A Good and Faithful Servant

Anne Marie with Mercy Ministries founder Nancy Alcorn at the gala celebrating the opening of the first Canadian home.

This month’s advocate on the move, Ann Marie Davison,  is one of the most inspirational advocates for Mercy Ministries of Canada.

Since she first heard about Mercy Ministries and decided she wanted to be a part of the ministry, she and her husband Mark have never wavered in actively supporting the ministry. Together, they have given  time, money,  talents, and prayers to see young women’s lives transformed.

Ann Marie had heard about Mercy Ministries before the vision had been cast to build a home in Canada, and her determined prayers and active work helped us realize the dream of completing the first Canadian home in Surrey.

This is how she explains the incredible journey:

“I first saw Nancy Alcorn on TV on the Life Today program in April 2000.  I was incredibly impressed with her integrity and the quality of Mercy Ministries, and I wanted to be part of it.  I emailed Mercy Ministries that very day to ask if I could support the ministry in Canada, and they replied that Mercy Ministries was not a registered charity in Canada.  So I asked God to bring Mercy to Canada.

I’m sure many other Canadians said that prayer after seeing that program with Nancy.  A few years later, I saw on John and Helen Burns’ TV show that Nancy was coming to the Life Women Conference.  I registered, believing I would get to meet Nancy.  At the Conference, Nancy shared her story and testimonies of Mercy grads. I was completely committed to becoming a Mercy supporter.  I signed up to be a Treasure Builder the first night it was announced that Mercy would be coming to Canada.  I was overjoyed when I heard about the Mercy Advocate program because it gave me a way of supporting Mercy Ministries other than just financially.  I was blessed to receive training as part of the first group of Mercy Advocates, and later to participate as a trainer myself.”

Anne Marie takes registration at Run for Mercy 2012.

Since taking that training as an advocate of Mercy Ministries, Ann Marie has served tirelessly to spread the word about Mercy Ministries  serving at over 40 events in the last seven years alone! She has used her gift of connecting with people to help bring healing and hope to hurting young women, and she has been blessed in return for her commitment.

“I most enjoy knowing that I’m serving God in a place He wants me to be.  All of the Advocates are wonderful to spend time with.  I’ve attended events as an Advocate that have blessed my life.  Talking is something I’m good at, and I just love telling people about how wonderful Mercy Ministries is.

Mercy Ministries brings freedom, not just recovery, because it is based on biblical principles.

Two verses that jump to mind are when I think about Mercy Ministries are:

Ann Marie with her husband Mark

Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (NLT)”

and John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (NLT)”.

Thank you, Mark and Ann Marie!

The entire team at Mercy Ministries of Canada honours you!

You Can Speak Mercy Too: New AdvocateTraining Coming Soon

If you are passionate about Mercy Ministries of Canada,  you’re probably already an advocate in some way.

So let’s make it official!

Over the years, our amazing national team of Mercy Ministries Advocates – Like our advocates on the move Lori , Jacki, Joanne and Laureen as well as many others – have been a HUGE part of the Mercy story. In fact, they’ve often been the difference maker.  Advocates seek out and give presentations to local churches, community groups and schools about our work. They speak out on behalf of the girls who need Mercy. They help at events. They work at conferences at our resource table. They write letters. They fundraise. They tell hurting women in their community about Mercy. They pray.  They get parents or ministry leaders that need support in touch with us. They brainstorm new ideas and then help make them into reality.

There isn’t much our passionate team of Advocates won’t do to support this ministry and the young women of Canada . They are committed to seeing lives transformed and hope restored in their own communities here in Canada.

If you would like to become an Advocate, here’s how:

1. Click here and scroll down to the Advocate section.
2. Download and fill out the Advocacy application form.
3. You’ll be contacted once we receive your completed form.
4. Participate in the training sessions. We have training scheduled for the evenings of Tuesday June 19th and 26th, from 6 – 9pm at the Mercy Ministries home in Surrey. We will be scheduling across the country as applications come in, so apply today.
5. Advocate for Mercy!

For more information, you can also email us at info@mercyministries.ca or call us at 604-535-1983.

“God uses our broken lives to bring healing, hope, and mercy to others.”

Our current advocate on the move works tirelessly to bring awareness to Mercy Ministries of Canada in her  community of Powell River. Despite being the only advocate in her area, she has been successful in raising funds and bringing others on board as monthly supporters of Mercy Ministries. Lori Brouwer, shares why she has such passion for Mercy Ministries.

Mercy Advocate Lori Brouwer

I first read an article in a Christian magazine about a girl with an eating disorder. She gave her testimony which included the healing she received through Mercy Ministries. I wish I could remember the name of the magazine but… there was also a web link to Mercy Ministries which I checked out. I was impressed with the ministry, its founder and its core issues. I was especially impressed with the fact that Mercy doesn’t ’sell out.’  In other words, it doesn’t take money from organizations that hinder them speaking of the name of Jesus.  

I did all my homework, checking out Mercy Ministries and was deeply moved by God. I just knew I wanted to be a part of this organization.

The Passion of Experience

I could relate to many of the struggles the young girls had because of my own background. I knew it was Jesus who had healed me. I know that God never wastes a hurt so long as you turn it over to Him and I knew that my life, my hurts could be used for His glory, to help someone else find healing, in Jesus name.

During the process of checking out Mercy, I discovered that they were trying to bring Mercy to Canada. I was excited about that as I love getting in on projects on a foundation level.

The Joy of Advocacy

I enjoy everything about being an advocate! I loved following the progress of the building of the home, love reading the testimonies of the girls and love to tell others about what God is doing through Mercy Ministries.

Lori lives in Powell River with her husband Stu

I would like people to know that God uses broken people all the time to get His message out! God loves, He heals, He restores and redeems lives, to be a part of that is absolutely amazing! I am always so amazed and stand in awe of our Lord who chooses to use us, and our broken lives to bring healing, hope and mercy to others. One person can make a difference! One dollar can make a difference. Listen to God, obey His promptings, receive His Blessings, watch Him change lives!

Thank you so much for your faithfulness to the call, Lori. We love you and we appreciate you!

I Run for Mercy Because…

On May 12th, people from all over the Lower Mainland will be joining together to Run for Young Women who need the opportunity to experience God’s unconditional love and life-transforming power.

Each one will come for their own reasons. Graduates who have experienced Mercy for themselves, parents of young women who have struggled, friends, church leaders, and volunteers all coming together to support the freedom of young women who struggle.

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Andrea Ross (left) with Mercy Ministries Founder Nancy Alcorn

“I am running for Mercy Ministries because this program changes girls’ lives. I personally have experienced freedom and a changed life because of Mercy Ministries and I am so grateful beyond words for this amazing program. The girls that walk in the doors of Mercy are so valuable and all of them are trapped, they need a holistic answer, and Mercy Ministries is able to give that to them. Mercy would not be able to operate without financial support and that is why I am running. I am running for their freedom.”  Andrea Ross (Mercy Graduate)

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Mercy Ministries' Volunteer Jena Klemke

I am running because, God is truly doing some incredible things with Mercy Ministries, and it so wonderful to hear the difference the ministry is making in lives of girls all over North America. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing event. I became involved with Mercy Ministries last year when a friend of mine asked me if I would like to volunteer for the Run for Mercy. I am so thankful that she did, because it is such an amazing cause. The run is a great way for people to make a difference in a fun and social environment. As a team we have been working hard to make this a fun and memorable day for everyone. Look forward to seeing you all there  
Jena Klemke (Volunteer)

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No matter where you are on May 12th you can join in the Run for Mercy and help spread the word about the amazing life-transforming work at Mercy Ministries

Register Today and the tell us, here or on our Facebook page  why  you Run for Mercy?

On your Marks… Get Set… Go!

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

Called to Speak Mercy

by Jacki Miller

“…the first job God put in my heart was to raise money for the ministry.  And ultimately that is what Advocates are doing…we are out there raising awareness and planting seeds in hearts for the young women who desperately need our help!”

Jacki Miller was hand picked to raise money for Mercy Canada

I learned about Mercy at a women’s conference in Seattle, that I attend each year.  Nancy Alcorn was there in 2001 and that was the first time I had heard about Mercy Ministries. My first reaction to it was that it was a great ministry to give to – but that was it.  My husband didn’t share my enthusiasm as he prefers supporting local ministries.  But I knew that God had put this ministry in my heart.

Later I heard God say to me that I can be involved in a different way – I could help raise money for this ministry.  So I sent a letter off to the head office in Nashville to see if they would let me come and see the home there first hand, as I could not raise money for something I had not personally seen.  I never got a reply so I dropped the idea and told God, “I tried!”.  Then I went to the annual women’s retreat in Seattle again in the fall of 2002 and Nancy Alcorn was there again!  This time the fire in my heart was too strong to ignore! I knew this was something that I was supposed to be a part of!  So I went to speak with Nancy after she was done speaking and told her that I would like to come and see the Nashville home.  She got right on it and had it set up for me to come!

Nancy Alcorn arranged for Jacki to visit the Nashville home

I was there visiting the home in January 2003.  My husband still didn’t understand why I was getting involved in a ministry that was not local, as that was our focus.  I didn’t understand either, until I was introduced to one of the young women in the home who was the first Canadian girl to stay in a US home.  She was excited to talk to me as a fellow Canadian!  She told me she was from Surrey, from Victory Christian Center (now Relate Church), and that John and Helen Burns were working on bringing Mercy to Canada!  Now it all  made sense!  This is why I was drawn to this ministry! It really is LOCAL!

I have been involved in volunteering in the office since the beginning.    From the time I first started til the date of the opening of the Canadian home it took 7 ½ yrs!  If God would have told be back then that it was going to take that long I would have never made it!  God knew what He was doing!

Along the way my work evolved into becoming the Coordinator of the Advocacy program.  This is truly where my heart is as the first job God put in my heart was to raise money for the ministry.  And ultimately that is what Advocates are doing…we are out there raising awareness and planting seeds in hearts for the young women who desperately need our help!  My spirit just comes alive when I have the opportunity to share with someone personally or a group about Mercy Ministries!  It is like the story of Jesus  in John 4 when Jesus explains to his disciples why he was talking to the woman at the well instead of looking for something to eat!

“My food, said Jesus, is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work.” 

Being a part of Mercy Ministries is just that to me – it is the food that sustains me.  Hearing the testimonies and seeing the lives changed – there is nothing greater to be a part of!  I am so honoured that God has chosen me for this work!  I am so thankful to have to opportunity to meet these amazing young women and to see the transformation first hand!

Jacki Miller (Centre) with the first group of Mercy Canada residents

If you would be interested in being a part of the Mercy Ministries Advocacy Team – please contact us!  We are looking for individuals who have a heart to see transformation – for lives to be pulled out of darkness…  hearts to raise money and spread awareness for this amazing ministry! Together we ARE saving lives!

For all of YOU who support us financially – I can’t THANK YOU enough!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

Speaking Mercy from a Mother’s Heart

Mercy Ministries is blessed with volunteer advocates who represent the ministry out of passion, that sometimes comes from personal experience.  One such volunteer is Johanne Starr, our advocate on the move this month, her story of how she got involved with Mercy and the joy she gets from being an advocate provides another view of  people working behind the scenes to see lives transformed and hope restored.

Johanne's experience of her daughter's struggles makes her a powerful advocate for Mercy

My daughter had long struggled with eating disorders, anxiety, depression and self harm. I had desperately tried to seek help for her for many years with little success.

In 2003 John and Helen Burns had invited Nancy Alcorn to speak at their LifeWomen Conference to launch and bring the vision of  Mercy Ministries to Canada. My daughter and I were at the conference and were introduced to Nancy Alcorn and her team personally.

My daughter was 15 years old and had just found out she was pregnant. Nancy – after hearing her story and history – was full of compassion and offered her a place in one of her homes immediately. Unfortunately my daughter was too anxious to be so far away from home at the time as she suffered from separation anxiety. I then realized on a personal level how critical it was to have a home nearby to reach out to desperate women in need. Fortunately, my daughter kept the baby and my grandson Sean is now eight years old.

Since that time I have watched my daughter continue to struggle with eating disorders. In 2006 she was the victim of assault and rape as a result of a break-in at our home from a perpetrator who had apparently been stalking her. Women in our community need MERCY!

For many years I cried out to the Lord as I watched all three of my daughters struggle and deal with many heart breaking issues. The scripture I would be lead to, described a home of safety, hope, compassion and love. A lighthouse for the hurting and brokenhearted!

Isaiah 32: 16-18
Then justice will dwell in the wilderness
And righteousness remain in the fruitful field
The work of righteousness will be peace
And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
My people will dwell in peaceful habitation.
In secure dwellings and in quiet resting places.

Mercy is a safe place that unconditionally loves each woman as she works through her issues. They are committed to provide services to allow them to recognize their self-worth and prepare them to reach their full potential. It brings a hope and understanding that many have never had or felt before.

Advocacy brings Joy and Healing

As an Advocate and volunteer for Mercy Ministries it is incredibly heartwarming to hear the giggles and laughter coming from the girls as they do their fitness program with Megan[fitness director] or fellowship with one another. Megan’s smile and uplifting, encouraging words can help you through any circumstance. These young women have endured much pain and heartache! How amazing is it that they can come to a place to be free to laugh and giggle!

I had the privilege of working alongside Musu [director of marketing and development] at a conference. As I shared from my brokenness as a mother I felt healing touch my heart and soul. The staff and women at Mercy are amazing as they yield their lives to bring healing to others and to make a difference. Nicola, the Executive Director, is an amazing woman of God! She is full of love, compassion, insight and understanding! You are a changed person by just knowing her. She has a powerful anointing on her life to see lives change.

I have a passion to see women set free! It is an honor to promote Mercy Ministries to our community!

Support of the Heart

“I just felt God pulling at me.”

This is how Laureen Upshaw describes her reaction to hearing Nancy Alcorn speak about Mercy Ministries at the 2003 Life Women’s Conference.  She got involved right away and has been an active advocate for Mercy Ministries ever since.

Mercy supporter, Laureen Upshaw with her husband Cavey

This month Laureen has been selected as Mercy Ministries Advocate on the Move for presenting Mercy Ministries at her life group, manning the Mercy table at conferences and actively providing ideas for promoting Mercy even more!

Laureen’s motivation for supporting and advocating for Mercy comes straight from the heart, she says:

Today I am a wife mother and grandmother, but at one time in my life I came from a massively dysfunctional home. I did a lot of the behaviours that these young women are doing.  I finally reached the bottom at 19 and I cried out to God, I said “show me you’re real or I want to die” and He did. I got into the Word of God and I felt loved!

I read the verse “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  I really believe that I have become completely new! So when these girls from Mercy give their testimonies I just relate so much.

There is a ton of heart involved with Mercy, a combination of gifts of people who have a heart of pouring into Mercy, that’s what makes the home run… God’s grace is using them to make help available to these girls and I’m just a small part. Its amazing to me that God allows advocates to be a part of what He’s doing.

The support of people like Laureen is at the heart of everything that Mercy Ministries does. It is how Mercy can continue to bring the healing Word of God to hurting young women completely free of charge, without any government funding. Laureen is passionate about seeing others get involved as supporters and advocates.  “When they see God’s sweet fruit of overcoming show up through the girls the reward is amazing, it  is very worthwhile getting involved.”

Laureen (far right) helps out at the 2010 Walk for Mercy

To find out more about how you can get involved  click here

Mercy Advocates Move!

Mercy Ministries’ advocates take their passion for Mercy wherever they go!

Advocates are  trained volunteers who “Speak Mercy”, to see young women restored to wholeness. They actively seek opportunities to promote and present Mercy Ministries in their circle of influence. Once every quarter we celebrate the dedication and creativity of our most active advocate and recognize their work as an Advocate on the Move!

"Advocate on the Move" Clara Atagi

When Clara Atagi begins to talk about Mercy, you immediately feel her enthusiasm and begin to understand why she is such an effective advocate.  She has been involved with Mercy Ministries, as a volunteer, on staff and now as an advocate,  since shortly after  she heard Nancy Alcorn speak at  the Life Women Conference in 2003

I told Pastor Helen Burns that I just needed to help somewhere, stuffing envelopes, sweeping floors – whatever needed to be done.   Helen put me on the Mercy Task Force along with a great group of pioneers.  We met regularly, prayed and began an advocate training program to grow a team to help spread the word about Mercy’s life transforming program and how much this program was needed in Canada.   I enjoyed meeting and talking to our Treasure Builders, as well as the many young women that called our office for help.  Basically, I advocate because, Mercy is in my heart!  Luke 4:18 -19 says “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Even though my current work, doesn’t allow for as much volunteer time, I pray for the girls and the amazing staff. My heart aches for young women that struggle with life controlling issues, I love sharing about the excellence of the Mercy program and its success! Advocating for Mercy just comes naturally! In the future I plan to volunteer more, and become an accountability person for one of our Canadian grads.

Mercy Ministries is blessed to have such a passionate voice in our community. As advocate on the move,  Clara will enjoy a lunch with the grateful young ladies at the home.

To find out more about how you can become a Mercy Ministries advocate call 604-535-1983 or send a email inquiry to info@mercyministries.ca

Wanted: Two volunteers

We love our volunteers! We don’t know what we’d do without them – they pray, they wrap Christmas presents, they help out at the office, answer phones, research, cut the lawn, stuff envelopes, organise huge events, advocate on our behalf at churches and conferences – you name it, they do it.

And always with a lot of joy.

Have I mentioned how much we love and appreciate our volunteers?

I have? Oh, well.

Just one more time then: WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE OUR VOLUNTEERS!

There. That felt better.

So I thought I’d let you know that we have a couple of new volunteer opportunities available….

We need someone to help with grocery shopping once a week. We’d email you a list, you handle the shop for us and then drop it off to the house. It could be done any day of the week so this would be a great fit for someone who has an unusual schedule.

Also, we need someone to cover phones & our main reception on Tuesdays from 12- 4/5pm. Some computer knowledge is an asset, but not required. Training would be offered, of course.

Here’s the link to our volunteer application (scroll down and click on the link under Office Volunteer).

Any questions, call us at the office at 604-535-1983 or email info@mercyministries.ca.

Please note though that the minimum age to volunteer at Mercy is 19 years old.  Also, due to legal requirements, privacy policies, and the severity of the issues of our residents, volunteers at Mercy Ministries are very limited in their interaction with the residents of our homes and will NOT be involved in any of the following at any time: providing counselling or ministry to residents in the Mercy Ministries home, spending any unsupervised or one-on-one time with the residents in the Mercy Ministries home, engaging in any of the resident application review process or driving any Mercy Ministries vehicles with or without residents