A Gift in God’s hand

We’ve grown so used to hearing his footsteps at the home, that we can recognize his presence before we see his smile or hear his voice. He may arrive without notice or in response to a call for help but he’s always at the home for a reason.

Ed Pauls arrives at the Mercy home several times a week, to take care of routine tasks, discuss finances or to fix problems around the home. Yet, while focused and dependable, he always stops to talk, to smile, to check-in-on-how-you’re-doing and to listen.  His next visit may come as a result of something he’s observed or heard, solving problems that haven’t even been spoken.

You see Ed’s volunteer service has become as much a part of ministry to the young women at the Mercy Ministries home as, the counseling, the discipline, and the Bible reading. Though he does not directly address each young woman’s struggles, his care is felt as they enjoy the comfort of the home; his service powerfully demonstrating love in action. The time he takes to talk, speaks to them of their value and when he smiles as he walks  to a task, he uplifts one who may have been feeling down. Thinking of Ed, it is easy to paraphrase 2 Corinthians 9 : 12 – 13 to address him directly

This service that you perform is not only taking care of the Mercy Ministries home, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourself, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your unique expression of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with the Mercy girls and with everyone who supports Mercy Ministries.

The current residents recently sat down to put together their thoughts of gratitude:

Ed gives instructions during the renovation

“Thank you” doesn’t seem meaningful enough for a man who has made such an impact on our lives here at Mercy. We want to take a moment to honor  Ed by saying a few things from our hearts of thankfulness.

Thank you Ed for being here – and so willingly – to give of your time. For all the maintenance and upkeep you do both around the house and outside. Everything from raking leaves, hanging Christmas lights, fixing our HOPE  sign and getting us new chairs. You always go the extra mile for us. Thank you for your big daddy hugs and your interest into our lives.

Your presence is a strong and gentle encouragement. Thank you for the compassion love and dedication you pour into our lives at Mercy. Ed you really raise the standard for other men and it’s an honor to know you. Words cannot express accurately our gratitude. We love you Ed.

Ed started volunteering to help build a house where young women could find hope. He took the skills and gifts he had, to help coordinate and put together a building, so that others could minister to those who struggle. God has taken his gifts – offered to Him gently and with humility- to feed minds, spirits and hearts.

Ed (far right) and his wife with the first graduates from the Mercy Canada home

Tags: love, Mercy Canada, ministry, volunteer service, volunteers

Get into the Back Seat and Hold Her

By Marina Sullivan

We all have a story to live, to share and to embrace.  The truth is the story doesn’t always read the way we think it should.

At Mercy Ministries, staff are supporting actors in heroic stories. There are times we stand on the sidelines as choices are made and scripts rewritten.  This may mean that girls  walk away from the application process before being  admitted, leave the home  before they graduate, or sadly for some, the fire that they played with consumes them and a  life ends before the story was played out.

A life that ends prematurely speaks loudly of potential left undiscovered. Unmet destinies linger in empty spaces.

A vacant seat at a kitchen table

children not born

a husband not married

the missing contagious laugh at every get-together

Hind sight is 20/20 they say. It seems natural to look back and question if there was something we could have said or done to make a difference and change the ending.   Was there a sign that was missed or comment that went unheard?  In these difficult places, come difficult conversations.  Conversations with the ones left behind.

One such conversation, with a father of a Mercy applicant who had passed away suddenly, lingers in my mind and has impacted my life and my story.  I remember the waver in his voice under the strain of holding back tears.  He recalled a day with his daughter, a typical day filled with to-do-lists.

His daughter was in the back seat of the car and his mind was filled with the tasks of the day.  He said he knew she was having a hard day “but then most days had seemed hard lately.”  Then he said something so poignant, so heart stopping, that the depth of its meaning hit me to the core:

“If only I had got into the back seat and held her.”

There is little to compare to the un-quenched ache a of a parent.  Yes, that is love. Unfathomable.  Unrelenting.  All consuming, love.  That is the heart of a father.

It is there in the hard moments, the real moments that we get a glimpse of the love our Father in Heaven has for each one of us.  He is waiting and willing to meet us, to climb into the backseat with our junk and mess and pain, and hold us.  He knows the ending before it begins.  He knows the amazing story he has written just for us.  It is an epic story of love and hope and dreams”

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Women who are on the waiting list for Mercy Ministries receive encouragement from women who are already in the program.  Small  3″x5″  index cards filled with  heart and hope  for  women they do not know,  yet  so intimately understand.  They appreciate how vital it is to be encouraged; they know the need for Jesus to meet them in the backseat where there is little control.

Tags: father's love, grief, Hope, love, Mercy, Mercy Canada, Mercy Ministries

Messy Mercy Brings Healing

By Katy Kaseburg

These women!  These women seeing their sister step out and proclaim truth boldly came not to judge her for a weakness but to join her.

Director of Counseling Katy Kaseburg

I have been asked ‘Is it really wise to have that many people with that many issues all together in one place?’  The face of this question has been a parent, a colleague , my own family and even a resident after her first week of being in the program.  On that face has been a look  – for lack of a better phrase – of holy fear.  All those broken people in one place?  Really?  You think that’s going to work?

Yes I say, and again I say yes.

Mercy is a wildly miniature, intensified version of the rest of my life.   A small ripple is felt as a wave because of how closely residents and staff are knit together.  Let me show you –

In my counseling  I like to throw curve balls every now and then, challenge a resident to see themselves in a completely new way, to turn their world upside down.   One of the residents let me challenge her last week.  I asked her to say,  in the fewest words possible, what she most needs to believe about herself.  She replied ‘I am worthy of love.’

Perfect. Accurate.

Honey, you are!  Okay, here is what I want: “honey when I say your name I want you to add ‘is worthy of love.’   Every time okay?”  doubtful looks and nervous giggles start,  then  “I guess I could.  Okay.”

Let’s practice.  “Honey…?”  “is worthy of love?”  “Honey…?”  “is worthy of love.”   “Honey…!”  “is worthy of love!”

I walked her through the house, replaying this scene till everyone knew what to expect from her.  It made staff come out of offices and residents smile in the most understanding way.

photograph by Rachel Ray photography

Here’s the part I want to share, the part that gets us back to living all smashed up together like this:  four days later, I was transcribing some assignments on my desk.  Instead of a name at the top, there was simply “Is worthy of love.”  I knew who she was.   But the next one, and the next ones had phrases too!

this darling, “hears from God,”

this precious one, “is covered in grace”

this treasure, “is free.”

These women.  These women!  These women seeing their sister step out and proclaim truth boldly came not to judge her for a weakness but to join her.

James 5:13-16 exhorts “Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray. Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective (emphasis mine).”

James tells me to be intimately and desperately connected into relationships, to a point of putting my weakness right out there.  Which is completely opposed to the powerful voice in my head telling me to RUN AS FAST AS POSSIBLE AWAY FROM PEOPLE!  Especially those who know me. Especially those who care.   Especially those who are open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, for he might lead them right into my shame.

God is giving me a step-by-step guide to healing.  Get into community.  Get honest.  With wisdom, show your vulnerabilities.  Respond to God, not to situations. Get prayed for.  Get healed.  [For those of you wondering, there is a healthy dose of waiting and surrendering in the process!]

The moment I admit to myself, to God and to my community that I am one messed up human being is the moment that I have opened the door for God to move in my life.  That is the thing about Mercy, in coming to a place like this you have to be pretty sure you need help.  When a new resident walks into the house she sees residents sitting on couches, making meals or stretching post-fitness and she KNOWS each one of them has declared ‘I am not okay!’

There is an openness to such humility that is very approachable.  I’ve never had a resident say about another “I’m so confused, I didn’t know that she had any problems!  I trusted her and now I’ve found out she is just as messed up as I am.”  Again and again I hear “I’m so confused, I didn’t know anyone else struggled with this too.  I thought I was the only one and it feels so good to know I’m not alone!  If she can do it, so can I.”

See, messy is not just Mercy.  Messy is actually why God gets all his people together in places we call churches.  Out of messy, comes pruning, refining, and defining.   When a resident at Mercy has a transformation of soul is it undeniable by every other resident and staff because we have SEEN the messy and we know just how deep it ran.  There is no better encouragement than this.

So yes, issues bump up against issues here.  But they do in our homes and churches too.

Tags: Church, Community, Mercy, Mercy Canada, Mercy Ministries

Called to Speak Mercy

by Jacki Miller

“…the first job God put in my heart was to raise money for the ministry.  And ultimately that is what Advocates are doing…we are out there raising awareness and planting seeds in hearts for the young women who desperately need our help!”

Jacki Miller was hand picked to raise money for Mercy Canada

I learned about Mercy at a women’s conference in Seattle, that I attend each year.  Nancy Alcorn was there in 2001 and that was the first time I had heard about Mercy Ministries. My first reaction to it was that it was a great ministry to give to – but that was it.  My husband didn’t share my enthusiasm as he prefers supporting local ministries.  But I knew that God had put this ministry in my heart.

Later I heard God say to me that I can be involved in a different way – I could help raise money for this ministry.  So I sent a letter off to the head office in Nashville to see if they would let me come and see the home there first hand, as I could not raise money for something I had not personally seen.  I never got a reply so I dropped the idea and told God, “I tried!”.  Then I went to the annual women’s retreat in Seattle again in the fall of 2002 and Nancy Alcorn was there again!  This time the fire in my heart was too strong to ignore! I knew this was something that I was supposed to be a part of!  So I went to speak with Nancy after she was done speaking and told her that I would like to come and see the Nashville home.  She got right on it and had it set up for me to come!

Nancy Alcorn arranged for Jacki to visit the Nashville home

I was there visiting the home in January 2003.  My husband still didn’t understand why I was getting involved in a ministry that was not local, as that was our focus.  I didn’t understand either, until I was introduced to one of the young women in the home who was the first Canadian girl to stay in a US home.  She was excited to talk to me as a fellow Canadian!  She told me she was from Surrey, from Victory Christian Center (now Relate Church), and that John and Helen Burns were working on bringing Mercy to Canada!  Now it all  made sense!  This is why I was drawn to this ministry! It really is LOCAL!

I have been involved in volunteering in the office since the beginning.    From the time I first started til the date of the opening of the Canadian home it took 7 ½ yrs!  If God would have told be back then that it was going to take that long I would have never made it!  God knew what He was doing!

Along the way my work evolved into becoming the Coordinator of the Advocacy program.  This is truly where my heart is as the first job God put in my heart was to raise money for the ministry.  And ultimately that is what Advocates are doing…we are out there raising awareness and planting seeds in hearts for the young women who desperately need our help!  My spirit just comes alive when I have the opportunity to share with someone personally or a group about Mercy Ministries!  It is like the story of Jesus  in John 4 when Jesus explains to his disciples why he was talking to the woman at the well instead of looking for something to eat!

“My food, said Jesus, is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work.” 

Being a part of Mercy Ministries is just that to me – it is the food that sustains me.  Hearing the testimonies and seeing the lives changed – there is nothing greater to be a part of!  I am so honoured that God has chosen me for this work!  I am so thankful to have to opportunity to meet these amazing young women and to see the transformation first hand!

Jacki Miller (Centre) with the first group of Mercy Canada residents

If you would be interested in being a part of the Mercy Ministries Advocacy Team – please contact us!  We are looking for individuals who have a heart to see transformation – for lives to be pulled out of darkness…  hearts to raise money and spread awareness for this amazing ministry! Together we ARE saving lives!

For all of YOU who support us financially – I can’t THANK YOU enough!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

Tags: nancy alcorn, volunteers: Mercy Ministries; Mercy Canada

Looking back in Awe. Going Forward in Faith

by Nicola Bartel

Happy New Year to all of you amazing individuals who have partnered with us on this exciting journey. We’ve come to the end of our first full year of ministry, and much has been accomplished as we have partnered together in God’s Kingdom work. As I reflect all that has taken place in the past year, my heart is FULL and humble!  Sincerely thankful and in awe at God’s greatness……… All glory to God and only Him!

Blessings to you from Nancy Alcorn and the Mercy Canada Leadership

2011 continued to be a journey of faith, stretching and blessing, as I have witnessed the mighty hand of God move mountains to provide abundantly for our precious young women who need mercy.  His provision came both in financial ways and in people resources as He provided the right staff at the right time when needed! His creative hand moved yet again, as individuals came forward to meet practical needs such as covering all our costs for cleaning and household products! Another creative move in our Lord’s plan was to ignite a flame in one of our staffs’ hearts who loves to develop “coupon” systems. She has now greatly saved us funds in our food budget. Step by step, by his Spirit, He is using the gifts, strengths and potential of so many individuals to provide Mercy to as many young women as possible.

With our first resident as she graduated in May 2011

Thirteen young women graduated from Mercy in 2011 and are walking free of bondages that once enslaved them. Words can not describe the experience of witnessing God bring peace, joy, hope and restoration-to some- for the first time. The need continues into the new year – we had 497 calls from potential applicants, 144 Applications were sent out or downloaded and as of Dec 31st we had 60 applications in process! As we begin this new year, my faith is at a whole new level. The need is so very great and so is our faith in knowing our heavenly father will provide for those in need.

We will be standing in faith, and I ask you to stand with us, as we increase the number of young women month by month this year in order to reach full capacity. With this step of faith there will be an increase to our operational budget and a one time expense of a minivan to transport the additional residents. I can’t wait to see how God is going to Wow us all this year!

In closing,  I want to personally and sincerely thank each and every one of you on behalf of Mercy Ministries here in Canada for partnering with us in 2011. Your partnership has contributed greatly in moving us forward. Exciting days are ahead and so stay tuned as we step out in faith together

Thank you! My heart sings with the words of psalm 147: 7 – 11

Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
sing praises to our God with a harp.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
provides rain for the earth,
and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.
He gives food to the wild animals
and feeds the young ravens when they cry.
He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse
or in human might.
No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love. (NLT)

Caleb’s Note

Every so often at Mercy we have moments that remind us just how much the work, prayers and support are transforming lives.  Each one of those moments is precious but some tug at the heartstrings more than others and make everything worth it.

Today we received the gift of a moment like that in the form of a “thank you” note from a 10 year old boy.

Caleb’s mom, graduated from the program earlier this year. Just before she left, she reflected on the impact her transformation would have on her 2 children.

“They can see what it is to have a normal, healthy family. Generations will be changed because of this.”

Caleb with his Mom, who graduated from Mercy earlier this year

Today her words are all the more meaningful. Generations are already being changed because of the Mercy program. What a thrill to get a glimpse of the ripple effect of one transformed life through the early Christmas gift of Caleb’s note.

Caleb’s thanks goes out to all the staff, board and  the supporters of Mercy who make it all possible. Of course we can all join together to thank God for His work in transforming a life and giving a  little boy a reason to hope.

A Spa of Extravagant Love

By Christina L.

It’s been a few weeks since the Spa Night. As I remember the night, two words come to mind:

“Extravagant Love.”

The whole night reiterated the message clearly. Two of our Mercy Staff, Jenn and Zina, gathered us girls in a room, decorated to be like a Spa waiting room – dim lighting, music and snacks, as they prepared the rest of the house to resemble an actual spa, a surprise for us girls on a Friday night. We had no idea what to expect as we waited.

As they led us into “the spa” I was blown away by the care that they had put into every detail, making it an actual salon experience. Half of us girls did facials and half did pedicures. I didn’t really know how to react. It was a humbling experience to say the least.

First of all it was the best – and by the best I mean the best beauty products, elegant décor, an extravagant atmosphere. Also it was the best of them. Both Jen and Zina poured themselves into serving us, waiting on us, working hard to ensure every detail made us feel as if we were somewhere else. It was an experience that we should have paid a lot of money for.
It was awesome because I got to see their hearts for us, their hearts to serve us.

Humbled

It was humbling because I felt I had nothing to give back, just being at Mercy seemed like a blessing too good to be true, most days – the love, support, prayer, beautiful home and healthy food -  and  then to have these two women I  look up to and admire so much already, go to these lengths – even scrub our feet – to pour love on us. I sat in weakness bathed in love.

I was confronted with what I have been confronted with since the day I stepped through the Mercy doors – Grace – A chance, a gift that I don’t deserve.
Love unconditional. Practical, humble love.

Christina continues her journey of healing at Mercy

I will not easily forget this night, seeing the very heart of Jesus… He not only loves me in my weakness, but He loves me extravagantly and I am once again undone in gratitude for my saviour and I find myself thinking… who can I do this for in my life.

Speaking Mercy from a Mother’s Heart

Mercy Ministries is blessed with volunteer advocates who represent the ministry out of passion, that sometimes comes from personal experience.  One such volunteer is Johanne Starr, our advocate on the move this month, her story of how she got involved with Mercy and the joy she gets from being an advocate provides another view of  people working behind the scenes to see lives transformed and hope restored.

Johanne's experience of her daughter's struggles makes her a powerful advocate for Mercy

My daughter had long struggled with eating disorders, anxiety, depression and self harm. I had desperately tried to seek help for her for many years with little success.

In 2003 John and Helen Burns had invited Nancy Alcorn to speak at their LifeWomen Conference to launch and bring the vision of  Mercy Ministries to Canada. My daughter and I were at the conference and were introduced to Nancy Alcorn and her team personally.

My daughter was 15 years old and had just found out she was pregnant. Nancy – after hearing her story and history – was full of compassion and offered her a place in one of her homes immediately. Unfortunately my daughter was too anxious to be so far away from home at the time as she suffered from separation anxiety. I then realized on a personal level how critical it was to have a home nearby to reach out to desperate women in need. Fortunately, my daughter kept the baby and my grandson Sean is now eight years old.

Since that time I have watched my daughter continue to struggle with eating disorders. In 2006 she was the victim of assault and rape as a result of a break-in at our home from a perpetrator who had apparently been stalking her. Women in our community need MERCY!

For many years I cried out to the Lord as I watched all three of my daughters struggle and deal with many heart breaking issues. The scripture I would be lead to, described a home of safety, hope, compassion and love. A lighthouse for the hurting and brokenhearted!

Isaiah 32: 16-18
Then justice will dwell in the wilderness
And righteousness remain in the fruitful field
The work of righteousness will be peace
And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
My people will dwell in peaceful habitation.
In secure dwellings and in quiet resting places.

Mercy is a safe place that unconditionally loves each woman as she works through her issues. They are committed to provide services to allow them to recognize their self-worth and prepare them to reach their full potential. It brings a hope and understanding that many have never had or felt before.

Advocacy brings Joy and Healing

As an Advocate and volunteer for Mercy Ministries it is incredibly heartwarming to hear the giggles and laughter coming from the girls as they do their fitness program with Megan[fitness director] or fellowship with one another. Megan’s smile and uplifting, encouraging words can help you through any circumstance. These young women have endured much pain and heartache! How amazing is it that they can come to a place to be free to laugh and giggle!

I had the privilege of working alongside Musu [director of marketing and development] at a conference. As I shared from my brokenness as a mother I felt healing touch my heart and soul. The staff and women at Mercy are amazing as they yield their lives to bring healing to others and to make a difference. Nicola, the Executive Director, is an amazing woman of God! She is full of love, compassion, insight and understanding! You are a changed person by just knowing her. She has a powerful anointing on her life to see lives change.

I have a passion to see women set free! It is an honor to promote Mercy Ministries to our community!

Give a Mercy-filled Christmas

The Mercy-filled Christmas project is in full swing and we’re getting excited by the response we’ve had so far.

With a month to go before our Christmas celebration in the home, almost all the gifts from our gift registry have either been bought or pledged by supporters. Gifts are being provided by women’s groups, bible study groups, churches and individuals.  Thank you!

For many of the residents, Christmas can bring back painful memories and this project is a great way to remind our residents of the community that surrounds them and is rooting for their freedom.  To get a glimpse of just how much this will mean to the residents, read about last year’s  Very Mercy Christmas Party in the Speak Mercy archives.

There is still time for you to get involved in this worthwhile project; here are some ways you can do that:

• Check out the gift registry to see what is left for purchase. Choose a gift that you would like to provide for residents then buy or join forces with others to provide 12 of each item.
• Think of a gift that you would like to provide for the residents and let us know by emailing info@mercyministries.ca.
  

  $165 covers the cost of a day at Mercy

• Provide a day of Mercy.
  All our young women attend Mercy completely free of charge. As a gift to our residents you can cover the cost of counseling, meals, biblical teaching, and fitness instruction for a day at Mercy Ministries. Of course with our matching campaign going on right now, you would be providing for 2 days of Mercy with this gift. Simply go to our gift registry and purchase One day or Half a day of Mercy. 

No matter which option you choose, you will be helping to transform lives and restore hope.

If Mercy Were…

Angela Doell

Today we were privileged to have Angela Doell, Director of Creative Media at Relate Church, teach on our God given creativity as people made in God’s image.

To demonstrate the creativity in each of us she asked residents to describe Mercy using words she handed out to them. The results were poignant, beautiful and movingly creative descriptions of life at Mercy, and a wonderful follow up from the last post that highlighted graduates memories of life at Mercy.

See Mercy in a new and creative way through the voices of the residents

IF MERCY WERE…

An Animal…
“It would be a Kangaroo because it carries us in its pouch – feeds us with love and nurture, protects us until we are ready to leave the pouch and go out on our own.”

A Tattoo…
“It would look like… love and freedom, a heart and angels”

A Vehicle…
“It would be  not too flashy, but classy and clean. Maybe red convertible, comfy seats, secure when the top is on, but fun and awesome when the weather’s nice and the top is off.”

A Scent…
“A thunderstorm with rain, by the garbage dump”

A Starbucks drink…
“A white chocolate peppermint mocha, because its amazing”

A Sweater…
“Well it would definitely have no pockets or hood…   Probably warm, snug, fluffy, inescapable”

A Pair of Shoes…
“Christ giving 2nd chances and the poem FOOTPRINTS, in how Christ carries us when we are falling behind. He shows us Mercy through walking with us.”

A Colour…
“Orange”

A Song…
“The song ‘Some Seek Forgiveness others escape it’ by the band Under Oath and part of the lyrics go like this:”

Oh sweet angel of Mercy with your grace like the morning, wrap your loving arms around me. Hey unfaithful I will teach you to be stronger, to believe, hey ungraceful I will teach you to forgive one another