Special Thanks to Truly Amazing People!!!

I wanted to blog today and give you a glimpse at some truly amazing and wonderful people who gave selflessly to ensure that our Mercy event last Thursday night called the Merry Mercy Christmas Benefit was above and beyond. I continue to be amazed by the quality of people that God sends to us to insure excellence of care for the young women that we serve.

First of all, I want to say a special thanks to Bob and Marie Parks who served as our co-chairs for the event (Pictured below).

Bob and Marie Parks, Event Chairs

In addition to the great people who attended and the wonderful food that was served, we had great performances by Tommy Sims, who penned the song years ago called “Change the World,” which he performed for us live, as well as Tammy Trent, who sings like an angel and blessed us with two powerful songs, and also deeply touched our hearts through telling her personal story. You can learn more about Tommy Sims and his music at www.myspace.com/tommylsims and you can learn more about Tammy Trent and her music at www.tammytrent.com.

Tommy Sims and his all-star band


Tammy Trent

The evening absolutely would not have been the same without the two Mercy graduates who told their stories, Sandra and Rachel. At one point, Sandra didn’t think she wanted to live, she didn’t believe in herself, had always been told that she wouldn’t be able to complete her education, and yet she will graduate next week Summa Cum Laude from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Psychology. We are so proud of Sandra! Then, Rachel told how she had overcome a serious drug addiction and saw how God put her family back together, there was not a dry eye in the house.

2004 Mercy Graduate, Sandra Plummer

2008 Mercy Graduate, Rachel Hardcastle

I also wanted to mention that we had a wonderful Emcee for the Evening, Charlie Neese, Meteorologist for Nashville’s Channel 5 News, the local CBS Affiliate. He did a great job – he was so funny, but from the heart at times as well.

Charlie Neese

I also want to thank Bob Parks for bringing his auctioneers who did a fabulous job with the live auction segment. A special thanks to all the people who bid so generously to make it an overwhelmingly successful fundraising event.

Live Auction

Silent Auction Items

Last but certainly not least, the night was capped off by a stunning performance from world renowned artists, Jars of Clay. I am so moved that these talented musicians gave of their time and talent to give us an evening that we will always remember. Check out their website at www.jarsofclay.com. ENJOY THE PICTURES!!!

Jars of Clay performing live

Jars of Clay

A Mercy Moment with Pastors John and Helen Burns

It has been an amazing last couple of days as we have had Pastors John and Helen Burns with us from Vancouver, Canada. The girls and staff have been greatly impacted by our time together. John and Helen also got to be a part of our great Christmas fundraising event last night, as well as attend our graduation today. I just wanted to give John and Helen an opportunity to share with you on today’s blog….

Pastor John Burns -

“It has been another time of the revelation of how important dads are. With all of these amazing girls, I hear their stories and just recognize that the world is in pain, but that we can make a difference. Mercy is a miracle house. If people don’t believe in miracles, just come to Mercy. We’ve witnessed amazing miracles in these young girls after the pain that they have gone through. I recognize as a dad how important it is that I not only be a good dad, but hopefully teach others and become a part of the answer to such a hurting world out there.”


Pastor Helen Burns -

“I’m so excited! What a full few days of coming along and getting to speak to the staff and girls. It’s absolutely mind blowing what can happen in such a few short days and hours. We were also able to be here last night for the wonderful Merry Mercy Christmas Benefit. Wow, that was so inspiring because we are getting ready to launch Mercy in just a couple of months in Canada! I feel like we’re just taking it all in, absorbing, getting great ideas, and feeling more proud than ever to be involved with an organization as magnificent as this. It really is amazing in every way – the staff and obviously Nancy – she’s a legend - but to watch the staff come together has been incredible! Today we were at a graduation and wow! We saw six amazing women with some of the most unbelievable stories. The stories are just heartbreaking, yet you see so much hope. You see such healing, and I am so excited that we get to be a part of this ministry and bring the miracle that Mercy is to Canada as well. It’s been truly two of the most impactful days of our lives. Thanks for being amazing.”

Special Time with Dave Ramsey and Staff

It was my great privilege to be invited by my dear friend, Dave Ramsey, to speak to his staff of around 300.

I have known Dave for years, and I am so proud of him and all of the people he has helped in the financial arena through his great radio and television shows, as well as his best-selling books. I count it a great honor to call Dave and Sharon Ramsey my friends, and I was even more proud today as I saw the impact they are having on so many people in this country and beyond. Times are tough, and Dave continues to give great wisdom about financial matters, budgeting, planning, living within your means, living debt free, etc.

Probably one of the things that I appreciate the most about Dave is that he carves out a time once a week, every Wednesday morning, to bring his staff together for a devotional. This week, I was the special speaker. We stayed afterwards for a while to mix and mingle with some staff and connect with some truly wonderful people. I just want to give a personal shout out to Dave Ramsey for being such a great leader and such a wonderful friend. I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures from today.

First California Graduation – A History-Making Day!

I am traveling back to Nashville today, but as promised, I just wanted to take a minute to share with you some of the pictures from the first ever graduation at our new Lincoln, California home. It was a very special time as we celebrated the transformation that has occurred in the lives of three young women since they each made the brave decision to call a time out in their lives to come to Mercy Ministries to get help with their life-controlling issues. It was just amazing to be able to see and hear first hand about the work that they have allowed the Lord to do in their lives, and we can’t wait to see what their futures hold for them! Check out a few of the pictures from this very special day. Thank you for all of your prayers and support that made this day, and many graduation days to come, possible!

Graduate Lauren with her parents

Graduate Lauren sharing her story of what God
has done in her life since being at Mercy


California staff share words of encouragement with the graduates


Me encouraging the girls

Me and the girls’ individual counselors praying
over them during their graduation

Mercy California Program Director, Cheryl Bangs and I
pictured with two of the three graduates – Lauren and Sydnie

A Big Hello from Sacramento!

Today is a very special day at the Lincoln home in the Sacramento area – actually, it is a history-making day! I am here today for the first ever graduation in our newest home, and we have three young ladies who will celebrate the completion of the program with their friends and family. I am so excited to see this beautiful home all decorated for Christmas, and the joy that abounds with this very special season in which we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I can see such growth in the young women that are in this home since I was here a month ago for a few days. It was then that I had the privilege of teaching in the home for the first time, and I can already see tremendous changes in the lives of these young women in such a short time.

I am excited to gather together with all of our residents, staff, families, and special supporters in this area to celebrate this great milestone in the lives of three young women. This is our first ever graduation in our first ever California home, but it will definitely not be our last!!! I just wanted to share the joy with you, and I will share more with you next week!

I hope you have a great weekend!

Love,

Nancy

Update from Australia…

I just got the coolest email from one of our Australian graduates and wanted to share it with you. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR ANOTHER CHANGED LIFE!!!

Dear Nancy,

I hope this finds you well! As I was chilling this afternoon and looking around a few blogs, I stopped by your blog and read and looked at the pics from the Sacramento home opening. It excited me and made my heart smile, knowing that God is continuing to work through Mercy around the world. I pray and dream for the opportunity to one day come and visit some of the homes in America.

I continue to be so grateful for my opportunity at Mercy and the lives that I continue to see changed, especially the lives of my precious Mercy sisters here in Australia. Thank you again for listening to the Holy Spirit and birthing Mercy Ministries.

As for me, I continue to be doing great. I have recently had a book printed - a collection of devotional type writings I have written over the years during my journey. I am also about to start my first full-time job since graduating from Mercy, working in youth residential care. It has been a long wait, but I know that God has ALWAYS been in control and I have trusted in Him always, knowing He will provide for me.

I have known for a few years now, even before my time at Mercy, that God has birthed an amazing ministry within me, in which He is starting to prepare me for now, and I believe that this job that I am about to start is just the beginning of it!! I am so blessed to be in an amazing church that supports my hopes and dreams.

Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who believes that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished"- it keeps me going through my fears and doubts.

Thanks again Nancy!

Much love,

Alice x

Another Music City Miracle…

I had a very wonderful sports weekend and wanted to take today’s blog to give my teams a shout out!!! My Tennessee Titans won on a miraculous play at the very end of the game – so exciting!!!

Also, my Florida State Seminoles (coached by my friend, Sue Semrau) won both of their games over the weekend and are currently ranked #9 in the nation. Today is a happy Monday for me in the sports world. I hope I can still say that this time next week!

I hope you all have a wonderful week!