Special Day with Friends from the UK!

We had the awesome privilege today of hosting some very special guests here at Mercy in Nashville all the way from the United Kingdom. Ben and Deb Cooley are the Founders of Hope for Justice (www.hopeforjustice.org.uk), a non-profit ministry in the UK that exists to rescue victims caught in human trafficking, see their lives restored, and pursue justice by prosecuting those responsible for this horrible crime. This amazing couple told our girls and staff about their ministry, including some of the heart-wrenching stories of some of the girls they have worked with. Everyone was stirred as Ben shared how he and his team literally go into some of the darkest places to rescue those trapped in sex slavery. As we at Mercy become even more intentional about serving young women who have been victimized by trafficking, it is so exciting and humbling to see how God is connecting us with people all around the world who share the same heart and spirit.

Me with Ben and Deb Cooley

Then, this afternoon our residents had the wonderful opportunity to hear from International speaker, author, and Founder and Director of Heartcry for Change Ministries (www.heartcry.co.uk), Rachel Hickson. After almost losing her life in a horrific car accident in Zimbabwe, she was miraculously healed and God birthed in her heart a desire to pray, train others to pray, and see cities transformed by the power of prayer and evangelism. Based out of Oxford, England, Heartcry’s aim is to encourage the local church to connect with their community and bring a practical message of hope to those in need.

Rachel Hickson, Me, and Helen Azer

I am so blessed to partner with amazing people like Ben and Deb Cooley and Rachel Hickson in the work they are doing. I thought you would like to see some pictures of their time with us today.

Rachel signing books for our girls