Freedom IS Possible!

Hey Everyone! I just wanted to start this week off by sharing with you an awesome letter that I received in the mail from a graduate of our St. Louis home almost one year ago. I love to hear her passion for what she is currently doing and her desire to help other girls with eating disorders find freedom. I thought I would share with you a portion of her letter and let you see her beautiful face…

Hi, my name is Jennifer Rhoden and I’m 23 and I graduated at the St. Louis, Missouri Mercy home October 20, 2008. I am still in complete awe of the transformation that God did while I was there!! I’m not sure if you will be reading this, but I just want to deeply thank you with all my heart!!! Words cannot even express my gratitude!! If it weren’t for Mercy I truly know I wouldn’t be here today. I wish I could do something amazing for you; because of your obedience and faith you opened homes that are literally changing and saving lives through God. I’m still so excited to literally have received the BEST gift EVER-- to have been able to come to Mercy!! I included my testimony and a journal entry that I wrote expressing what God has done and my prayer for the Mercy girls and the world. I try to be a “voice” of Mercy where ever I’m at. I literally cannot contain this joy and love I received and I want to share it with the world!! God worked through Mercy Ministries to break down my walls and embrace God’s love thus allowing me to receive love and to love others. I want to be a voice and share what God has done and through God help others. I do know that my life has been COMPLETELY transformed and I cannot sit back and not be a voice to tell the world what God has done and want to help others see God’s love and His truth! I am in college studying Psychology with a minor in Pre-Med and Chemistry. If it’s God’s will, I am hoping to become a family doctor that specializes in eating disorders. I want to be close to a Mercy Home and provide free care. I have so many other visions and dreams in the future, but I won’t go on and on because my whole point in writing this letter is to thank you! I wouldn’t be back in school with visions and dreams if it wasn’t for you allowing God to work through you!!! Nancy, I pray that God blesses you beyond imagination!!! I have literally seen with God all things ARE possible~!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!! Nancy, I truly don’t think I could ever express my gratitude and thank you enough!

Love,

Jennifer

For all the girls out there who are still desperate and hurting, I hope Jennifer’s story will encourage you to know that freedom is possible and freedom is available. If you would like a free copy of any of our books to help you with an eating disorder, please email me your mailing address to nancy.alcorn@mercyministries.com and we will send it to you – our gift to you.

Have a great night!

Nancy

Dr. John Townsend Speaks at Mercy Ministries Headquarters! (Co-Author of Boundaries, Safe People, etc.)

Yesterday we got to hear what I consider one of the world’s leading psychologists and family therapists, Dr. John Townsend. For years, our counselors at Mercy Ministries have received training from the quality materials provided by Dr. Townsend and his business partner, Dr. Henry Cloud, also a leading clinical psychologist and author. Dr. Townsend has helped countless people in many arenas of life with his unique blend of wisdom, humor, care, and spirituality. He offers keen insights on all aspects of relationship – family, marriage, parenting, dating, and personal growth – and he connects with his audience in a very personal way.

We definitely experienced that yesterday when he was with us in person. We continue to be blown away by the quality of people that God sends to us. Our Mercy counselors, many of which are Master’s level and highly trained and experienced, have for years been able to sharpen their skills through these two world-renown clinical psychologists. For those of you who want to greatly improve your relationships, we highly recommend you check out the books Boundaries and Safe People. Even for those who do not consider themselves to be Christians, these books will undoubtedly help you regardless of your religious beliefs or personal convictions. I have included Dr. Townsend’s websites so that you can check out his multiple resources – www.cloudtownsend.com or www.drtownsend.org. I’ve never found anyone better than these two when it comes to issues related to relationships, family, raising children, etc.

Thanks, Dr. Townsend, for taking time to be with us. We look forward to your next visit, either in Nashville or one of our other centers in the US and beyond.

Dr. Townsend and his literary agent Sealy Yates getting to see
our Titans’ break room during a tour of our corporate office building

Dr. Townsend and Sealy Yates getting to see a girl’s bedroom in our Nashville home

Meet Two of our Most Special Mercy Partners!

The first day of this week, just two days ago, was so very special to myself and Christy Singleton, our Executive Director of Development. We were picked up in a private plane provided by long-time Mercy supporters, Casey and Sue Osborn, to fly to their hometown of Sheridan, Wyoming, for the purpose of a private gathering that evening to share the vision Mercy Ministries with friends, family, and community leaders. It was such a beautiful day to fly, and I have to admit that I greatly enjoyed not having to take my shoes off and go through security! I also enjoyed not having to arrive at the airport at least an hour early or having to pack a bag – quite a difference from what I am used to!

The flight was approximately three hours in length, so Christy and I took advantage of the time to have a full-on strategy meeting. It was great to get to catch up. When we landed, our attention quickly turned to our special friends Casey and Sue. Casey and Sue not only support the ministry very generously with finances, but they are also personal participators. We love them dearly and consider them part of our Mercy family. It was such a joy to take a tour of their office building and meet their friends and family. Besides the actual event in Sheridan, Wyoming that evening, one of the most special things we got to do that day was drive across the State line into Montana to visit the Crow Indian Reservation. Casey and Sue have such a heart for the Kingdom of God and they do so much for many ministries. They wanted to share with us about a project they are involved in where a church is being built on an Indian reservation for the Crow community. We actually got to meet the pastor and the worship leader, who were also there helping to finish the building. It was so special to us to meet these precious men of God and to see their heart for their own people and all of the ministry that will undoubtedly happen in this building when it is finished.

Me pictured with Casey and Sue Osborn and the pastor and worship
leader of the new church on the Crow Indian Reservation

After we came back from visiting the church, we were treated to a great meal at a local restaurant and then we went to visit the elks and the buffalos. I was able to get up close and personal with an elk – check it out!


As far as the actual meeting, we had a great night together. It was probably about 10:30 pm when we actually flew out, so we arrived back in Nashville around 1:30 am. It was a clear night and the stars were so bright! Christy and I were absolutely amazed as we looked out the window of the plane coming back at how bright and beautiful the stars were. At one point, we even had a stretch of about 20 minutes where there was a lot of lightening going on to the left side of the plane. It looked like God was showing-out and giving us a first class light show. It was really cool. All in all it was a great night. We arrived back home tired, but feeling very fulfilled by the time we spent with our special friends. Some day, I hope all of you will have the opportunity to meet Casey and Sue. They are very very special people and part of our Mercy family.

Me saying goodbye to Casey and Sue Osborn at
the airplane hangar late Monday night


Project our Mercy friends are involved in at the
Crow Indian Reservation in Montana

Check Out Our New DVD!!

You may or may not know this, but we just released a brand new DVD that shows more of a broader focus of Mercy Ministries, including the issues our girls face and our current locations all around the world. I thought you would enjoy seeing it, so click here to watch! I would love to hear your comments.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Joyce Meyer Is In Nashville!

Last night, we took all 40 of our Nashville girls and a whole bunch of our staff down to the Sommet Center to be in the first of Joyce Meyer’s three-day conference in Nashville. The opening session was really powerful and we had a blast! The night kicked off with Matt Redman and his band leading worship, and that in itself was phenomenal. The time of praise and worship totally paved the way for our hearts to receive God’s Word. Joyce spoke about having a spirit of generosity in our lives, not just about giving financially, but more specifically being a generous person in every area of our life – putting others first, going out of our way for people, being willing to be inconvenienced, etc. We were really challenged to die to selfishness and prefer others over ourselves. It was a really special time, and I thought you might enjoy seeing a picture of Joyce as she shared last night, as well as a few pictures of several of our girls waiting for the service to begin.

It’s so cool to see the arena packed out and also to hear Joyce’s message that will undoubtedly bring freedom to many people. Speaking of freedom, I just got this really cool email from one of our graduates in the UK that I wanted to share with you. It’s probably better if I let her tell it in her own words, so here it is…

Hey Nancy,

My name is Hannah and I graduated from Mercy UK in May 2008.
I've been at Rocknations in Bradford some of this week and heard you speak a couple of times. I didn't manage to come and talk to you because it was so busy but I wanted to let you know some things that have been on my heart for a while now.

I first heard of Mercy nearly 5 years ago through a lady at my church who gave me an "Echoes of Mercy" book, even though she didn't at that time know me or what was going on in my life. I looked over it briefly, but my Dad found it and took it away before I had the chance to read it. I remember feeling the hope those first few chapters had stirred in me drain away.
I was only 17 years old and had been a Christian since I was little, but I had truly come to believe God hated me. Constant nightmares of past sexual abuse, the belief that I was a lesbian, ongoing physical abuse, self harm and shame were just some of the things I spent years trying to free myself from - but in my own strength (which was all I knew) it was impossible.
There was literally no doubt in my mind that I would one day kill myself, but every time I tried somehow I'd survive. I didn't see it as God's protection though, just as another sign I couldn't get anything right.

About a year after being given the Echoes of Mercy book, I was given a ticket to an event in Glasgow, Scotland where Mercy was doing a conference. It was to raise funds for the MMUK home, as well as to raise awareness about Mercy. I went along fully expecting it to be like every other Christian event I'd gone to, only this time I had less hope than ever. I'd only just come out of hospital and knew that the people around me had no idea what to do with me anymore. Nor did I.
If I'm honest I only went because I couldn't stand the thought of being asked to explain why I wouldn't go.

When I got there, I was so uncomfortable and felt like a total fraud. I only hoped to get through it looking interested enough so as not to upset my friend.
You came on and started telling us about the work Mercy was doing and the lives God had touched....you told story after story of real transformation. Debbie gave her testimony...which was the first time I had ever heard anyone tell of the change God had brought in their very own life. I actually remember thinking my heart was going to explode at one point because I had NEVER before heard anything like it. Somehow hope started to stir in me.

Where I had believed I was hated by God, a disgrace and unworthy of love, Mercy said otherwise. God said otherwise. I was so confused. It freaked me out!!!

At the end of the night, my friend wanted to introduce herself to you, despite my protests. Eventually I said I would come over but just so she could say hello. I tried so hard to avoid looking at you but you said Hi. You asked if I was thinking of applying, and before I even knew it, I was crying and nodding my head. You encouraged me to keep on going. You said that it would happen but just not in the way I'd expect and that my testimony would one day reach people other people couldn't. I'm not sure how much I took in of what you were saying, but those words turned out to be so true.

I started applying to Mercy soon after. There was still no Mercy UK, but I was willing to travel to the USA if it meant I'd finally change. Then my Dad found out I was applying, and made it impossible for me to continue. I felt the same dread and hopelessness come on me, and I thought again death would put a stop to that...but then I remembered your words about it happening but not like I would expect. So I didn't give up. I eventually left home and started the application process again, but more and more obstacles seemed to be blocking the way. Instead of pushing through, I decided to accept it wasn't going to work out and stopped applying. I told God that from now on, I wasn't going to look for help, that He would need to make it clear if He wanted me to because I couldn't keep getting it wrong.
As time passed I learned to hide my dysfunction from people more, but I was no less broken or hopeless. I continued to self destruct and wanted to die as much as before.

Three years later I heard God say one word to me..."Mercy". I was so shocked because it had been a long time since I even thought about Mercy, but I knew He was telling me now was time.
By that time, the UK home was open and so 4 months later, I walked through those doors. I've always wanted to let you know Nancy, how much your words meant to me. I know that if you hadn't told me it would happen but not as I expected 3 years earlier, that when God whispered "Mercy", I would have ignored it. I would have thought of the failed attempts I'd had so many times before to change and I would have dismissed it totally.

I was loved on and valued and taken care of like I never knew was possible. I was given grace when all I'd known before was punishment. I was given time and space to get to know the God who never ever hated me...but who waited until I was ready to let Him show me how much He loved me.
I know that the time I spent at Mercy not only changed my life, but it saved my life. And I'm sure that God's timing was perfect, although God never once left me I'm sure I wouldn't have been ready any sooner to get real and start allowing God to heal me.

Life has been amazing since I graduated. I never thought it possible that I would ever laugh as much or enjoy being alive as much. It hasn't all been plain sailing but I know how blessed I am to know the God who saved me!

I want to thank you for the work you do for girls just like me. I really love your relentless passion for helping the captives be set free and am honored to be one of the thousands in the number God has rescued and restored.

Thank you for believing in me.
Love you,
Hannah x

I hope you are encouraged by this awesome testimony! In closing, if you’re reading this and you live in the Nashville area, I hope you can make it to tonight’s service at 7:00 PM and tomorrow’s closing session at 10:00 AM. We’d love to see you there! Have a great weekend!

Love to all,
Nancy

Update on My Trip to Paris!

I just returned from Paris, France last night, and have had a very busy day of ministry/business today. I thought you might enjoy meeting the pastors of Charisma church, which is the largest church in France with approximately 10,000 members. In addition to the main church of Charisma, they have also planted over 100 other churches in the nation of France. The pastors of this great church are Pastors Pedro and Natalie Nuno (pictured below).

I am so amazed and so blessed to see their great leadership and the fruit of their labor all of these years. Each service was packed out with several overflow rooms. We did a total of four services, and it was so great to be back there and see the growth since my first time of speaking there four years ago this month.

Speaking of four years ago, I was approached by a nice looking young man after the last service on Sunday to let me know that when I was there four years ago, that he was there as a visitor and when I gave the altar call, he came up and asked Jesus into his heart. Now four years later, he’s serving in the church and living strong for the Lord. He wanted to say thank you. I thought it’d be cool if I showed you a picture of him (pictured below).

We were blessed beyond words by the awesome people in this great church. I thought you might enjoy seeing the ones who took care of us while we were there. Two of my staff went with me, and we had such a great time with those who were assigned to care for us during our stay.

pictured left to right – Nandi, Wendy (one of our hosts),
Cassidy, Me, and Patricia (one of our hosts)

I was accompanied on this trip by my Executive Assistant, Cassidy Carlgren, and our Fitness Manager, Nandi Pryce.

Me, Cassidy, and Nandi pictured with our driver

Nandi actually played soccer while she was in college at UCLA and then was a part of the USA national team that won a gold medal. France is such a soccer nation that when the pastor found out that she was on the USA team and had actually played in France at the national stadium, he brought her up at every service to share with the people. Here she is speaking and sharing about her experience through Pastor Natalie, our interpreter.

Last of all, we had the great joy of staying an extra day so we could actually sightsee and shop a bit in this great city. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of our pictures from this time as well. See slideshow below for additional pictures from all four services.

Mercy Ministries Graduate Serving in Korea

Hey Everyone,

I just received yet another amazing update from a Mercy graduate of two years ago. I am so inspired by the courage of these young women!! Thanks be to God for another transformed life that He is using to help others.

Nancy,

Two years ago I was in the hospital because I had let my eating disorder and self-harm struggles control me. In November of that year, I entered Mercy Ministries for what would become a life-giving and life-changing experience. Less than a year and two months after graduating from the Mercy program, I find myself sitting in my own studio apartment half way across the world. Literally! I am in South Korea and I will be here for the next year. God has blessed me with the privilege of teaching English to Korean children as part of an intensive English submersion camp.

Wow – to think from where the Lord brought me. While in the midst of my struggles, I was not considered stable enough for travel, safe enough for my own housing, or strong enough to lead those around me. Even still, the Lord worked miracles in my life and here I am today. Alive, well, and serving him in a country 24-hour travel distance and thirteen-hour time-zone difference from my home. Isn’t God so good?

Love,

Renee

Renee with her students working on an art project!


Renee pictured with her students