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
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