Mike Barber - NFL Great To Prison Ministry

After 10 years in the NFL, Mike Barber left football behind to focus all of his attention on bringing Christ to those in prison. Mike started Pro-Claim Ministries 25 years ago and has such a passion to share Christ and “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Isaiah 61). I cannot even begin to describe how powerful Mike’s teaching was to our Nashville staff and residents on Tuesday. It was an amazing time of ministry about attitude and how we either compliment or contaminate the atmosphere around us! I would challenge you to listen to Mike’s message (click here). I believe every single person should hear this message by Mike as I know it will definitely impact your life as it did each and every one of our staff and residents!!!

If you want to read more about our time together, check out the web story that was done about Mike’s visit to Mercy, along with several comments from our current residents.

I consider it a privilege to know and be connected to Mike Barber and his wife, DeAnne. I had the great honor to speak in the prisons in Texas with the Barbers in June, and I was blown away by the excellence in how they are reaching those behind bars. For more information about Mike Barber and Pro-Claim Ministries, check out their website at www.pro-claim.tv. You definitely do not want to miss out on what God is doing through Mike Barber and this amazing ministry!!

Martha Munizzi Rocks The House At Mercy!!!

It’s not every day that God sends someone who’s been nominated for tons of Grammy’s and Dove Awards, but such was the case yesterday when God brought Martha Munizzi our way. However, that is really not what stood out at all. The thing that stood out the most was how she poured out her personal, heart-wrenching story of what happened to her in her childhood, which strongly resonated with so many of our girls who have been through something similar. I honestly believe it is one of the most powerful times we have ever had at Mercy. Martha has a very strong anointing on her life to bring truth in a very appropriate way, yet so practical and real. Martha has written some really powerful songs in her career such as “Glorious,” “Because Of Who You Are,” “Say The Name,” and “Jesus Is The Best Thing (That’s Ever Happened To Me)” to name a few. Yesterday we had the privilege of hearing heaven’s download through her in her latest CD that was just released in April called “Make It Loud.” I cannot recommend it enough!! If I were you, I would run out and get it immediately or download it from her website at www.marthamunizzi.com.

Not only did we get this up close and personal time with Martha Munizzi, but she also left a piece of herself with us as she gifted each staff and resident with her latest CD (you should have been there and you would have gotten one too). No way can I fully explain what happened in the spirit realm as so many breakthroughs occurred during our special time together. Perhaps you will get some insight as I share with you what a few of our residents had to say…

“There are so many things that blessed me today during Martha’s time here! I came into worship heavy hearted with a lot on my mind and felt so much better afterwards! I had a joy in me that I haven’t felt before. God really spoke to me about being able to trust Him. I also realized how much I need to worship God and get into His presence when I’m not in a good mood or having a bad day.” --Alyona

“Today during worship, I totally once and for all let go and said ‘yes’ to Jesus’ promises for me, because God made it clear that He is a God that stays true to His Word. If He told me I would be free, I am free! My plan of action is to worship God even when it gets hard, and remember that God loves me and promises to love me no matter what and rest in that truth.” -- Julie


“Today I received a revelation and made the choice to believe that God loves me as He says He does and to believe the promises He declares to keep. I am squashing doubt and disbelief in Jesus’ name, and thanking God even when I feel uncomfortable. I choose an attitude of gratitude. I am being strengthened in character by hoping in the Lord. I can hope because I know who holds my future. My plan of action is to speak God’s truth into all the “human impossibilities” and let go of what hinders me. Today was awesome!” -- Crystal

Trusting that no matter what you may be facing in your life, you will receive the breakthroughs that you need. Martha challenged us to praise God in the midst of our pain and circumstances, and to see how praise literally steals the avenger (Psalm 8:2) and paves the way for us to rise above and experience peace that passes all understanding as we are overcoming. I can honestly say that I believe the special time we had together was ordained and brought to us straight from heaven, a God ordained and God appointed time.

I hope these pictures will show you the joy of all that we shared…

Talking with some of the girls!

Me with Martha and our Transitional Care Director, Sophie

Have a great week!

Life On The Road…What A Weekend!!!

I thought you might enjoy a quick glimpse of our Mercy journey this past weekend. It all started on Friday when we left Nashville and flew into Philadelphia. After an awesome dinner Friday night with special friends, we made our way across the border to Wilmington, Delaware and checked in to our hotel. It was there that Katelyn (my Executive Assistant) and I met up with Mercy graduate, Kim Brownie, one of our guest speakers for our Saturday morning “Mercy In The Community” breakfast. It was the first time we had seen Kim since her recent graduation from college, so were able to give her a big hug and congratulate her in person! After a time of visiting, we called it a night to prepare for the busy weekend ahead.

Amazing pastors, Jerome and
Lisa Lewis, with Kim and I

My greatest joy – connecting
with graduates on the road!!

Saturday morning was basically the beginning of a Mercy track meet, as we went from one event to the next. It started with our brunch on Saturday morning hosted by special Mercy friends, Pastors Jerome and Lisa Lewis, from Seeds of Greatness Church. It was my joy to be joined by five special Mercy grads who were there to share the joy at our community event (pictured right).

Kim, me, and Mikayla speaking at the Mercy In The Community Breakfast

I then spoke during the two Sunday morning services at Seeds of Greatness Church. The services, the hospitality, the way they blessed us -- everything was first class and topnotch. Pastors Jerome and Lisa Lewis are definitely very special friends. We are so grateful for their close friendship and generous support. I want to thank them for all they do, have done, and continue to do for Mercy to help us reach hurting young women.

It was a packed house!

Speaking of track meets, the moment I finished the second service on Sunday, I literally walked from behind the pulpit and into an automobile that transported me directly to the airport so that I could catch a flight to Minneapolis to speak at River Valley Church’s “Chick Night” at 6:30 PM. Thankfully, our prayers were answered and all our flights were on time. Upon our arrival, we had a quick change of clothes, and went straight to the church to a packed house of women of all ages. The atmosphere was electric – it was such a special night! What a great job Pastor Becca Ketterling did preparing for this evening and getting the women excited about their upcoming conference in September (www.sparkleconference.org). Special thanks to Pastor Rob and Becca for the amazing people they are and for their awesome support! Another special thing that happened that night was that Mercy graduates showed up once again to support me and to be at the event in the Minneapolis area. (See two of our graduates pictured with me below).

Catching up with recent Mercy grads, Stacy and Terrie after the service!

Becca and I having fun with the girls!!!

Me with Pastors Rob and Becca Ketterling – THEY ARE SO AWESOME!!!
Thank you for helping us reach young girls who are desperate for help!

By the time I finished up late Sunday night I had been up almost 24 hours -- my adrenaline was still flowing from the awesome services over the weekend. I’m so thankful that God allows me to do what I do, meet special people and see their lives impacted by all that Christ has done for all of us. I’m so grateful that I get to share the Good News with people who need to hear it. It was an awesome time of ministry, and I thank God for a fulfilling weekend!

Come To One Of The Best Women’s Conference On The Planet!!!

Debbie Lindell

I’m preparing to leave town for a few days, but I just wanted to take this time to share with you about a very special conference coming up September 22nd to 24th. This conference is hosted by Pastor Debbie Lindell at James River Assembly in Springfield, MO (Ozark). I had the privilege of speaking at this conference two years ago, and I was completely blown away by not only how much fun we had, but also how much God impacted the lives of everyone in attendance. I am sure this year will be no exception! It is my joy to be speaking at this conference along with Pastors John and Debbie Lindell, Charlotte Gambill from the UK, and Helen Burns from Vancouver, Canada. The music will be Group 1 Crew. You have plenty of time to block these dates off your calendar and make your plans to attend. Our Mercy girls and staff from St. Louis will be in attendance, as well as a huge big group of our former graduates and residents from Mercy. We are very, very excited about this special time which begins on Thursday, September 22nd with the kick off service and ends on Saturday afternoon, September 24th. Here’s a link to their website www.designedforlifeconference.org so you can check it out how cool this is going to be – trust me on this, you do not want to miss it!!!

Love you all and hope to see you there!