Mercy In-House Reporter Interviews Holly Wagner and Mercy Grads!

Hey Everyone,

Eve here! I always love when I get a chance to stop by Nancy’s blog!

So, most of the time I wear my Executive Director of Communications hat around here and it’s a HUGE blessing, but on some occasions, I get to play roaming resident reporter... One of my favorite things to do by the way! This time, I had the honor of interviewing an incredible group of our Mercy heroes, graduates of the program, about our special guest speaker today at the Nashville home, Holly Wagner! Holly is a mother, teacher, speaker, author, leader of GodChicks, and co-pastor of Oasis Christian Center in Los Angeles, California, but she is also one of Nancy’s favorite people and a long-time supporter of Mercy. Please enjoy hearing some of her words of wisdom – I know it will bless your day – it certainly fired me up!

Thank you, Holly for investing your time and talent and pouring into our girls! Also, a special thanks to all of our amazing graduates who came back to visit today and made sure they didn't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most gifted speakers of our generation.

James River Women’s Rally This Friday – You Need To Be There!!!

Hey Everyone!

Nancy’s Executive Assistant, Katelyn here…I am so excited to get to attend the James River Women’s Rally this Friday night in Springfield, MO hosted by Debbie Lindell, and I hope to see you there! John and Debbie Lindell are the lead pastors of James River Assembly, and Debbie has done an amazing job of growing the women’s ministry there. It is always a joy to get to spend time in Springfield and be a part of what’s going on at James River. This Friday night, the special guest speaker will be Candace Cameron, known for her role as “DJ Tanner” on the ABC series Full House. You definitely do not want to miss out on hearing Candace’s story of growing up as a child star and how she came to know the Lord! For more information about the Women’s Rally, check out http://www.jamesriverwomen.org/events.cfm. Also, for more information about Candace Cameron, check out her website at http://www.candacecameronbure.net.

From left to right: Debbie Lindell, Debbie’s daughter Savannah, Katelyn, and Nancy

I’m also looking forward to getting to see one of our Mercy graduates, Rachael (pictured right), who is now attending the James River Leadership Academy! Rachael graduated from Mercy in Nashville in February of 2010 and is doing awesome!!! Overall, I cannot wait to be in Springfield to see Rachael and be a part of this women’s event! Would love to see you there if you’re in the area!!!

2003 Mercy Graduate Now Mercy Staff!!!

We are so excited to welcome Tabitha to our corporate staff! Tabitha came to Mercy in 2002 with an unplanned pregnancy. After making the brave decision to place her baby for adoption, Tabitha graduated in 2003 and returned home to walk out the freedom she received in Christ through Mercy Ministries. Fast forward to several years later, and Tabitha is now married with two precious children. I wanted to share with you what Tabitha had to say when I asked her about coming on staff at Mercy to serve the hurting young women who are in the same place that Tabitha once found herself…

"Eight years ago this month I stood proudly, told my story of how God changed my life, and graduated from the Mercy home in Nashville. I went from being a "Mercy girl" to a "Mercy grad." As of a few days ago, I am not only a life that has been changed by Mercy, but am now a part of changing the lives of others. I went from being a "Mercy grad" to part of the Mercy staff. I am so very proud of the place Mercy Ministries holds in my life. I can't help but be excited about this next chapter in my story. I now have the privilege of giving back!" – Tabitha

To all of our supporters, we want you to know that one of the many young women that you have helped support through a difficult time is now working at Mercy and giving back to others. Welcome to the Mercy staff, Tabitha!!! We are so proud of you!

Tabitha pictured with her husband, Joseph, and two kids – Adelai (left)
and Scarlet (right)

Mercy Graduate Goes To Haiti And Gives Back…

It’s been almost a year since Kelly graduated from our Mercy program in Nashville. Already, Kelly is out there giving back to others what she herself received. It was our joy to be one of the many people that helped sponsor Kelly for a recent missions trip to serve orphan children in Haiti. It is my great joy to share with you an awesome report that Kelly just sent to me. The pictures are amazing and so are Kelly’s words…

Dear Nancy,

I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about my mission trip to Haiti. First of all, it was AMAZING! I was on a team with ten other people from my church and God really worked through us and in us while we were in Haiti. Every morning we did physical work alongside Haitians who live in the community we were working in. This included painting a new dorm at an orphanage, working on a farm and helping make a road so that the residents of the community can get to a new garden to get food for their families. In the afternoon, we spent time with kids at orphanages and schools.

The first morning we were at the orphanage painting and I felt so uncomfortable and unable to minister to the kids because I was unable to communicate with them due to language barriers. After I finished painting, I was standing off to the side wishing I had never decided to go to Haiti because I felt so inadequate to minister to anyone. A few minutes later a little girl named Jessica came over, grabbed me by the hand and led me over to the water pump. She then took her time pumping water and cleaning every drop of paint off of my arms, hands and even finger nails! The whole time she was doing it, she was just looking up at me and smiling. She obviously understood that words are not required to show love and taught me that valuable lesson! As soon as she was done washing my hands, a ton of other little kids gathered around and I realized that they just wanted someone to love them, play with them and hold them. That morning was my favorite time of the whole trip and I really feel like those little kids were used by God to remind me of His perfect love. I was reminded by that little 5-year-old girl that God can and will use anyone who is willing and open, despite our perceived limitations! I will never forget my time in Haiti and am so grateful that I was given that chance.

One night, I was sitting outside enjoying the beautiful stars and started thinking about the road that led me to where I am now and was totally overwhelmed. God has truly taken me from the pit of despair and hopelessness and has given me new life! These pictures are from that amazing morning at the Matthew 28 orphanage! Thank you so much for your support for this trip, but even more for all that Mercy has done for me. My life has been changed forever because of all of the love and support that I received during my time at Mercy!

Love,
Kelly

Kelly, we are so very proud of you!!! To all of our wonderful supporters, your support of Mercy Ministries is an investment in the lives of the young women we serve as well as all the people they will eventually reach through their own efforts in ministry. We thank God for you!!!

Local Church Gives $65K To The Work Of Mercy…

Pastors John and Debbie Lowe of New Life Christian Church in Warsaw, IN invited me several months ago to speak at their Sunday morning service on Sunday, April 17th. What a special day it proved to be as Pastor John presented me with a check for $65,000 to be used to continue enabling us to take in young women from all 50 states free of charge. This gift was especially timely because of the great need which currently exists. I was very moved by the generosity of the individuals and leaders of this great church. This gift comes in addition to the monthly support that New Life Christian Church has given to Mercy for years and years.



We first connected with these awesome pastors 20 years ago when they were chosen by one of our Mercy birth mothers as the adoptive couple for her child. I had the privilege of seeing Brightie come into the world, and now I have the privilege of watching her grow up and even watch the ministry that she is now a part of at such a young age. Not only is Brightie a tremendous youth leader in their church, but she also plays the drums on the worship team and is currently doing an internship working with teenage girls who have life-controlling issues.

Brightie playing the drums!

Brightie is a vibrant young woman who knows who she is and understands her purpose, and Pastors John and Debbie have done an amazing job of raising her in the ways of God. She is passionate to serve and help others.

Me with Brightie!

It was also my joy to be joined by Christian artist Ayiesha Woods. It was such an honor to see her and to meet her husband, Joseph, as she and I did a conference together in the UK a couple of years ago when she was still single.

Me with Pastors John and Debbie Lowe and Ayeisha Woods and her husband, Joseph

I also had the privilege of hosting two of our Mercy graduates. One from 2007 and one who just graduated three weeks ago. They joined me on the platform and shared a bit of their stories with the people in attendance.

With graduates Bethany and Aubrey

There was also a couple there whose daughter will be graduating from Mercy this very week and another couple whose daughter just came in to the program. It was a tremendous day of blessing for all who shared it. A special thanks to Pastors John and Debbie Lowe for their amazing hearts to give to and serve others, and to give back!!!

Original Conference, New Friends, And A Rockin’ Church!!!

It was my great joy to be a part of the Original Women’s Conference in Rockford, IL this past Thursday through Saturday. I was so impressed with Pastors Jeremy and Jen DeWeerdt of Rockford First Church who are doing such a tremendous work in their city! These young pastors are reaching so many people of all ages, but especially the younger generation.

ME AND PASTORS JEREMY AND JEN

The conference was so much fun, and it was so cool to hear the other speakers as well including conference host, Jen Deweerdt, Lisa Bevere, Erin Campbell, and Lisa Yonke. I had the privilege of speaking at the closing session, and truly felt that I connected heart-to-heart with the women in attendance.

CONFERENCE HOST, JEN, ME, AND SPECIAL SPEAKER, LISA YONKE

After the closing of the conference, I had the privilege of speaking to the students in their leadership and ministry training program. What a great group of young people that are being raised up to do the work of the Kingdom with a pure heart and passion to serve.

IT WAS SO COOL TO HAVE THE CHANCE TO SHARE WITH THESE STUDENTS – THEY’RE AWESOME!!

I highly recommend Rockford First Church if you are ever anywhere near the Rockford area. In fact, it’s even worth the hour drive from Chicago to check this place out. These pastors are definitely servant leaders, and no matter what age you are, you can certainly learn from them – I KNOW I DID!!!

MY EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, KATELYN, AND ME WITH OUR AWESOME HOST AND DRIVER, KYNDAL!!! (THANKS FOR ALL THE STARBUCKS, KYNDAL! :) )

Join Us If You Can...

So excited to be with Pastors Jeremy and Jen DeWeerdt of Rockford First at their annual Original Women’s Conference in Rockford, IL. The conference was kicked off last night with Lisa Bevere, today’s speakers have been awesome, and tonight we will hear from conference host, Jen DeWeerdt. I have the privilege of speaking tomorrow, and I cannot wait! Rockford First is an amazing church and definitely making a difference in their community. If you are anywhere near Rockford, we’d love to see you! Check out www.rfa.cc for more details!

Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be heading to Warsaw, IN for a special service on Sunday morning with Pastors John and Debbie Lowe of New Life Christian Church at 10:00 AM CST. For more information, check out www.ihavenewlife.com.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Great Weekend At Crossroads Church In Lafayette, LA!!!

I had the awesome privilege of speaking at Joie De Vivre in Lafayette for the closing session on Friday evening. Prior to my speaking, awesome and anointed worship leader from Harvest Bible Church in Chicago, Meredith Andrews (pictured right), led us in a powerful time of worship and special music. It was very special to me that Meredith was there because I actually keep the worship CD from Harvest Bible Church in my car and absolutely love her version of “Revelation Song.” Meredith actually sang this on Friday night and it was very special and personal with me for several reasons – one of those special God surprises!!! I want to give a shout out to Daphne Gaspard and her leadership team (pictured below) for putting together a great conference, not to mention the amazing Gumbo that was personally prepared by famous church chef, Dennis! So cool to actually have the Cajuns prepare Cajun food – the authentic stuff!!!

Nancy’s Executive Assistant, Katelyn, Women’s Ministry Director, Daphne, and weekend host, Laurie

After the closing evening of the women’s conference on Friday, I had the privilege of speaking at the first of four weekend church services on Saturday evening, followed by three additional services on Sunday. I was so moved by the heart and passion of Pastors Jeff and Donna Ables to reach their city with the love of Christ. This is a growing church, and I was not surprised to see a 3,000 seat sanctuary in the process of going up with a November completion date. If you live in the Lafayette area, I highly recommend this church. God is moving there in powerful ways, and people are coming to know Christ and getting plugged in to make a difference in their community. I also want to mention that during the course of the weekend, there were five Mercy graduates from over the years that I had the privilege of reconnecting with. It’s so cool that these five girls who had graduated were there as a living testament to the power of God to transform life (check out the pictures – One graduate came to Mercy in 1998 at age 17 with an unplanned pregnancy, chose to keep her daughter, and has since gotten married and had 6 additional children including a 4-year-old set of twin girls). In addition, the church gave a tremendous offering to help us continue taking in these young women free of charge and take them through the transformation process. I have added pictures to this story to give you an inside look at the services as well as the special time with the Mercy grads and church pastors and leadership team. I’m so thrilled for all God is doing at Crossroads!!!

Crossroads Pastors Jeff and Donna Ables with Nancy

Nancy speaking at the Joie De Vivre women’s conference

Nancy speaking at the weekend services

1998 graduate Jessica with her 4 year old twins – happy wife and mother of 7 children. She and her family attend Crossroads.

2000 graduate Tera who is now a monthly partner with Mercy.

June 2006 graduate, Kristen, who is going on a Mercy missions trip this summer to Uganda.

Honor, August 2006 graduate, doing great and also a member of Crossroads church!

Emily, September 2009 Mercy graduate, who is now training for ministry in the Masters Commission leadership program at Crossroads.

Have You Ever Met Anyone Who Has Given Millions To Help Other People?

Larry and Pam Winters along with their LTD Organization are truly some of the most giving people I have ever met. Their heart to help hurting young women be pulled out of the pit and transformed from death to life has inspired thousands in their fundraising efforts to support Mercy. Collectively as an organization, they have literally sent millions of dollars to enable us to take young women in from all 50 States free of charge over the past 28 years. Yesterday we had the privilege of hosting Pam Winters at our Nashville campus, and earlier in the weekend Pam and her daughter, Tara, and several others spent quality time in our St. Louis home as well. I hope you will check out this story along with all the pictures celebrating this very special time together – CLICK HERE.

Cutters Are Being Set Free!!!

BREAKING NEWS…

I have so much to share about my amazing weekend at Crossroads Church with Pastors Jeff and Donna Ables and their amazing team. I will be posting a full web story and blog with pictures and more details later about my very special time there. Both the women’s conference and the four weekend services were such a great experience. I loved, loved, loved my time there, and I can’t wait to share more with you later this week! I will also be sharing with you how I was able to reconnect with five Mercy graduates from past years during my time in Lafayette. You will love hearing about all this, so stay tuned…

About a year ago, I offered free books on the subject of cutting. These books include testimonies from young women who have gone through the Mercy homes and have been set free from their desire to self-harm. We actually wrote Cut: Mercy for Self Harm as a way for people who are dealing with this issue to be able to receive freedom by reading the book and be delivered by applying God’s principles, and then Beyond Cut which is a follow up book with more testimonies. I just received a really cool testimony about one young women who experienced exactly what we had in mind and I wanted to share it with you…

Dear Nancy,

I wanted to send you a quick thank you note. Over a year ago, I left a comment on your blog asking about your books (I think I used a different name, I can’t remember). Thank you so much for sending me your Mercy For Self-Harm books, especially since going to a Mercy home wasn’t an option for me. I had unsuccessfully tried 3 different times to quit cutting, but I was never able to quit until I found freedom, hope, and a restored relationship with God through your books. Thanks to you, I’m 13 months free! I never really thought I’d be able to say that.

Love in Christ,

Allie

These books are powerful, and we would love to offer them to anyone who would like to make a request at nancy.alcorn@mercyministries.com. In addition, we also have issue-related books for issues such as sexual abuse, eating disorders and addictions. You may request any of the books that you have need of by emailing me personally. Remember that freedom is available for you, and we will keep your requests confidential.

Mercy Graduate Organizes College Campus Event – Check It Out!!!

I remember the day that Kim walked through the door totally downtrodden and brokenhearted from the devastation from her past. Used and abused from the time she was a little girl, who knew the amazing plans that God had in store for her future? Not only did Kim graduate from Mercy, but she will be graduating from college in a few weeks on May 14th. I just got this email from her describing her leadership in the organization of a Christian event on her campus which involves both faculty and students. I want you to hear what Kim is up to in her own words...

Hi Nancy,

I wanted to send you an update on what's going on in my life. Let me start off by saying that God is truly moving! The prayer of Jabez is a very powerful prayer, because I feel like my territory is truly expanding. Last month, I had the privilege of putting on my first fashion show with 15 girls from a local high school. Being given that opportunity was truly a blessing because the Lord reminded me how these kids just truly want someone to love on them and just see them. We may have started out rocky (LOL) but at the end they were just amazing!

Last month, the university choir went on a spring tour, which was great, but this month’s event that I have been working on since last year is actually coming together and will take place on April 28th and 29th. The Lord gave me a vision last year that is about unity and just bridging the gap on our campus as well as in the community. I feel like our college campuses, as well as all levels of education, are being attacked. There is something about these college campuses, where students actually live, that has the enemy just running so rampant and leaving our campuses confused, hopeless, homicidal, and suicidal. For the past few evenings, I have just found myself walking and praying over our campus, and as I am writing you, your words come to mind, which are, "God did not instruct the government to do what we were called to do as believers." I paraphrased a little, but He called us. As I walk, you would be amazed at what I see and what I hear. There are just so many masks, and it just breaks your heart, but I am thankful for the promises as well as the plans.

On April 28th I have put together a testimony dinner called "food for the soul" where students, faculty and staff will be sharing their testimonies and I am actually one of the speakers for that night. I normally don’t share my story to large crowds like this on our campus, normally I just share to certain groups, so I ask that you be in prayer. I am praying that people will see that they are not alone and that there are people here. On that Friday, we actually have some Christian poets flying in from Los Angeles, along with a live band and games and things like that to bring everyone together. There will also be a charge going forth for our leaders on campus, faculty and staff, to let them know that these positions they serve in should not be taken lightly, but are a way to help uplift and encourage the students and community – getting back to the basics and out of the mindset of just “me.” There will also be a lighting of candles towards the end where students can decide to turn from their old ways and embrace something better and more tangible; someone who won’t fail you, and that’s Jesus. I think it’s going to be really good! Our presidents and those in position are truly backing me up in ways I wouldn’t even have imagined. I just feel like heaven is opening up resources for this event! So I just wanted to share some of those things with you! Last but not least, I will be graduating from college on May 14th! I just took my senior pictures today and announcements will be out real soon.

I pray all is well with the ministry as well as yourself. I know you are pretty busy, but don’t forget to take time to rest. I am truly grateful for the things that you do, and the opportunities that you give us ladies! It may not always be on stages or podiums, but just simply answering the call when we needed you and Mercy. Because of those doors three years ago, I am now trying to open doors for others by sharing the very thing that the enemy wanted to steal from me and that was my voice and my testimony! Thank you and may God continue to bless you, open doors for you, and continue to provide, for the Lord truly loves Mercy.

God bless......love you and please tell everyone I said hello. - Kim

I think this email says it all...KIM, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!

Mercy Grads Now Ministry Gifts…

I recently received the coolest email from a young woman named Katie who graduated from our St. Louis home three years ago. Katie became friends with another young woman named Maddy while they were in the Mercy program, and today she writes to tell me of a special milestone that the two of them shared together with their now husbands. I think it is much more powerful if I let Katie share it in her own words and show you the pictures from the actual time she is referencing in her email to me.

Hey Nancy,

Today my husband, Lee, and his lifelong friend, Tim Nelson (who is Maddy's husband), got ordained as ministers at our church - Meadowbrook in Ocala, Fl.

As all four of us were being prayed over today – I couldn't help but think, wow, look what the Lord has done! Two Mercy graduates are standing alongside two awesome godly men who are now ministers. Wish you could have seen it! Whenever something great happens in my life, even to the birth of our baby boy Gavin, I can't help but think that none of these beautiful things would have happened to me if it weren't for what God did in me while at Mercy. I'm forever grateful to you and Mercy! This is just the beginning of what God will do through my husband and I and Tim and Maddy.

Love,
Katie

Katie and Lee with their son, Gavin

Ordination of these two couples

Maddy and Tim

Australia Graduate Update…

Elouise came to Mercy in 2004 battling depression and experiencing the pain of a broken heart because of many unjust things that life had thrown her way. Fast forward to 2011…Elouise is now happily married and recently had a precious baby boy. With Elouise’s permission, I wanted to share her message with you…

Hi Nancy,

Having graduated from Mercy Sunshine Coast, Australia in 2004, life just seems to be getting better and better.

In 2006, I married the most gorgeous Godly man who saw me through my Mercy journey. We have just celebrated 13 years together (high school sweethearts!) and five years of marriage.

But that is not the only thing we have just celebrated......on January 18th, 2011, I gave birth to the most adorable little boy, Amos Samuel. He is an absolute blessing from God, and I believe that he is my reward for all the pain and hard work I had to endure on my journey to freedom.

Thank you again for your passion to see the broken hearted made whole. I am one broken heart that has been mended and right now I am living my God dream - I'm a happy, fulfilled wife and mum! Who would have thought it could have been possible?!

Lots of love and best wishes,

Elouise

What a beautiful family! This report from Elouise made my day, and I hope it will make yours as well! Hope you have a great week!

Special Visit From Special Friend In Australia…

It’s not often you get a visit from someone who lives a 24 hour car drive away, much less someone who lives a 24 hour plane ride away, but such was the case yesterday as my dear friend Leigh Ramsey made a guest appearance at our Mercy home in Nashville to share with our staff and residents about her amazing work with child trafficking victims in Cambodia. I so love connecting with these amazing women who have such a heart and are actually doing something about the issue instead of just speaking out against the issue.

After all, we are told to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Sounds like a good plan to me, and Leigh is definitely a doer! So many lives are being impacted because of her obedience, and I wanted you to personally become acquainted with the great work that she is doing. Click onto this story to read more and check out some of the highlights from our time together yesterday!

Hilary, Me, Leigh, and Jill