Meet my bunk-mate, Emmanuel!

See below for a short background on my bunk-mate Emmanuel, which he has graciously provided me. Emmanuel is a passionate and thoughtful man. Enjoy learning about his story and please consider donating to his fund as he furthers his work experience so he can eventually return home to take care of his family and give back to his community!

______________________________________________________________________________

I am the eldest child of Tabakou Maurice, a proud man who worked diligently to take care of his family prior to his untimely demise. Now, the responsibility of providing for our family is left to me. My father’s death changed me in monumental ways. Growing up, I was always passionate about machines and derived great pleasure from fixing things and studying the way they work. While I wasn’t sure how to transfer these interests into a career, Mercy Ships provided a feasible inroad for me to join the maritime industry and gain invaluable experience while also giving back.

In preparation, I have already obtained the necessary education: a bachelor of science degree from Regional Maritime University (Marine Engineering) and additionally immersed myself into serving God through missions work with Mercy Ships onboard the Africa Mercy vessel currently docked in Dakar, Senegal.

As previously mentioned, my role with Mercy Ships began December 2018 (Guinea, Conakry) as an “Engine Hand” which is an important role in the daily operations of the ship. In 2019, I was promoted to an “Engine Rating.”

Missions volunteers like me must pay to serve. It sounds unique, but most missionaries sustain themselves through the generous funding of people just like you who believe in either our non-profit organization or church. Miracles have kept me afloat through my university studies and the duration of my first field service. I’ve been blessed to witness God provide for me through different people and in ways I never could have imagined.

My passion is solid, my faith is strong, but my coffers are near empty, so this financial appeal is crucial. In order to continue this path, I must raise $12,000 in funding to continue my service through 2020. These funds will help pay my monthly crew fees, required medical insurance, hygiene/clothing/miscellaneous monthly costs, cross-country travel, gifts/offering/tithes.

I am very passionate about my personal mission at Mercy ships and hope you will help me fulfill this mission. Further, I strongly believe God is using this period of my life to teach me how to be selfless and always think of others. My intent is to volunteer at Mercy Ships through 2020, then obtain a job as a marine engineer in Cameroon to help my family members attend university and accomplish their dreams.

Long term, I intend to open a training workshop where I can help train less privileged children to develop skills they can then utilize to contribute to society and provide for themselves and their families. This is economic empowerment, and this is a big part of who I am.