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

Yet Another Life Transformed!

Yesterday was probably one of the most emotionally filled days we’ve had at Mercy for a while.

Former Resident Rebecca Graham shared her testimony and graduated from Mercy yesterday, seven months after leaving for medical reasons.

Former resident Rebecca Graham returned to Mercy to tell her story of restoration and to encourage current residents through their process of healing. Accompanied by her loving husband Darryl, Rebecca led residents and staff in worship before she described her journey of healing through the Mercy Ministries program.

To understand the miracle of the moment you’d have to understand how far Rebecca has come to get to this point. Rebecca is a living testimony of  what God can do with a life surrendered to Him.

A Life Transformed

Rebecca came to Mercy Ministries, last year because she had been battling an eating disorder for years and had been hospitalized because her heart was giving out.  During her time at Mercy Ministries she finally confronted the root cause of her emotional turmoil. Rebecca had been severely sexually and physically abused  as a child and had never told anyone what had happened to her.

As a result of the abuse Rebecca turned to a variety of dysfunctional behaviors including, promiscuity, heavy drinking and the eating disorder that eventually consumed her life, threatened her marriage and kept her from caring for her children.

Current Program Director Rachelle Ashbee, was Rebecca’s counselor during her time at Mercy, and tried to put in words the change in Rebecca since she first met her.

Rachelle, celebrates with Rebecca and Nicola Bartel after her surprise graduation

“Where to begin? Rebecca is why Mercy exists. From the fragile, broken-hearted, woman who walked through the doors, to the confident woman, there is no comparison. I always knew that God was the God of the impossible, but she is evidence of this. What God can do when one surrenders. Rebecca should not be a healthy, functional, thriving woman able to love and be loved. She should not be where she is today, it is only by God’s grace and mercy.

Although she states that she will never understand why she went through what she did, she has made peace with her past and put it to rest. She is NOT the product of her past; her past has not defined or limited her. Rebecca is one of the most courageous and determined woman I know, who has needed her “fight” to survive what life has thrown at her. But oh what God can do with that fight now that she has surrendered to Him.

She no longer has to fight to survive, fight to keep people away, fight to make it look like she has it all together. Rebecca can now fight for mercy, fight for justice, fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. There is a voice that has arisen out of Rebecca that will not be silenced, that will not be put to shame, that will not stop proclaiming what God has done in her life.”

Rebecca’s time at Mercy came to an abrupt end, because she was medically discharged from the program, but yesterday, she formally graduated from Mercy Ministries in a surprise graduation ceremony led by her former counselor Rachelle.

Renewal

Asked for his thoughts about their journey to restoration together Darryl simply states “I got my wife, I never had her or knew her prior to Mercy.”  Rebecca explained:

“We’ve never really had a marriage because I had all these walls up because I thought people would eventually hurt you.  Now we do have a marriage, I can say I love my husband. He’s supported me every step of the way.” Addressing her husband, Rebecca continued “Isaiah 61:7 says ‘…instead of shame and dishonor you will enjoy a double share of honor’ Darryl you are my double share of honor.”

Later in the afternoon, Pastor John Burns led the couple in a simple ceremony to renew their marriage vows, marking the start of a new life together in Christ. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Darryl embraces Rebecca after they renewed their vows (photograph by Rachel Ray Photography)

Rebecca has her second chance at life, a chance to be the mom that she always desired to be but was never capable of; a chance to be a wife to her husband, not out of obligation but out of desire. God is taking Rebecca on a wild journey where He is teaching her about family and motherhood and being a Godly woman. She is now able to live out the potential that God put in her; she is now able to be who God has called her to be and to be used by him. What Satan meant to take her out has only made her stronger.

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.

Welcoming Andrea Critchley to Mercy!

We were honoured to welcome Andrea Critchley to the Mercy home this month. Andrea leads Women 2 Women which is the women’s ministry for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada BC/Yukon district.

Andrea Critchley

Andrea came for a tour of the Mercy home a few months ago and we all fell in love with her.  You may remember we posted about the ladies of the PAOC a few weeks ago. Well, this time, Andrea spoke at devotions for our residents.

Andrea shared a little about her life story and finding our purpose. She likened it to finding the shoes that fit you in life. Spiritually God has given us a “pair of shoes”: our passion, our talents and abilities. Andrea encouraged everyone to not waste time wish that they could fit into someone else’s “shoes” (dream, talents, and abilities). Rather, God has given each one of us talents and abilities just for us, unique for our own calling and purpose in life.  We can walk in our “shoes” with confidence, taking risks, stepping out in faith.

Our residents really appreciated her frank, funny and honest message. Here are some of their thoughts:

• God has created the perfect pair of shoes just for me. They are the perfect fit. My shoes are my passions and my abilities. I have to find what it is that makes me excited and what abilities and talents match and that will be the perfect pair of shoes. Once I get them I will wear them, I can walk in confidence because I know my identity is in Christ. My strength is in Christ. I will walk in obedience. I will not compare mine to someone else’s or wish I could be someone else. I trust God and His shoes are perfect and beautiful for me.

• I liked how she [Andrea Critchley] said that we need to walk confidently in our giftings’ and passion that God gave us. I shouldn’t be afraid or embarrassed to use my gifts.

Thanks for your visit, Andrea! We appreciate the ladies of the PAOC and how deeply they have loved and supported our residents.

Blessings,

Sarah

Devotions: Welcoming Pastor Helen Burns

We were so excited to welcome Pastor Helen Burns and special guest Danielle Heykants to Mercy last week! We have devotions every day but once a week, we typically welcome a guest speaker.

Danielle is a talented local worshipper. With just her guitar, she lead worship for all the girls in the home as well as the staff. She has a heart of gold and is a frequent guest during devotions. We all love her genuine heart for God and for the Mercy girls. She’s a big favourite already.

Pastor Helen Burns from Relate Church and member of the Mercy Canada board shared a fantastic message of hope from Proverbs 4:23, “Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” A strong and yet vulnerable talk about guarding your heart while opening it to Jesus, it was a sweet time together in the presence of God for all of us.

I think part of the reason why we all love to hear Pastor Helen preach is because we all know she’s loved and prayed for each one of these girls for years. Everyone knows that there is a lot of love and acceptance from her, a heart for their healing that is personal for them. It’s hard not to feel loved when you’re around Pastor Helen!

Here are a few pictures of Pastor Helen and Danielle from their time here at the Mercy House, pouring into the lives of the Mercy girls. Sorry for the poor quality!

Danielle Heykants

Pastor Helen Burns speaking

Mercy welcomes Pastors John and Helen Burns

The dream of raising up Mercy Ministries of Canada was first birthed in the heart of Helen Burns, more than 7 years ago. She heard Nancy Alcorn speak at a conference and they became friends. Then, at a 2003 conference while hearing Nancy speak again, she turned to her husband with tears in her eyes and she said, “We need to do this in Canada.” John, ever supportive, assured her that, of course, they would participate and help out. She put her hand on his arm, tears falling freely and said, “No, John. Not help. We need to do this.” And together, they put their hands up and said “yes” to what they felt God asking them to do.

Eventually, Mercy Ministries was standing on its own feet, completely independent and now supported by more than 40 diverse churches and thousands of people across Canada. John and Helen are the first to tell you that they might have been the ones to get things started but it has been a joint effort by the entire body of Christ. Now serving in an official capacity on the Mercy Ministries of Canada Board of Directors alongside other leaders, they continue to pastor their thriving multi-site church, Relate Church, in Surrey, Abbotsford and Vancouver, B.C. as well as hosting Relate with John and Helen and speaking around the world. And of course, they are also devoted grandparents. (Helen might just be the coolest Oma we’ve ever met!)

They are very special to us here at Mercy and so we were thrilled to welcome them as one of our very first guest speakers! This was their first time to meet with the Canadian Mercy girls that they have been praying for all of these years, to see with their own eyes what a dream come true looks like.

Pastor John and Helen Burns

We asked Pastor Helen to share her thoughts:

While I was in Africa, I had been receiving news from the staff at Mercy about the lovely young women who were arriving at the Mercy home and I could hardly wait to meet them. Though I was many thousands of miles away, my heart and mind were overwhelmed that this day had finally arrived.

Upon arriving home in Vancouver, I made my way to the home at the first opportunity and met all these lovely treasures for the first time. I thought they were the most beautiful and courageous young ladies I had ever met. I held it together emotionally while I was being introduced to them, but as left the home and drove away, the tears would not stop. I was so cognizant of the ‘moment’ I had just experience …it was holy, it was pure, it was perfect and I felt the smile of Heaven… I felt the strength of so many who believed in a dream and invested their heart, their finances, their prayers, their loving support in so many tangible ways. It was a humbling God-moment that I shall never forget.

On Monday, John and I went to Mercy to spend the first morning in a time of worship and teaching with them. It was so very special… Ashley Rogers (note: one of their lovely daughters) led them in worship and it felt like such a beginning – like a tight bud on a rose, I saw them slowly open their beautiful hearts with cautious trust toward God and others. Then John taught some of his thoughts on the Miracle in A Daddy’s hug… encouraging these lovely ones to put their trust in a perfect Father – God.  Lots and lots of tears fell as the Kleenex box made its way around the group several times. It was a sacred time.

So later on Monday I left on another trip – to New Zealand, but feeling so full and blessed. I have a complete confidence in the staff who is there leading the charge and taking care of every detail – they are awesome and those precious lives are being cared for in the most loving and professional way. I am grateful beyond what words could say…to God who cares about these young women and allowed us to do something for Him… to the young women at Mercy…to the team, the partners, the prayer warriors, and so many more. My cup truly overflows with a heart of praise.

The best is yet to come and I am so very glad you are on the journey with us.