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)

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.

A Year of Miracles

A Special extended edition of Speak Mercy
to mark a year since the opening of the Mercy Canada home.

It is exactly one year today since the doors of Mercy Ministries opened here in Canada and the first young woman was accepted into our program to find healing and freedom from issues that had controlled her for too long.  To God be the Glory!

A Celebration

An Anniversary Feast

To mark this important milestone, Last Sunday about 150  of Mercy Ministries’ supporters,  friends, graduates and staff  got together on the grounds of the Mercy Ministries home to remember what God has done and give thanks for everything that has happened over the last year.

It couldn’t have been a more perfect day for a celebration.  The sun was out and many supporters already in good spirits from having been at church service.  A wonderful spread of light snacks and sweets put together with love by Alan Koller and a beautifully restful setting created by Clara Atagi made for the perfect atmosphere for a Mercy family reunion.

As Mercy family members arrived, the sound of Jazz Music played by Ed and Salve Dayao of Java Jazz Café kept the mood light as many of those who had been on the journey to see hope renewed in broken lives came together in unity and Thanksgiving.

Special Message

Missing in person were Pastors John and Helen Burns who first had the vision of having a Mercy home in Canada. Away on a well deserved sabbatical, they made sure all who came knew that they were standing with us through a message read out by Nicola Bartel:

Pastors John and Helen Burns

“We’re in Uganda today, but our hearts and thoughts are with all of you as your celebrate this date that marks the anniversary of the Opening of the Mercy Home and all the miracles it represents.

The days behind us have been outstanding…we’ve seen the home finished, a fantastic staff built, and faithful partners have gathered to the vision and we are beyond grateful for everything that has been done and today we stand in awe.

The greatest miracle is the transformed lives of beautiful young women who have come and graduated, who are here in the home right now and who are still coming – the future looks amazing! To God be the glory great things He has done.

Thank you to every one who has stood with them to see their hope and future rise in the purposes of God. They needed you and you said yes – thank you.

To all our beautiful Mercy Girls... We love you… We miss you and look forward to catching up really soon. Have the most incredible day as you celebrate His faithfulness and goodness.”

John and Helen Burns xoxox

Graduates and current residents receive applause from guests for their courage to seek change

Challenges and Cheers

What a year it has been!

With the home built debt free and opened to young women, have come challenges expected and unexpected.  Difficulty finding relief staff has often meant that the amazing and dedicated staff team has put in many long hours to ensure quality care is given to the young women who come through the doors.

Released balloons represent prayer for freedom of the 59 girls in the intake process

Raising the finances for the ongoing costs of running a high quality program has proven to be quite the challenge.  There have been a few moments when we have needed a miracle to meet bills, and each time God has been faithful to come through, sometimes at the very last minute! To God be the Glory!  We are so grateful for our Treasure Builders who continue to provide monthly income for continued ministry to hurting young women.

Part of the story of the last year is told by the fact that Mercy Ministries was granted a 3 year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF) and is now in the process of certification with the  Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC). These accomplishments are a testimony to the care and excellence that has gone into every aspect of serving the young women that God has entrusted to this ministry.

Of course as we look back on the past year we remember the 59 young women still in the intake process. A reminder of the great and ongoing need for Mercy Ministries in Canada. The need remains to fill the remaining unfunded beds in our current home and open other homes across Canada. Intake Director Marina Sullivan said a prayer for those in the intake process and balloons were released as symbol of their desired freedom.

Changed lives

Graduate Rachel tells her story and experience at Mercy

The biggest cheers of course go up for the changes that God has brought to the lives of young women through Mercy:

• 8 first time commitments to Christ
• 10 lives rededicated to Him
• 6 Water Baptisms
• 11 graduations.

That is almost one graduation, representing a life freed from strongholds, for every month that Mercy Ministries has been open.

To God be the Glory!

Click here to see more pictures of the anniversary celebration

To join in supporting Mercy Ministries please click here.

Turning Misery into Ministry at a High School Chapel.

Executive Director, Nicola Bartel with Shelly

“God turns your misery in ministry” is a favorite saying of Mercy Ministries’ Executive Director Nicola Bartel.  One Mercy Ministries’ resident experienced  this first hand as she shared her testimony at Richmond Christian High School Chapel last Friday.

You could have heard a pin drop as Shelly told a room of teenagers how,  she became caught up in being popular and ended up in a self destructive cycle:

“Popularity doesn’t exist outside of high school; you need to know that you are beautiful. That your worth comes from God.”

As the students filed out after chapel, one girl lingered over the “Mercy For” series of books by Nancy Alcorn.  Noticing her, Shelly gently said “I read that when I just went to Mercy, and it hit so close to home.” “Would you like to get that?” asked a staff member, and handed her a book. As tears rolled down her eyes, Shelly took her aside to comfort her. This girl had had big dreams of becoming a missionary, but because of struggles, now believed that there was no hope for her to achieve her dreams, because she felt unaccepted at school and at home. Shelly shared with her how she had felt just like that seven months earlier, but now, with the knowledge of God’s love she knew that there was hope for her, and assured the girl that she had the same hope.

Just as Shelly prepared to leave, a teacher came up to her and thanked her for her talk; “I have three young daughters” he said “What can I do to keep them from going through some of the things you went through.” Shelly talked to this father about what she had learned at Mercy about the importance of dads and the need for him to make sure that his daughters know that they are accepted by him no matter what.

2 Cor 1: 3-4 in The Message Bible reads “He [God] comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” For Shelly, after years of struggling with a poor self image, God came alongside her at Mercy Ministries and then brought her alongside others in a high school hallway!

Celebrating A Step to Freedom

For every graduate, who we celebrate (Congratulations to Kelsey, Rebecca and Chalsey!), we also quietly celebrate another young woman who is taking an important step in her journey towards freedom from  issues that are keeping her from living life well.

She is the young woman who takes the step of entering the Mercy Ministries home in hope of freedom.

Each of our residents has a unique story and a different reason for coming to the home. What they all have in common is that they have begun to choose a life of freedom and are coming to Mercy for the help they need.

Graduate Rebecca encourages a new resident

Before she takes the step of coming to the home, she would have already taken many steps to free herself from life-controlling issues:

• She would have made the first call to Mercy Ministries to ask for help

• She would have would gone through the application process

• Had an interview with Director of Intake, Marina Sullivan

• She would have done assignments to prepare herself for the program at Mercy

• While she waited for an entry date,  she would have checked in with Marina every three weeks to confirm that she is still willing to come to the Mercy home.

Finally the day comes and she is  a part of Mercy ministries’ home:

“My first impression of the house was that it was a stylish home with friendly people.  People put a lot of work into making this place nice.  The girls are super friendly, especially the peer leader.  Its peaceful here, the atmosphere.  Besides this I’m not sure.  Staff seems chill and are helpful.”

For her perseverance, her courage and her willingness to see her life changed, we celebrate her arrival!

Celebrating the Mercy Walk!

Well, wasn’t that an INCREDIBLE walk?!

We still can’t get over the beautiful weather, the beautiful people and the beautiful hope that was evident all around!

The Mercy girls and staff, courtesy of Hellen Krahn

As you know, we celebrated a significant milestone at the 6^th annual 5K Mercy Walk this year. For the past 5 years, we have walked in faith and hope, raising awareness and support for the young women of Canada that needed Mercy. Now this year, we were walking in victory because the home is now open and lives are being changed every day! It was a milestone none of us will ever forget!

Thanks to more than 200 dedicated walkers and their sponsors, we can also announce that the Mercy Walk has met its fundraising goals for the event as well.

The Mercy girls arrived just before the event began. When they showed up at the site, I saw more than a few people well up with tears because they have loved and prayed for these very girls for literally years – and now, here they are! When the Mercy girls were acknowledged from the stage, everyone gave them a standing ovation.

It was also a thrill to honour the Canadian graduates of the Mercy homes in the United States.  They shared a bit of their story and every one was so encouraged to hear about their lives since Mercy. They are all destined for greatness, eager to give back to their community.  Our graduates have a special place in their heart for the Mercy girls because they know the difference that Mercy can make and they have walked in their shoes.

The live concert by a local band lead by Kathi Reid was very powerful. There were people stopping by the home base all morning long, joining in the festivities.

Local and national businesses alike donated exciting prizes that were given out at the event. We still haven’t announced our Top 3 Fundraisers yet as there were several people that still needed to send in their pledges. So if you haven’t sent in your pledge yet, you still have time!

We can’t wait to do it again next year as we are walk for the rescue of all young women in Canada.

We did take a ton of photos so we’ll have those ready hopefully next week. Come back to check it out.

Special thanks to our sponsors, corporate donors and service providers:

• Abbotsford Heat
• Allyson J. Grant Facepainting
• Amazing Grace Cleaning
• Boston Pizza
• Cairns Electric
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Castle Fun Park
• Commercial Electronics
• Constanzia Dental Lab
• House of James Bookstore and Café
• Kathi Reid and Band
• Kelli’s Film Services
• Metro Catering
• ONEbean Coffee Company
• Parksville Beach Club Resort
• Par-T-Perfect
• Purdy’s Chocolates
• Relate Church and the Art for Mercy team
• Surdel Party Rentals
• Starbucks
• The Great Little Box Company
• The Keg at Morgan Creek
• Vancouver Giants
• Winners Homesense

We thank all of the diverse individuals, families, churches, businesses, ministries and community organizations across Canada that have given so generously!

If you were there, let me know what you thought! Any feedback is always appreciated.

~ Sarah

Mercy Walk on Saturday

Our 6th annual Mercy Walk is happening on Saturday!

Can you believe it? When you add up all of those 5K walks over the years, it’s 25K that we’ve walked together! We’ve walked in faith, walked in love, walked for Mercy.

And now, this year, we’re walking that 5K in victory because the home is open and lives are being changed every day!

Mercy Walk 2009

Here are the details:

Saturday 25 September 2010 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Start and end at Second Beach at Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C.

• Non competitive 5K with a stroller/wheelchair friendly 1K alternative walk.
• Walk with your family, your church, your business, old friends and new ones!
• Free face painting and a bounce castle for our littlest walkers.
• Lunch is included in your registration fee. Snacks & drinks available.
• Mercy Ministries resources.
• Testimonies and thanks from the Mercy girls themselves.
• Prizes for our top fundraisers.
• Giveaways you won’t want to miss! Trust me – they are GREAT this year.
• Art auction and show.
• Live concert.

Visit our website to register or download resources (like your pledge sheet, extra brochures, a bulletin insert or posters for your church and community), sign up as a volunteer or purchase your Walk t-shirt.

You can also register on site at the Mercy Walk.

This year, more than ever, we encourage you to call your friends, your families, your church and your neighbours.  Invite them to sign up for the Mercy Walk with you.

This we know for sure…. lives will be changed forever, our communities will be greatly impacted and our nation will know our God is mighty to save!
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

- Sarah

Our first week

We welcomed our first residents last week and let me tell you – it’s been an incredible ride! We can’t wait to tell you more about it. Thank you for your prayers as we reached this key milestone.

When our first residents arrived, it felt like a holy and sacred moment. The tears were close for all of us. Some of the girls cried when they arrived, so thankful to finally be at a place of refuge and safety, eager to cast off the chains that have held them prisoner. They couldn’t get over the real sense of love and peace that just radiates from the home and staff.

It was a busy week though! We were checking in two residents a day, all week-long. Our Household Manager (we affectionately call her the Household Mama) handled it all beautifully. It was overwhelming – not just for the girls arriving but even for us, as a staff. It’s a bit surreal. After 7 years of praying and planning, fundraising and telling the story to ANYONE who would listen, now HERE WE ARE. We’re having supper together, we’re living life together, we’re going to church, counselling sessions have begun. So many emotions, so many details.

But we’ve hit our stride, thanks to your prayers and the support of the Mercy Ministries International team. The program is phenomenal – top-notch counsellors and excellent house staff. But, we don’t know what we would have done without Margaret from MMI who has flown up here from the States several times.  She has 17 years of experience! Not only did she help with staff training and all of the details of running the program but her spiritual guidance and wisdom is phenomenal. She’s a true woman of God with great insight.  Man, that woman can pray! Truthfully, the more I get to know our staff, the more I realise that we have mighty men and women of God working here.

Everyone is feeling settled in, quickly finding their routine and engaging well with their counsellors and leaders.

I almost had to pinch myself when I was sitting in my office, working away, and suddenly in the Classroom down the hall, I could hear all of the girls singing praises, lifting their voices in worship. It was one of the sweetest sounds I’ve ever heard in my life. It gave me chills – there is such power in worship.  Everyone I spoke with has talked about how much they love our community Bible reading times. We gather together to read the Word, discuss it and, as a home, proclaim the promises of God. In so many of the girls, they are learning for the first time that God LOVES them and has a plan and purpose for their life!

The girls have such a hunger for the Word, such a hunger to be set free and they are turning to Jesus more and more. It’s these moments, when the girls are starting to see themselves as God sees them, when they get a glimpse of freedom, when a breakthrough – no matter how seemingly small or inconsequential – happens, that we realise afresh that seeds are being sown here that will bloom for generations.

The Mercy girls are so precious. I wish I could communicate with you how much we love them – how unique and lovely each one of them are to us. We know that God has brought them here, for such a time as this, and our primary emotion so far is gratitude. We’re so thankful that this is really happening, that the girls are settling in so well, that things are going so smoothly. We’re thankful for all of our friends, supporters and Treasure Builders that are making this miracle possible.

Is there anything that you would like to know about our first week? Have you been praying for our first week?  Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Grace and peace,

Sarah