A Life Beyond Her Imagination

Ja Roache had retired and relocated to Hawaii to be alone, but God had other plans for her! Through a strange ailment, Jas was led to volunteer with Mercy Ships. She thought she had retreated to an island to isolate, but God brought her on board to a community where she is rarely alone. Going on three years of service, Ja can’t imagine her life any other way.

In this episode, Ja shares about the miraculous way God brought her to Mercy Ships. She explains her job as Engineering Administrator and being part of a mostly male team, and how her love of work and faith keeps her busy and fulfilled. This woman exudes joy and passion and is sure to make you smile and make you think twice about what life after retirement might look like!

Looking for a way to join our mission of bringing hope and healing? Partner with us through a gift, volunteering with us, or by joining us in prayer.

New Mercies Podcast Transcript

Welcome to the New Mercies, a podcast by Mercy Ships, where we’ll take you behind the scenes and on board our incredible hospital ships that are transforming lives all over the world. We invite you to join us each week as we sit down with our crew, patients, volunteers, and partners to hear their stories of life-changing hope and healing.

Ja Roache had retired and relocated to Hawaii to be alone, but God had other plans for her! Through a strange ailment, God spoke to Ja about volunteering with Mercy Ships. And whereas she thought she had retreated to an island to isolate, God brought her on board to a community where she has rarely alone. She’s loving her work as the engineering administrator on board the Global Mercy and can’t wait to tell you all about it. Here’s my interview with Ja Roache.

Raeanne Newquist:

Ja, you are coming to us from the Global Mercy in Dakar, Senegal. So from California, I say Greetings, and welcome to New Mercies.

Ja Roache:

Thank you very much.

Raeanne:

We’re excited to hear your story because I know you have a unique role onboard the ship. So before we get into your role, why don’t you tell us where you’re from and what caused you to go volunteer with Mercy Ships?

Ja:

Well, I’m from the USA. I was born in the east coast of the mainland. But for the last almost 15 years, I lived in Hawaii. I was retired and just loving my life going to the beach every day, volunteering at a senior center, everything you’d want in retirement. And then I went to visit family members, I actually got sick, I had a pain in my stomach. And I live a pretty healthy life and I was concerned. I just prayed God, please, whatever this is remove it from me. The pain just kept getting worse. And I’m visiting someone and I don’t want them to feel bad. So, I’m trying to hide the pain. But it kept getting worse. I just kept praying and then I opened my iPad and said, Lord, please just show me because I check a lot of scripture on my iPad, show me what it is you want me to do, show me where I’m supposed to be and I’ll do it, just take this pain away. Well, a Mercy Ships ad had come up on my iPad and I’d never heard of Mercy Ships before.

So, I’m looking at it and I said, it’s a hospital. What would I do with a hospital? So I get through the night and awake in the morning, the pain is still there. Oh no, God, Oh, no. Please help me. Mercy Ships ad comes up again. And I said, Okay, I went online and looked up Mercy Ships and went on to the application process. I said, I didn’t qualify for anything. There’s nothing, nothing. I don’t get it. But if you want me here, Lord, I’ll do it. So, I saw engineering administrator, filled that out, hit submit, and the pain went away. And I said, Okay, now I need to know what Mercy Ships is because I just applied for something that I don’t know anything about. But I have a tendency for the Lord to speak to me through very extreme circumstances, and I don’t do pain very well. So he got my attention. And it was the best pain I could have ever had now that I’ve had this experience. 

I did not tell anybody because again, I’ve never heard of Mercy Ships. So, when I came to the ship, and I boarded it, then I let my family and friends know I was here. I did not tell anyone. I did not tell a soul. I just prepared myself and COVID was there and it took seven days even to arrive. And everything was just God is this you? The Lord told me I’m supposed to go to Mercy ship. When I arrived, I don’t know what’s going on. And I think he used that experience to humble me because I didn’t come ready. I just came unexpectedly, just in his hands and in his will — wherever you send me, I’ll go Lord, I will go. And that’s how I arrived. I’m going on three years now.

Raeanne:

So how wonderful. Well, obviously God had a very clear plan and purpose and getting you there, because he made it clear beyond the shadow of a doubt with all those ads, hey, you need to be looking into this. So now it’s almost been three years. And first of all, was it hard to leave Hawaii, I just have to ask?

Ja:

Yes, it was. So my friends in Hawaii were saying, you’ll be there for three months and we’ll see you soon. We’ll see you soon because I’m involved in a prayer group there and they said, we can live without you for three months. It’s gone on for years. And you’re like, What is going on? It is amazing to just say, because when people ask, how long will you be there? And I tell them one day at a time, because that’s really all we have. Yeah, but the experience has been amazing. I do miss Hawaii when I’m talking to my friends. But there’s nothing like being in the will of the Lord. You don’t think about what you would want, you think about how he’s going to use you.

Raeanne:

That’s a good word. Absolutely. Well, tell us what you do on board. What is your role, and what is your day to day look like?

Ja:

I’m an engineering administrator and I support the chief engineer. So pretty much I handle all of their official business, because they’re the team that makes sure that the ship is intact, and everybody’s safe and comfortable. That is all of your plumbing and electrical, engines, everything to make sure that the ship can be on water, and moving from point A to point B or being still when everyone’s comfortable. So, I love the fact that I’m able to support this crew that works 24/7 for the Mission of Mercy Ships.

Raeanne:

I know that the engineering team is primarily made up of men. Is that correct?

Ja:

That’s correct.

Raeanne:

So, what is that like being the only woman managing all these men?

Ja:

Well, it’s great. I work with a wonderful team, it is nice to have Christian leadership. I work for Chief Eric and he is incredible. You know, he prays for us every day, we’re able to worship as a team and there’s nothing like being under God’s guidance, even at 7am. He’s in our chapel, praying for the entire ship, both ships, actually, and the crew. So, it’s just nice to be under that type of leadership. Now, in my career, I was in the military and also I was in telecommunications, and that was pretty much mostly men. So, I’m used to working with all males. I’m very comfortable because they come to work. Yeah. And that’s what I like. So, it’s a nice fit.

Raeanne:

Can you tell us maybe about a memorable moment thus far that you’ve had in the engineering department?

Ja:

I had been retired for about, well, let’s just say over 10 years. And again, I didn’t know what I was going to do when I came here. I’ve never been an administrator. At home, I only use Apple products. And when I came the environment was all PCs. So, I was already behind the eight-ball thinking I need to use a computer. So, I had the best people train me. They were so gracious, and so kind and so patient. And I was wondering if I would have been the same way when I was their age, because they were amazing. They just made me feel like it’s okay, everything’s going to be fine. And they just motivated me to just do things a little bit quicker, to things a little bit better. But just the way they would say it made me want to do those things, because I wanted to be part of the team. And I wanted to show them that I’m here, I’m here to be an addition and a positive addition and not someone who is going to bring them down. So, I tell you what, I just fell in love with the crew. I thought, God, thank you for bringing them into my life. They prayed with me, they loved on me, they supported me. And you know, my coworker, his name was David, he just let me know, Don’t worry about it, anything that you need, I have your back. I have your support. And I would not have made three years without those them, that’s for sure. But it’s just nice to be able to work with people who see you for who you are and want to bring about the best for the community and the job at large.

Raeanne:

It is so unique to work in an environment where everyone is for each other. They’re not competing against each other. They’re not annoyed. Oh, you don’t know how to do this? Why are you even here? You know, there’s none of that attitude. It’s Oh, you don’t know how to do this, oh, let me help you. And it’s just the most encouraging and uplifting environment. Because most people like yourself, like myself, we’d never worked on a ship before. So, no matter what your profession is, and what skills you are bringing, there is still a major learning curve.

Ja:

Absolutely. Absolutely. And I didn’t take any of that into consideration, thank God, because I would have never shown up! It’s been amazing to be surrounded by incredible people who just want to help. Everyone wants to make sure that you’re okay.

Raeanne:

Well, how do you see your job working as the engineering administrator, as contributing to the larger Mission of Mercy Ships?

Ja:

In the same way the hospital here cannot function without the medical professionals, Mercy Ships cannot function without the technical department. Yeah, that’s engineering, and Deck and those are departments that I support. Their crew has to be trained, they’re technical, and no one else can do the job the way that they can. Just to be a part of them, helping is amazing. Any little thing that I can do to make their life easier so that they can do their job. I feel like that’s what I wake up in the morning for, let me help you. That’s my day, to just help.

Raeanne:

That’s awesome. I love it. Well, I’m sure that in your three years, you’ve had quite a few highlights, whether that be in your job, or in the community or off ship. Can you tell us a little bit about some of your standout moments thus far?

Ja:

I would say the biggest thing is being around people who are not Christians. Because it’s such a large Christian community, you think that everybody is a Christian, and they’re not. So once you get to know people on a one on one basis, you get to learn to love them for who they are and where they are. And to love them the way Christ would love them. And they have an impact on your life, whether you know it or not. And it’s just nice to be able to wake up and pray for them. And know that God sent me here to meet this person so that they have someone that’s praying for them. After, if you see them, you know, they might be there for a couple months, just standing there during worship, and then you’ll notice them singing, or you notice them coming out of their cabin, or you notice them eating with others. And that, to me, is what it’s all about. We are not here to be alone, especially when the world was going through the physical war between Ukraine and Russia and the COVID crisis. It was a great time to build our faith through scripture, whose shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness, or danger or sword? As it is written, for your sake, we face death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor demons, nor things to come can separate us from God’s love, neither height nor depth, anything else, and I am able to see people change. It’s like the transformation is amazing. And it’s not me seeing them, I’m able to look in the mirror and see myself transformed as well. Because you will never be the same when you walk on this ship, when you walk off because the love of Christ is here. Nothing is too hard. You find out that the leadership of Mercy Ships was built on faith. And they continue that and so it’s contagious. We all believe it’s going to get better. Things are going to work, we have to love and just keep on trusting God to do what He has called us to do. So that is for me, the biggest thing, is just seeing transformation.

Raeanne:

I feel like you just took us to church. Amen. I just so appreciate you saying that. You know, because I think you are in the midst of a unique season for Mercy Ships, because you’re on a brand-new vessel. And so in the midst of the chaos in the world, as you mentioned, the war in Ukraine, which I know has impacted even some of the supplies being shipped to Dakar, I know that there was an issue with rice and an issue with food for the people of Senegal and things that we wouldn’t actually think about how does the war in Ukraine affect food in West Africa, but it does, you know, so aside from all of the things going on in the world, and COVID, and all that stuff, you’re on a brand new vessel. And there are probably a lot of kinks to be ironed out as well. There’s new things to discover on this new ship. And there’s things that haven’t been used before. And maybe they don’t work the way that we thought they would. So there’s a lot of challenges outside of the ship in the world, but also on board. But I love that you’re clinging to the love of God and saying we trust God in all of it. Speaking of that, speaking of a brand-new ship, how is that going? Have you guys experienced some challenges and figuring out how this new vessel works?

Ja:

Only when we wake up! Life won’t be boring. It’s like if you built a house, and you pay, I don’t care how much money to get it done perfectly. Once you move in, you notice that there’s things that are just not what you thought they were going to be and they don’t work. And the same is true for the ship. So you know, and that’s what I love about the technical team, as they find things out, they have to go running every day, we have a 911 to make sure that things are working. Thank God for a new ship. You know, I was on the Africa Mercy and it doesn’t change, the people are there to work. And whether it’s shining something or removing rust or making sure that the intercom is being heard, everybody has a job to do and are coming to do it. So we don’t get a chance to look at when it was created just that God please help this to work.

Raeanne:

And you guys are really pioneering because as you mentioned, you know, you worked on the Africa Mercy, which has been in service for many years. And so I mean, for all practical purposes, she’s a well-oiled machine. Of course, she’s old, so there’s things that need to be revamped and worked on. But for the most part, you know, what you’re going to get. But on the Global Mercy, you guys are now the ones that are fine tuning and getting things all set up so that generations to come are going to have smooth sailing, if you will.

Ja:

Yes, yes. It’s exciting.

Raeanne:

It is very exciting. You mentioned that one of the things that you love is just seeing the transformation in people. Can you tell us maybe how you’ve seen lives changed while you’ve been on board?

Ja:

Well, yes, I have a friend who wasn’t comfortable with praying in public. And I said, Well, how about we just meet at six o’clock in the morning and just pray. First of all, the whole six o’clock in the morning was a little bit of a, you know, all of us, our times are just so limited. And then I thought, it can’t be just a male and a female that time of morning. So then I opened it up to other people. Next thing you know, we have a prayer group going on. And he just sat quietly. And then sooner or later he realized talking to God is just talking. It’s just talking to a friend. And then that opened up to him saying, Well, I want to know more about the Bible. And so we started a Bible study the same six o’clock group. We started with the book of John. And you know, they laugh now, because it took us four months to go through the first chapter, I go very slow. Word for word. He’s like, I am getting off the ship, so we can please speed this up. But I just didn’t want him to miss who Jesus is. You can find him in one verse in one book, and one chapter. It wasn’t about trying to get the whole story, but it’s about the relationship. There’s a person that we love. There is someone that went to prepare a place for us to spend eternity with Him. And He loved us so much that he came in time for us. And that is the experience that we were trying to share. And he ended up talking to his wife about it on the phone they had I will studies and now he went home. And now his whole household are Christians, including his mother and his father. So, it’s that turn of transformation. So, you would not have known, but I’m the type as you can tell, I like the talk. And so, I would just say, Come on, brother. You know, you’re a part of this. And now you know He’s leading worship in his church, and it is just amazing. And that’s just one story. Yeah, it goes on and on and on. Thank God.

Raeanne:

Ja, it’s pretty evident that God had a very specific purpose in that stomachache that you had, and bringing you to this place so that you can see this man, and introduce him to Jesus. How incredible. I love it. And God said, Let’s do it through I don’t know, how about engineering administrator. But really, it sounds like you’re kind of the evangelist stirring up people, you know, for the Lord taking him to prayer meetings and starting Bible studies. And what a beautiful ministry you have. I just love that.

Ja:

I thank God because when I came here, again, I didn’t know what was in store. I’m an introvert. I don’t talk I don’t lead anything. Definitely not prayer groups or Bible studies. I’m involved in prayer groups. But I was always the one in the back. And now, it’s like, if I see no one else is moving and I believe that God is calling me to do it, then I’ll do it. But it’s definitely not me. Because I’m always like, nervous and my voice is shaking, even on this call. You know, what I found out and discovered is, I wouldn’t be the person that I am becoming if people didn’t talk and share and love on me. So it becomes easier to say, Wow, if we all do this, it’s just you know, it’s wonderful. I moved to an island to be alone. And being here, I realized that community is priceless. Just having a sense of belonging is incredible. And if I can allow someone else to see that, yes, you can manage by yourself. Why would you want to?

Raeanne:

Yeah, man, you’re bringing to mind a little Jonah’s story, you know, that you would run away to an island to be alone? And God would say, No, actually, I want to put you on a ship where you can pretty much never be alone. There’s little to no opportunity to be alone. And God had something so different for you. And I just have to affirm you when you say you don’t like to speak, or you, you know, get nervous, or you don’t want to be the one up front — you have a gift and you have an anointing on your life that God is using for His glory, and for your good. And I’m so grateful that you said yes, and are stepping out of your comfort zone, because I feel like God is continually equipping you and strengthening you and gifting you to be his mouthpiece. So wonderful. Well, tell us a little bit about what you do in your off time. Have you gotten off ship and kind of explored around? Have you only been in Senegal in those three years?

Ja:

I’ve been between Senegal and Tenerife. I don’t get off the ship that much. But this time around, I’m getting more and more invites. So I made it to restaurant and so I’m always using work as an excuse. But now again, it’s just growth, is just taking time, you know, I’m getting off the ship a little bit more. And on the ship I’m playing cards with some of my friends

I absolutely love it. And I get my weekly prayer calls and with people back home, and also talking to friends and family at home. You know, all of that matters. So yeah, you know, just blocking out that time, it means a lot. So sometimes you don’t have to be moving to get what you need.

Raeanne:

Absolutely. I know that you’re going on about three years now. And as you mentioned, this was not on your radar whatsoever. You’re taking it one day at a time. But what is it that has compelled you to stay?

Ja:

Initially, there was no one to do the job because COVID and traveling was, you know, a challenge for people. And then I got very comfortable in a position and then there’s so many people rotating in and out that it’s always like a new day and I just love helping, I love serving, so I just didn’t get an opportunity to think about what it would be like if I wasn’t here. I can’t imagine my life not being here. But on the other hand, I have family saying, Hello, we haven’t seen you in a couple years, it would be nice. Oh, now I have to find that balance to go home. And you know what’s nice about being in the kingdom of God is wherever you are you have family. Yeah, because of his blood, we become sisters and brothers. And it’s just nice.

Raeanne:

Well, I love this beautiful interruption, that God put in your life in Hawaii, where you were trying to isolate! What a beautiful interruption to bring you to West Africa to serve. And I know that the ship’s going to sail later this year down to Sierra Leone. So that’ll be a whole different experience for you. Thus far, in your time volunteering, how would you say that your life has been impacted, how has your life been changed and transformed?

Ja:

Well, before, I always did the behind the scenes job. And now when the crew was talking to me, they say, Oh, you care? And I’m thinking me, that’s not me. Give me a computer, give me something to work on with my hands and I’m good. But you know, leave the carrying over there. I’ll pray for you. And so it’s good to see that whatever is happening, that the crew is experiencing what I really do feel, and I do care for them. And that is what I want to convey. But you never know if that’s what you’re doing. Until they say thank you. And I’m just pleased to know that it’s being conveyed properly. I’m just being myself. But I didn’t know that was in me because I was never around people. So there’s just no way I would know that. Until now.

Raeanne:

I love that God had to bring you halfway across the world pluck you out of paradise, to just show you a whole new way of life and a whole new way of living to show you the gifts that He has given you that maybe were just lying dormant until you got into a community where they could come alive and flourish. So wonderful. Well, Ja, maybe that sounds crazy to say but man, I’m grateful that God spoke to you through severe stomach pains, that God would bring you to the Global Mercy to go and serve and to volunteer and to see lives transformed, but also to have your own life transformed as well. So thank you so much for sharing with us just a little bit about your journey today and bless you as you continue to serve and care for those around you onboard.

Ja:

Thank you so much. It was my pleasure.

For more information about Mercy Ships, go to mercyships.org, and to keep up with the guests on New Mercies, follow us on Instagram at NewMerciesPodcast.