Stepping Out of The Boat

Dear family and friends,

We’re excited to share with you what God is doing in the life of the Newquist family! We wish we could share this news with each of you in person, but unfortunately, time and distance does not permit us to do so.

Roger was recently offered and accepted a position with an international, Christian humanitarian relief ministry known as Mercy Ships. Mercy Ships operates the largest, non-governmental hospital ship in the world, called the Africa Mercy. The Africa Mercy brings humanitarian aid and life-saving medical care and surgery to developing countries on the coast of West Africa. Our family will be living aboard the Africa Mercy for an initial commitment of two years where Roger will serve as Chaplain to the ship’s crew, medical staff, and families. Raeanne’s primary role will be as caregiver to the kids but has several ministry options available to her once we board the ship. The kids will attend an amazing internationally accredited Christian school aboard the ship.

As you can imagine, this is a major life change for our entire family! It means saying difficult goodbyes to people we care deeply about and a way of life we have been truly blessed to live. However, we are very excited about the new opportunities and adventures which lay ahead for the Newquist family! We are confident in God’s leading and very excited to be part of what God is doing through Mercy Ships in west Africa!

We have a lot to do in a very short period of time. Roger is retiring from the California Highway Patrol and his last day at work will be May 31. We are selling our house, raising support, finishing school, finding a temporary home for our beloved pup, Joie, and much more. We leave for training in Texas in June and will arrive at the Africa Mercy on July 27. The ship sails for Senegal around August 1.

We love you all and invite you to be a part of our journey!

Blessings to all,

Roger, Raeanne, Emma, Georgia, and Mack