Mercy Staff Pampered for a Day

What a treat Mercy staff enjoyed last Saturday!

Executive Director Nicola Bartel and Program Director Rachelle Ashbee planned a half day for staff members to get together as a team and to be served by them.

Mercy staff don’t often get to be in the same room together

Staff members at Mercy Ministries, don’t often get the opportunity to be in the same room at the same time because of the different shifts in a 24 hour a day program and the different roles played to bring hope and healing to hurting young women.  Every detail was planned to minister to Mercy Ministries workers and to provide an opportunity for intimacy and greater unity.

With instrumental worship music in the background, the morning started with a light breakfast, and a devotional by Nicola. She reminded staff members – starting in 1Corinthians 12: 4- 6 – of the way each person represents a unique piece of a puzzle that forms the whole picture, both in the body of Christ, and at Mercy Ministries.

 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us

Then in obedience to Jesus teachings, staff members, paired up and washed each others feet in a powerful demonstration of service to each other.  “We ask the residents to serve each other all the time” explains Rachelle “So we should be serving each other as well.”

Dairy Free Chocolate Mouse for dessert

After an emotional time that included prayer, encouragement and intimate conversation. Staff members paired up with a different person,  interviewed them and shared what they had learned with the rest of the team. Staff learned some surprising and some fun information about each other which, as Nicola put it  “really helps with authenticity.”

The pamper day concluded with staff sharing ideas about self care over a sumptuous lunch created by Alan Koller and washed down with his delicious dairy-free chocolate mouse. Finally, each staff member was surprised with a gift bag , filled with  goodies donated by supporters who care!

Thank you to all our supporters and well wishers who contribute to make service at Mercy such a joy!

The Flowering of a Girl

You had to be there … She came into the home with her arms crossed, defiantly gloomy, intimidatingly unfriendly. In my role, I mostly watch our residents from a distance and from that perspective, her manner made me wonder why she even bothered coming to Mercy Ministries, and whether she would stay. Residents come of their own free will and are free to go if they choose to.

You can read the rest of this post at SheLoves Magazine.

I’m running for tummy rubs

Roman moved into the the Mercy Ministries home in March

My name is Roman, and in case you’ve never been introduced, I am the only male living in the Mercy home.  I’m pretty important around here; and if I see you haven’t taken this into account when you visit I will certainly oblige your humanness by reminding you through chewing on your purse or shoes.  I won’t damage them (I’m not that sort of puppy) just enough to get that jolt of adrenaline of fear I might have ruined it.  Once at graduation, Christina thought the day was about her – but I kindly reminded her by eating just a bit of her testimony before she went up to share.  She got in line quickly.

I am running for Mercy because each one of the residents in this house are the best tummy-rubbers, treat-givers, pull rocks out of my teeth, clean up my messes, put my flea-treatment on, brush my hair, adjust my harnessers in the whole entire world.   If they weren’t at Mercy, who would be here to adorn me with love and affection?

See, it’s hard to train humans.  They think because, they are bigger than I am, that their way is the better one.  Of course I pretend to give in to

them– sitting when they repeat ‘wah, wah’ and look at me like I should write out a mathematical equation.  If I do this for them, I get what I want– which is to get them to throw the most beautifully fantastic yellow bouncy ball ever!  Floppity, flop I tear down the hall to get it WAY before them, so fast it’s like they weren’t even TRYING to get it.  Suckers.  All the glory is mine!  If they get uppity and start ignoring me all I have to do is roll over on my back and shoot them a little sigh…. In no time they are ‘oooing and ahhhing’ in my direction; a little praise helps settle a stomach.

Training humans is hard work

But these humans seem pretty special to me.  Especially the ones who are always here, they are my special humans.  For some reason, they all have extra love to give me and receive my kisses and snuggles with tears and joy.  It’s like they are big sponges for it!  Sometimes I see them crying like a leaky sponge, those days I give them an extra snuggle.  I don’t know why but a few of my favourite humans are really angry or really anxious sometimes.  I think some of them can’t help it. I’ve met dogs like that before.  I see them in the park and their owners are very nice to them, so the dog becomes not very nice too.   Makes me really happy my humans aren’t like that all the time, phew I’d be scared and leave them!  Don’t worry about me though, remember, I have them trained *wink.

But the special humans that have been here a really long time – they don’t get angry or anxious so much; they are happier.  Even if I forget to do my very private business outside and do it on the white carpets instead, they don’t punish me – they just make sure I take a longer walk next time to remember.

Roman is a morki-poo
(Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle)

So they’re all preparing for a REALLY BIG walk in a few weeks.  Mostly to celebrate how much they love walking me, but I think also so  they can keep the lights on and keep helping my most special humans.  Seems like a good cause, so I’ve lent all four of my paws!  Please make a donation or join my team – Roman’s Rovers. We going to have the most fun on May 12th! While you’re at it let me know why you’re running for Mercy, over at Mercy’s facebook page

Open Heart Surgery by the Great Physician

by Jillian Chubb

Mercy Ministries staff nurse, Jillian Chubb

I can remember the very first time I decided that a hospital does not provide the kind of healing that people really need.
I was still in nursing school then, and I had a patient with multiple and complicated illnesses.  I was used to seeing people in great amounts of physical suffering by this point, so his pain was not what made this particular patient stand out for me.   Instead I found my compassion drawn out by a deep sense of hopelessness every time I entered the room.  I realized that though all the medical interventions could help his physical body, I could do very little for the disease that was so much deeper in this man.

It has been some time since I cared for that particular patient, but my philosophy of practice has been forever changed by him and so many others like him. As a nurse I work at a local emergency department as well as at my part-time position at Mercy Ministries.  I am continually reminded of the incredible differences between my two places of work.

I will be the first to admit that Emergency departments are important places for crisis response, however we often see the same individuals come through time after time with the same mental health issues.   I often think it seems as though we are putting a Band-Aid on something that actually requires open heart surgery. At Mercy Ministries, however I have the privilege of being part of the “open heart surgery” that God is doing every day in young women’s lives.

We have many young women who come to Mercy with severe anxiety and depression; that comes with many labels.  For one young one woman in particular I remember how she came in to our program with many such labels and with little hope of being seen, or seeing her self any differently.  One day, a while into her stay at Mercy, I was in the kitchen when she came in so excited and said to me:

“I finally realized today that God loves me!”

photograph by Jamie Delaine

As a person that has grown up in the church and has heard the phrase “God loves you” about a million times, I can say that I have never believed it more.

Since that very day there was a drastic change in this young woman.  It was not necessarily in what she did but rather who she was.  The way she carried herself, her very demeanor changed in a way I really can’t quite describe.  Why it was in that moment, after hearing it over and over, that she made the connection I’ll never know, but this is the work of the Great Physician.

I find myself baffled more often than not, by the depth of the wounds that come through our doors.  When I feel overwhelmed, which so often I do, I remind myself of the Great Physician who specializes in healing these deep wounds. It is always amazing to me how he knows exactly what each heart needs.

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

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

On Missing Mercy

After having lived with each other for months, many of the Mercy graduates continue to stay in touch and maintain friendships after they leave. Recently a few of the former residents shared memories by listing what they missed about their time at Mercy Ministries.  Their list gives a fun glimpse into life at Mercy, the bond that forms between the girls, and the gratitude they feel to staff.

Former residents share an evening meal with staff earlier this year

Rebecca R.
“I miss the God bubble, I miss schedules, I miss Zina and Jenn and Hasti and Megan and Lauren [program staff]. I miss the egg cooker. I miss shoving pillows between the cushions so that they don’t move everywhere. I miss disciplines. I miss spinach salad with pecans, strawberries, cranberries, feta and balsamic vinaigrette EVERYDAY. I miss Shortcake. I miss the Blessings Closet. I miss kleenex earplugs. I miss Gerome [the garden gnome]. I miss cough drops… I MISS MERCY!!!”

Kali
“I miss going through millions of batteries and having to let the shower run for ten minutes before you can get in!”

Deer saunter through the Mercy Property

Karla
“I miss falling asleep in the med line-up, and staying up late praying and talking with Zina and Jen. I miss horses next door and deer and rabbits in my backyard! I miss 15 passenger vans and couches! I miss going everywhere in groups!”

Kelsey
“I miss that stack of phone books that propped up my knees. I miss listening to Lauren’s crazy stories over the breakfast table. I even miss knocking over those ridiculous salt and pepper shakers. I miss Campbell Valley walks with you girls.”

Sonja
“I miss sitting on the patio listening to Albert [the owl] and star gazing. I miss the weekly walk to the end of the driveway to take out the recycling. I miss class responses and Johnny B. [Bible teacher]“

Rebecca G
“I miss playing the piano and singing worship songs in the classroom. I miss baking banana bread and cupcakes for everyone. I miss the unconditional love from the staff no matter what we did. I miss sitting in the van on the way back from mall and Hasti [Household Manager] asking us what we were thankful for!! I am thankful for life, for God’s love and His incredible Mercy.”

To all our former residents “We miss the unique personality you brought to the Mercy home. We miss YOU!

Nancy Alcorn Visits with Jane and Crystal Hamon

It has been an exciting couple of days in the Mercy Canada Home as we welcomed Nancy Alcorn and Jane and Crystal Hamon of Christian International Ministries Network.

Nancy Alcorn, Jane Hamon and Crystal Hamon with residents of the Mercy Canada Home

Over the last two days the girls and staff have experienced life giving teaching and ministry from mother and daughter, who shared their gift in a powerful way. For some of the young women in the home the time of personal ministry provided them with a renewed hope for their future as Jane and Crystal prayed for them and spoke to specific issues in their lives.

Jane Hamon summed up the feeling of hope in the home at the end of their time with us:

Jane had encouraging messages for residents and staff

It is amazing to see what God is doing in and through the lives of the girls of Mercy Canada. What a powerful group of world changers! It will be exciting to hear of the impact each one will make as they allow God’s destiny to arise and be fulfilled through their lives.

For Nancy, the visit was also an opportunity to connect with and provide encouragement to the staff  in the Canadian home:

“I am so impressed and blessed by the hearts of staff here at Mercy Canada to pour out God’s love and mercy on these girls so that they can experience new life in Christ. The same Spirit of Freedom that reigns in all the other Mercy homes is strong here in Mercy Canada, and the results are evident.”

Nancy Alcorn

(L to R) Crystal Hamon, Jane Hamon, Nancy Alcorn with Canada Executive Director Nicola Bartel

Nancy’s authenticity and humour as she ministered to residents and staff was, as always, refreshing and inspiring to all. Her continued involvement in the Canadian home will be instrumental to realizing the vision to have a home in every province in Canada.

Mercy Residents Serve Host Community

Last Friday, Mercy Ministries residents gave back to their host community of Surrey by helping the charity, Clothes on Wheels  distribute clothing to families in need from the area.

Mercy girls serve the host community

Clothes on Wheels provides new and lightly used clothing, jackets, gloves and footwear to vulnerable children and adults for FREE. Accompanied by Mercy ministries’ House Manager Hasti Gomes, the girls spent the day helping with sorting clothing, registration, meeting families and keeping the young children entertained. When families arrived at Hjorth Road Elementary to “shop” for clothing for the new school year and to help get them through the colder season, young women from the Mercy Ministries home were there to help them find what they needed.

Moving Clothes from the Mobile Storage

For the young women at Mercy, who are benefitting from the generosity of Treasure Builders and other donors, this was an opportunity to gain some perspective on the gift of being at Mercy:

Elena (on right) with Clothes on Wheels staff member

“Part of understanding the true value in the gift of receiving is through giving selflessly to others.”  said Elena, a resident who is about half way through her journey of healing at Mercy.

In the process of serving, the girls had a gentle reminder of the heart of God expressed through the act of giving .

“Clothes on Wheels” organization has an incredible loving, kind and generous heart”.