human rights in his home country of Sierra Leone. However, after encountering Mercy Ships more than a decade ago, he decided to embrace a new way of serving others through healthcare. 

As a volunteer sterile processing technician, Frank plays a critical behind-the-scenes role by ensuring that surgical instruments are clean, safe, and ready for use. “My biggest driving force is to make an impact on society, help those in need, and serve humanity,” he shared.  

With a heart for advocacy and hands committed to helping, Frank brings skill and compassion to Mercy Ships’ mission of bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.  

The Story Behind the Heart  

“Growing up was tough for me because I lost my father at a very young age,” Frank explained. He was barely 4 months old at the time, leaving him to be raised by his mother.  

He proudly admits that his mother did a great job, but, given the war in Sierra Leone during part of his childhood, life was tough. “My mom was able to take us from place to place throughout the war, and we did not lose anybody,” he reflected.  

During this challenging time, young Frank saw things a child shouldn’t see. “It was because of all those bad things that happened that touched my heart to become a human rights professional,” he said. Frank became one of the youngest activists, championing advocacy campaigns and raising awareness even after the war ended.  

“I’ve been able to transfer many of those same skills to my work as a medical professional,” he said, adding that healthcare falls under the economic, social, and cultural rights of persons. For Frank, serving with Mercy Ships is on the same track, just in a different vehicle. 

How Frank Became Involved With Mercy Ships 

Frank first heard about Mercy Ships during his secondary school days, but his chance to serve on board came in 2011 when his church’s pastor announced that Mercy Ships was coming to Sierra Leone.  

“My pastor asked if I was willing to volunteer, and I accepted,” Frank disclosed. He was subsequently selected to work in the sterile processing department as national crew — vital crewmates who work alongside volunteers, bridging language and cultural barriers. “My passion is to always work for the cause of humanity,” Frank explained, “and I was convinced that joining Mercy Ships was a way to do just that.” 

At first, Frank thought it would be a difficult job given his lack of experience, but he soon realized that “all the crewmembers I met there were willing to teach me, and I was flexible to learn.” He learned quickly and performed so outstandingly that, later that year, he became a volunteer crewmember.  

According to Frank, the hands-on experience he gained on board, combined with seeing how sterile processing directly impacts every patient, made him decide to become a full-time technician. Over the years he worked hard acquiring relevant international qualifications and diplomas to become a Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) in Sterile Processing.  

Finding Purpose Through Service 

“My favorite part of being a sterile processing technician is seeing the outcome,” Frank shared. “When someone comes to the ship with a problem and then leaves with a smile, that touches me the most.”

Frank is keenly aware of how vital his work is to the Mercy Ships mission. Frank explained that if surgical instruments aren’t properly sterilized, patients can end up with more complications than they came in with. He takes his work very seriously because it ensures that the healing operations that Mercy Ships’ volunteer surgeons perform have a lasting effect when the patient returns home. 

“Sterile processing is called the heart of the hospital,” he said. “It is the backbone of quality surgery.”   

In addition to his primary clinical duties, Frank also finds fulfillment in training others. From working with new crew to sharing his expertise with local healthcare professionals, every training moment is another opportunity to empower others and strengthen healthcare systems.  

“The highlight of my time on Mercy Ships is that I have trained many young people to become sterile processing technicians,” he said, beaming with pride. “And some of them have even stepped into leadership roles. I feel very satisfied when I see people I’ve trained still practicing.”  

The Impact of Mercy Ships 

Over the years, Frank has served as a technician on both the Africa Mercy and on the Global Mercy. But gaining experience with Mercy Ships goes beyond just the professional skills he’s honed. Frank continues to learn from the rich blend of cultures represented on board and has felt the positive impact on his natural leadership qualities through service.  

“I feel very fulfilled to be a part of this organization, and I want to continue serving humanity through Mercy Ships,” he said with conviction. “To anyone considering serving with Mercy Ships, I’ll say: go ahead and apply! No matter your role, you have an impact on patient outcomes.” 

Want to come aboard? Learn how you can join today!