Transformed by Giving: One Supporter’s Story

Recently we received an email from a supporter that left us so amazed at how God works, that we just had to share it with you!

One of Nancy Alcorn’s favorite scriptures is “give and it will be given to you,” that is why Mercy Ministries is committed to giving 10% of every dollar raised to other ministries. Yet even we were surprised by the testimony from one of our Treasure Builders who’s transformation came, not from coming to Mercy Ministries but by giving! The Lord never ceases to amaze us.

“I am writing to share with you how my donation to help these MERCY girls has actually transformed MY life. When I started my $100 monthly donation I chose Mercy because I was struggling with an addiction to cocaine. I felt alone, hopeless, helpless and that God had left me. This went on for two years. I saw my life slipping away. I had even become friends with a good dealer and he would bring sandwich bags full, for free- almost daily.

But God never left me – He started taking people away from me so He could be near me. At one point, my dealer went on vacation and I had a hard time getting my hands on drugs. I started getting horrible withdrawals and felt like I was going to die. I thought the craving would never leave. When I was in withdrawal, I would take all kinds of prescription drugs (anxiety pills, sleeping pills…) I don’t know how I woke up, I tried so hard to take as much as possible so I wouldn’t wake up. My behaviour got very strange. I was very paranoid and my mom thought I was becoming mentally ill.

Reading Nancy Alcorn’s book gave Amery hope

After I started making my donations to Mercy Ministries, I went from not leaving my room, not eating, to being around people and my family, watching movies in a common area. I turned my $300-$500 a day habit to $180, down to $120 and now NOTHING. I read two of Nancy Alcorn’s books: “Mercy Moves Mountains” gave me hope that God can restore the worst of the worst. He never lets go no matter how far gone we are and we are meant to share our stories to give others hope. Reading “Echoes of Mercy” about how Nancy was saved and Mercy Ministries was started; her character and integrity became an example to me.

NOW, I have no craving or desire AT ALL for cocaine (THAT IS 100% GOD). I actually got violently ill the last time I drank and threw up when I smoked. God is a good God! I never thought I could escape any of these TEMPORARY highs. Now I wake up to a new career that I love. I know I get favour at work because I give. I was unemployed for 8 months but somehow always made my donation. Please tell these girls that I love them and I pray for them. They were strong for me when I couldn’t be; I am strong for them when they can’t fight anymore. Don’t ever think God is ignoring you; He is just getting people and things in place.

I want people to know they can come out of the pit bigger & better than before. If my past touches one life or brings change- I know God uses everything for good! My decisions nearly destroyed me but His grace is sufficient!

Love Always,

Amery”

“He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,  and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. (psalm 107: 14 – 16)”

A Summer Celebration of Miracles

Last Sunday, under sunny skies and a cool breeze, board, staff, supporters and graduates of Mercy Ministries gathered to celebrate and thank God for everything that He has done over the last year. After enjoying delicious barbequed delicacies and cool drinks, supporters settled in to hear ministry updates from Executive Director Nicola Bartel.

Supporters enjoy a delicious barbecue and each other’s company

Of course the biggest reasons to celebrate are the lives that have been transformed and the hope that has been restored, to broken lives. 8 young women rededicated their lives to God and 7 were water baptized in the last year alone. Graduates (one who came from Edmonton for the occasion!)  and current residents stood to applause for their courage.

Graduates and residents look on in support as Jenn shares her story

2012 graduate Jenn DuLong shared her moving story of freedom, from sexual promiscuity, and an eating disorder through the counseling, care and biblical teaching at Mercy Ministries.  Then she told of a miracle God performed in her life as part of her journey, just as she was beginning to blossom within the security of the Mercy home:

“At 17, I had started having severe panic attacks, and I developed obsessive-compulsive disorder. I was so afraid of germs that I would wash my hands until they would literally bleed; I would never touch doorknobs; I would never shake hands; and if someone at my mother’s house got sick I would go stay with my dad for a couple of weeks until the sickness was out of the house. When I first came to Mercy I had to wear gloves in order to participate in meals and wouldn’t shake hands.”

The Christmas after I came to Mercy Ministries, someone anonymously donated a plane ticket to me so I could visit my family in Nova Scotia for Christmas – I don’t know who they are but thank you if you’re here. At first, I was really concerned about being away from Mercy; however, God surprised me with a very special Christmas present. While I was home, God randomly took away my obsessive-compulsive disorder. Out of no where, I was able to eat without washing my hands, shake others’ hands, and take communion for the first time in over 10 years! I was initially in shock; all I could do was cry and worship God for the two weeks I was home.  Imagine Mercy staff surprise when I came back after Christmas and had a bite of an apple without washing it!”

“The fact that this happened while Jenn was away from the Mercy home is a reminder that, it is God who does the work, not us.”said Nicola after the testimony that followed her report  to supporters. Nicola reported on the many ways God had provided  and worked through Mercy Ministries since the first anniversary celebration last August. Some of the highlights include:

Nicola Bartel Shares highlights from the last year of ministry

• The family of Ed Spence, an enthusiastic supporter of Mercy ministries who passed  away suddenly from a heart attack,  donated money to construct an external building to be used for counselling  and transitional care.
• Mercy Ministries Canada became the first Mercy home to have a doctor who makes weekly house visits.
• A generous businessman donated a second van and paid for the first year’s insurance. Giving us enough transportation to fill the home to its capacity of 20 girls!
• In 2011 Mercy Ministries of Canada miraculously met budget for the first time in its history.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (psalm 11:25)

Thank you for the refreshing you’ve brought into the lives of young women who need Mercy!

There is no one else

One week until our founder and president, Nancy Alcorn, appears LIVE on Canada’s own 100 Huntley Street! Set your PVR and tell your friends: July 25 at 9 a.m. on Global and 9 a.m and 11 p.m on CTS, reaching nearly every home in Canada.

The smell almost knocked me over. As she came closer, I saw the filthiness of her clothes. Her hair was matted and looked as though there were bugs in it. I kept thinking that I did not want this girl to sit in my car. In that same moment, conviction gripped me. if this girl sensed my repulsion, we could lose her.

The police had phoned me at the home only minutes before to tell me Tammy’s circumstances.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” the officer said with empathy in his voice. “If you can’t help her, I don’t know where she will end up.”

I receive phone calls like this often. A parent, friend, neighbour, or counsellor will call to tell me of a troubled girl they would like me to meet. So getting in my car and going out to bring this girl to Mercy Ministries was not unusual. I had made a commitment to the Lord when this ministry began that where He leads, I’ll follow.

As I drove into the desolate area of the inner city, I recalled the details the officer had given: “We found her at this drug dealer’s house we have been surveilling,” he told me. “We advised her to get out now or she would probably end up in jail. Then we told her about you and Mercy Ministries, and she agreed to get help.”

But now as I stood face-to-face with this seemingly hopeless transient, I saw how much unconditional love I lacked.

I hugged her quickly and tried not to gag from her smell. As we walked to the car, she turned toward me and softly spoke. “Ma’am, I don’t think it is a good idea for me to get in your car,” she said, obviously embarrassed.

“Don’t worry about it, honey. You won’t hurt anything,” I tried to reassure her.

With pleading eyes, she added, “Do you at least have something I can sit on?”

“Only this,” I said, and pulled an old jacket out of the trunk.

I crawled into the driver’s seat and before we were a mile up the road, I felt myself becoming physically ill from the odour. But I couldn’t show my disgust or this girl would think I was rejecting her. As if sensing my dilemma, she said, “I’m sorry I smell so bad. I can even smell myself.”

“We’ll get you cleaned up as soon as we get you home,” I promised her.

Before we got there, I suggested we cut off the air and roll down the windows. Thankfully, she agreed.

Uneasiness swept over me. What if the girls don’t receive her? As I pulled in the driveway and got out of the car, the girls were waiting at the door. I had told them I was going to pick someone up, but I fear they would not be prepared for this. Thankfully the Holy Spirit had breathed upon their spirits. I love to watch Him work.

As Tammy took her first steps into Mercy Ministries, she was embraced by examples of unconditional love. For a moment, she stood in the doorway, taking int he new surroundings. One by one, the girls introduced themselves and their compassion was evident.

Tammy again apologized for her odour. “I really am sorry I smell this way,” she whispered as she lowered her head.

Sensing her uneasiness, the girls took her hand and led her down the hall.

As the voices trailed off and the girls disappeared into the bathroom, I could hear them offering everything from towels and clothes to shampoo. The conviction I had felt earlier swept over me again. I was supposed to be doing that. After all, wasn’t I the one who stood before congregations night after night, telling of the unconditional love we offer here? But I had not even wanted this girl in my car. However, that day, as I saw the love of God manifested in its purest form, I realized that the message preached at Mercy Ministries was working. Today, it had preached to me.

As I lay in bed that night, the events of the day kept replaying in my head. The girls had not hesitated to touch Tammy’s filthiness, and God has not hesitated to touch ours. I realized the lesson the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially myself, could learn from witnessing what I had seen that day. If we, the church, could learn to love the seemingly unlovable, our witness would be limitless

…..

There are also many Christians who are aware of the mistreatment and abuse some girls suffer an who want very much to address the problem but they are not sure what the solution.

The solution is simple. It is the church. The people of God have the duty and privilege to bring restoration to broken lives.

It is up to us.

There is no one else.

[excerpted from Echoes of Mercy by Nancy Alcorn, page 165-8)

Here are the Run for Mercy final numbers!

Mercy Ministries of Canada feels like a big, wonderful family for us, and so it’s always a joy to gather together, to catch up on what God is doing in the lives of the Mercy graduates and residents, tell stories, hug each other in real life, and, of course, to run or walk for Mercy!

This year’s Run for Mercy was amazing! Congratulations to all of you!

We’ll have a few stories about the day to share over the next few weeks but we know you’re most interested to hear the numbers right now. We do NOT have final times for all runners yet, only our winners. As soon as we have the final times and all of the photos, we’ll post the link here and on our Facebook page so check back.

Total raised by the end of the day on Saturday: $48,700

Top fundraising team: Congratulations to the Jericho Joggers $6,535

Top Individual Fundraiser Patricia Pearce $5000 – we’ll even have a post from Patricia this week!

Congratulations to all our runners, walkers and joggers and especially to our winners

10k Top Runners

Male

1^st Ian Smith  in a time of 38.55 minutes 

2nd  David Yakishiro

3^rd Glen Murray

Female

1^st Stephanie Musgrove in a time of time 52.01 minutes

2^nd Lauren Doubroff

3^rd Kristin Brown

5k Top Runners

Male

1^st Willy Phiri

2^nd Jason Alcott

3^rd Jordan Elenko

Female

1^st Veronica Fox

2^nd Glenda Lush

3^rd Jade Candle

There aren’t enough exclamation point to express how THANKFUL we are right now! (Well, thankful and TIRED!) Thank you to every one that showed up to run, walk, wheel, and cheer on Saturday. Thank you to our tireless, cheerful, hard working volunteers! Thank you to our staff for organizing such an incredible event. Thank you to our sponsors! Thank you to our donors! Thank you to each one of you that followed along and cheered the Run from afar. What an amazing day.

Donations towards the Run for Mercy will be accepted online until this Friday May 18th at www.runformercy.org/canada2012.

Transformation: A Mother’s Story

by Dara Lee Orpin

At Mercy Graduation on May 8th

May 8th, 2012 is a day that we will always remember. This is the day that our precious daughter graduated from Mercy Ministries.

Our journey, living with a daughter with an eating disorder, anxiety, self harm and depression started about 9 years ago. That’s when the biggest fight of our lives began; the fight to keep our daughter alive.

There is nothing worse in this world than watching your daughter die a little more every day. There is nothing worse than sitting back and watching your daughter slip away from you,  knowing there is nothing that you can do to prevent it — although believe me, we never stopped trying. There is nothing worse than seeing such torture in your daughter’s eyes and knowing that your love isn’t enough to make her want to fight to live.

Our daughter finally did go into a recovery center in our province but it was not her time to heal because she was not really wanting to get well. We knew what was missing in her recovery, and that was God. We always believed that He was the answer because in our hearts we believed it was a spiritual battle.

When Kennee made the decision to come to Mercy we knew that this was the answer to all of our prayers. We knew that once she gave up control to God there would be no turning back and that she would be completely victorious over the demons that had plagued her for so many years. We also realized that we had to give our beautiful daughter up to God. We truly believed that God had a plan for her, but it was hard to let go and let God. Once we all let God take the wheel, that is when the miracles came pouring down on Kennee. She started moving ahead in leaps and bounds.

Kennee is now working towards complete healing, happiness and a desire to live the life that God had planned for her. We were finally getting our daughter back!

When we came to Kennee’s graduation from Mercy Ministries, we hadn’t seen Kennee for four months and we saw life in her eyes for the first time in many many years. We had not seen Kennee in short sleeves for 5 years, because of self harm. At the graduation, she was wearing short sleeves. I saw victory scars and to me they were beautiful because she had conquered her demons. She was God’s child and proud of it.

Dara Lee holds her daughter’s scarred hands at graduation

To sit there and watch her share her testimony was so emotional and yet healing at the same time. There are no more secrets between us. We can start fresh. My heart is so full of love and gratitude to our beautiful God. He has a plan for her that is far more spectacular then anything that we could have planned.

Mercy Ministries, thank you ,thank you, thank you. We are so proud of the beautiful young woman that she is becoming and Kennee is one of the most courageous young woman that I have ever known.

Never give up on your child because I promise you, God has a plan for them that will blow you away!!

Destiny is running for Mercy!

by Destiny Loeve

Hi, I’m Destiny. I am…a runner! My venture into running began 1 year ago with a crazy half marathon alongside a bunch of world-changing woman. Ever since then I’ve been hooked on this running business. I am also passionate about people’s lives being changed for the better. Other big hats I wear include wife to one good man, mother to 3 preschoolers, and pediatric Registered Nurse.

And I am running for Mercy.

I am running for my sisters, my friends who find themselves at the end of themselves, in need of a home.

Why do I run? Simply because it is what I CAN do.

I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to unite my voice with the others, amplifying our anthem: Sister, we believe in you! This run is about linking our arms together in support of the girls who are running their race to freedom and wholeness.

When I run, I feel like I understand the smallest bit of what it might be like to be a Mercy resident. There’s a destination in mind, and a seemingly endless count of steps to get there. There’s pain in the push. There’s sweat and ache. And hovering nearby is the ever enticing option to give up. But you continue to put foot in front of foot, and all the while, you know that YOU.ARE.GETTING.STRONGER. And, you were meant to run the race ahead of you.

Mercy girls, I love you, and your gutsy fight for health. I’m gathering as many as I can to join me on this run because I know it to be true that strength comes in the form of TOGETHER.

For more information about the Run for Mercy or to register today, visit www.runformercy.org/canada2012

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

This time, I’m running

One of our part-time staffers, Sarah, wrote this article for SheLoves Magazine about why she’s running for Mercy on May 12. It’s an incredible collection of women’s voices and expeirences around the globe. We love SheLoves! Make sure you check out their inspiring Manifesto written by friend of Mercy, Idelette McVicker.

I work a few hours a week for Mercy Ministries of Canada. Every year, we hold our main fundraiser, the Run for Mercy. And every year, I organize and plan, set up tables and lend my hand to the undertaking. I hand out sandwiches or sign people up at the registration, I write letters and recruit. And I love it. I love gathering together with the Mercy family, with our residents, our graduates, our supporters, our churches, our friends.

But this year, I’m running.

This time, I want to sweat, I want to hurt, I want to be physically there, every step of the way, my heart focused on the long journey of our brave girls.

Click here to read the rest of Sarah’s article over at SheLoves Magazine.

Walking to Put Others on the Path to Life

by Nicola Bartel

This past Saturday, June 4th,  Northside Church hosted a 5k “Walk for Mercy” around the neighbourhood of Port Coquitlam. The weather was warm and sunny, but the hearts of the 170+ individuals who attended shone even brighter!

The day came about because Pastor Ingrid Janzen had rallied a group of women to prepare and participate in our annually scheduled Run for Mercy 5k.  When we had to cancel that event due to registration related difficulties, she said:

“Well then, we will just walk for Mercy here!!”

As the days passed, her passion increased and she began to plan, organize and rally the troops. Participants donned signs on their backs which said “I am walking for MERCY”. The day was fun, heartfelt and enjoyed by all, including our beautiful Mercy residents. The event concluded with a delicious BBQ lunch provided by the church, with trophies presented to the fastest times and a heartfelt testimony from one of our recent graduates.

Northside “Walk for Mercy” slideshow

I was so moved by the investment of a company of believers, who by their faith in action, communicated with excellence, their love and support to our amazing young women who need Mercy!

Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever. (Daniel 12:3, The Message)

Thank you Thank you Thank you! Northside Church Port Coquitlam Campus, and to Pastors Terry and Ingrid Janzen. Thank you for your amazing support and commitment to Mercy Ministries. Thank you for putting others on the path to life.

GRADUATION! Sonja and Jorgia are our heroes!

We are thrilled to announce that yesterday was our very first graduation at Mercy Ministries of Canada!

It was a dream come true. Over the years, so many of you came alongside Mercy Canada to give of your prayers, time, energy and resources to change lives. Now that the home is open and fully operational, your continued faithfulness has made graduations like these possible. THANK YOU seems almost inadequate but we have to say it over and over: THANK YOU on behalf of these graduates whose lives will never be the same, on behalf of our current residents, our future residents, the girls still in on Intake process, their families, friends, communities and even their future generations. You are a part of this miracle!

And these are the first fruits of that faithfulness – the first charter group of graduates ready to go back out into our nation, full of joy and hope, sharing the message that, in Christ, we are a new creation, old things are passed away and all things are made new.   Talk about a harvest!

These two precious women have had their lives and dreams restored!  They were so excited to celebrate with friends and family, staff and counsellors and even Nancy Alcorn this week.  They have truly been transformed and can’t wait to share the good news of God’s love and faithfulness.

Here are their incredible stories of restoration and hope:

Nancy Alcorn with graduate Sonja

Sonja

From an early age, I believed I had to be the perfect Christian girl. my life was reduced to perfectionism, people-pleasing and performance.  After 7 years of struggling with depression and self harm as well as battling a 4 and a halfyear war with an eating disorder, I was desperate for change.

Mercy was a safe place for me to confront myself and my past.  I experienced God’s unconditional love and grace in a personal way.  God has restored my health, joy and dreams.  I have hope and joy to live each day to the fullest.

Nancy Alcorn with graduate Jorgia

Jorgia

I have been in chains for eleven years. All my energy, time and thoughts went into an eating disorder that controlled me. I built up a system of lies that held me in bondage and stripped everything from my life…. including the God who created me and only wanted me to life to the fullest.

At the age of 20, I surrendered and made the decision to get better. I heard God speak to me. I entered treatment through the public health system and gained weight, but I know I wasn’t truly free…always “white knuckling”. Everyday I started losing hope and trust in God. Too many weeds were still in root and too many lies became my new truth. “There is NO cure and I was going to be bulimic the rest of my life”. I loved God but believed I would never deserve a relationship or forgiveness because I was worshipping this idol everyday. How can I draw near to God if I was consumed with bulimia?

I gave up and became very worldly: sex, men, drinking, drugs and bulimia……all day! All the secrets and  lies told …….(especially to my family and loved ones) hurt me deeply. I was so ashamed and in bondage.

I lost everything. My life, health, stability, balance and relationships.

Seven years ago I heard about Mercy Ministries. A year ago I applied with the attitude that I had nothing else to lose because all was lost. I was so sick and trapped that it took me almost a year to finish my application.

With the program structure and feeding myself in the Word, I can now fight my spiritual battles. I truly believe I am free and have forgiven myself for the first time! God is daily romancing me to my TRUE self and building a new foundation. He is stirring up my gifts, purpose and plans…..not just for me, but to bless others and especially generations to come.

It’s no longer a choice. Jesus is the ONLY WAY!  I would go through the valleys all over to truly KNOW Him as I do today.

 

 

Congratulations, ladies! We are so excited to see you leave Mercy with a passion for life that is contagious as you reach out to others who are in need of His healing! We can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!