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

Mercy Graduate Stops In for a Visit!

When Kara came to Mercy in February 2008, she was dealing with an unplanned pregnancy as well as the effects of a past filled with rejection and pain. While at Mercy, Kara surrendered her life to Christ and underwent an amazing transformation. Through much prayer and counseling, she decided to parent her son. After graduating from Mercy, Kara moved back to California with her newborn baby Elijah, ready to be a great mom and also pursue her dreams. I recently received this exciting update from Kara and wanted to share it with you.

Hi Nancy!

Well I did it! I graduated college last month as a clinical medical assistant (an Associates Degree) from Empire College in Santa Rosa, California. I'm certified in everything - Phlebotomy, EKG, Injections, CPR and First Aid, Front and Back Office Procedure, Vitals, everything you can possibly think of - its crazy! I graduated with president's honors for having a 3.86 GPA. Woo Hoo! All I know is I couldn't have done it with God and all the support from my friends and family.

God knows my heart, my dreams, and my desires. He has made me the woman I am today, and I continue to boast daily about the work he did in me at Mercy, and how far he's brought me as a child of God, as a mother, as a daughter, as a sister, and as a friend (and hopefully someday I can say as a wife too!)

Now my little boy Elijah and I am moving back to Orange County, CA to live with my parents while I search for a job and get on my feet. I'm praying for God's favor in this and in helping me find a great daycare/school for Elijah, and a place for us to live. Well, just wanted to update you, and thank you once again for everything. I love you love you love you!

Just yesterday, Kara was in Nashville and she came by the Nashville home to attend a graduation and say hello. It was so great to see Kara and Elijah – he is such a beautiful little boy! Here is a picture of us after graduation yesterday.

I am so proud of how far Kara has come and am excited to see all that God has in store for her!

Hope you have a great weekend!!

Mercy Graduates on Mission Around the World!

Just this week, we had the privilege of sending out support checks for four of our graduates who are preparing to go on the mission field! It is such a joy for us to see our graduates going out into the world to make a difference. Last year we had over 20 Mercy graduates serving in various locations around the world, and we got to be a part of sending them through our financial support. I thought you might like to see the most recent four girls that we have helped sponsor, and hear about where each of them will be going and what they will be doing.

Lindsay – St. Louis Graduate, 2009

I have been given the opportunity to go to Kosovo on a mission trip this summer through Service International in Chesterfield, MO. While in Kosovo, we will be sharing God’s Word with children from all backgrounds, to give them a better understanding of their heavenly Father’s unconditional love and mercy. The passion and yearning to eliminate injustice burns in my heart far beyond words can express. God has called me to help the hurting by speaking life into those who are depressed and afraid; holding the broken-hearted, praying for the sick, and loving the unloved.



Danielle – Nashville Graduate, 2009

Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine myself traveling to China and Thailand one year ago. But, here I am today, transformed and renewed by God's overwhelming Mercy, ready to travel across the world to share His Love. On April 11, my team and I here at Youth with a Mission Discipleship Training School will be leaving on an 8 week mission trip to China and Thailand! Although China is one of the most populous nations on Earth, only 7% of the people are Christian. It is illegal to openly evangelize in China, however we have an incredible opportunity to present the Gospel through the area in the public schools and universities. Thailand, on the other hand, has remained captive to the traditions and practices of Buddhism for hundreds of years. We will target specific border villages that are in need of the Gospel and we will partner with long-term ministries in the cities which reach out to the slums, prisons, and orphanages. We have this unique opportunity to be God’s hands extended to these nations.

Danielle pictured far right with her small group

Cailee – Nashville Graduate, 2008

I will be traveling with No Boundaries International in August of 2010 to Mexico to spread the love of Christ. That is exactly what I want to do. I am only 15, but I feel a call on my life to fulfill Mark 16:15 and go into the world and preach the gospel to the every creature! I have a passion for the lost and hurting people of this world and I want to show them that God’s love can overcome anything. I want to make a difference and show people the love of Christ.


Chantelle – Nashville Graduate 2009

I am very excited to share with you the life-changing opportunity that I have with Teen Mania Ministries to serve as a missionary in the U.S. and abroad. During my year at the Honor Academy, I will be ministering to the young people of America, helping with Acquire the Fire events and Teen Mania mission trips. This experience with Honor Academy will begin in August 2010 and will focus on leadership development, apologetics, growth in character, integrity, knowledge of world missions, and will conclude with a 2 month Global Missions Expedition. I sense God’s leading toward missions as a possible vocation and this seems like the right next step for me.

I love that these young women aren’t allowing anything to stand in the way of their destiny in Christ. I am so very proud of each of them and what they are doing to pour into the lives of others. Please be in prayer for them, as will we, and be looking for blog updates as they return with testimonies and pictures. Hope you are having a great week!

Love,

Nancy

March Madness!

Hey Everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend – we had the first official day of Spring and March Madness is upon us! If you’ve been following the NCAA Tournaments, I know there were a lot of upsets this weekend, however, March Madness has only just begun and anything can happen! I am actually getting to see some of the action in person! I’d love to hear who you’re going for - both on the men’s and women’s side - so leave a comment and let me know!

As excited as I get about tournament time, there is nothing more exciting than the miracle of a transformed heart and life! I never get tired of hearing from the young women who have come through the doors of Mercy, graduated, and gone on to start new lives. I love hearing of God’s redemption and how He wastes nothing. These brave girls come to Mercy, broken and bound, but willing to face their issues in hopes of finding lasting freedom. To see them leave healed, equipped, and ready to move forward into their destiny is so exciting.

When Pamela came to Mercy in 1996, she was pregnant with a little girl. After going through a process of determining what would be best for her, she decided to parent her child. That child, who she named Destiny, is now a very happy teenager. Pamela and her husband Kevin also have another little boy named Ethan. We were so excited to recently receive the following email from her.

Nancy,

It's been a while since I have written and just wanted to give you an update on my family. Kevin, the kids and I are all doing well. Destiny just turned 13 this past January. I can't believe it's been 13 years since I was at Mercy! I miss you guys and think of you often. I hope to come and visit soon. Ethan will be 3 in May and keeps me busy. I have recently taken a full-time position at our church childcare facility. I am still singing at church and am also working with our Worship and Arts Pastor as his assistant, and am assisting our Youth Pastor as well. Kevin and I volunteer every week at our Youth services. We run a cafe and feed the kids, and are there to minister/pray over the kids. I love that. I especially love ministering to the girls. I feel like I have a gift to speak into them. Anyway, I love my church and am so thankful that I can give back what has been poured into me each week. I'm so glad that I have had a good foundation to keep me focused and grounded. Love you! I've also attached a current picture of Destiny and Ethan, both growing up too fast!

I thought you might like to see this picture she sent of her beautiful daughter Destiny and her son Ethan.

I am so proud of Pamela, of the choice she made to come to Mercy almost 14 years ago, and of the choices she is continuing to make to serve God with all her heart.

Miracle in the Making!

When Crystal came to Mercy in 2005, she was battling for her life. Having struggled with a severe eating disorder for 8 years, past sexual abuse and self-harm, Crystal was desperate for freedom. While at Mercy, she found her healing and value in Christ, and today she is walking in complete freedom! After graduating from Louisiana Tech University in 2006 with her BS in Nutrition and Dietetics, she went on to work at St. Francis Medical Center as a Registered Dietician and Licensed Nutritionist. In 2009, we at Mercy were so blessed to have Crystal join our staff in Monroe as our Fitness and Nutrition Manager! She now has also received her Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics. I just received an update from Crystal with some very exciting news and wanted to share it with you...

Nancy,

I just wanted to share some amazing news with you. Sunday, my husband and I found out we are having our first baby, which is a miracle. I am due November 24th. It is truly a miracle because in the past doctors have told me I may not be able to conceive or have a child due to my tilted uterus and all that my body had been through from an 8 year battle with a severe eating disorder. I am so amazed!!! God has truly brought me full circle.

My husband is amazing as well. I used to say that I would never take any man’s last name due to all that I had gone through, but through the healing power and love of Christ, my heart and life were changed and I met my wonderful husband over 3 years ago. He loves me and honors me and is such a godly man. He is also in the ministry working with youth and has the most amazing heart I’ve ever seen in a man. I truly cannot believe my life; I am so overwhelmed with God’s love, favor, and goodness! I am so grateful and blessed that God has used you and Mercy in such an amazing way in my life and now I get the privilege of giving back by working here at Mercy in Monroe and allowing God to work through me and pour out all He has poured into me. What an honor! I am so overwhelmed with His goodness and restorative power! Just wanted to share. :) I pray blessings, favor, strength and wisdom for you!

I am always amazed at how God can take a broken and messed up past and turn it around for His glory. Crystal has a restored life because of the love and power of Christ, and every day she gets to share that love with others. I am so proud of her and celebrate this new season of her life with her. I hope Crystal’s testimony encourages you and reminds you that God is truly our Healer and Redeemer! Nothing is impossible with Him! Have a great weekend!

Love,

Nancy

Special Visit from a Mercy Baby…who’s not a baby anymore!!

19 years ago, I had the awesome privilege of getting to know a young woman who came to Mercy as a result of an unplanned pregnancy. Through much soul-searching and prayer, this young woman made the decision to place her baby for adoption…she walked away with the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, knowing that she had done what God wanted her to do.

Fast forward all these years later, and the baby that was born to that courageous young woman is now 18 years old. She just happened to be in Tennessee with seven of her close friends on Spring Break, so she contacted me and asked if she and her friends could come by and tour our Nashville facilities. I was overjoyed to see Brightie, and so amazed at the beautiful and strong young woman she has become. It turns out that Brightie and all of her friends that came by today are all a part of the same youth group at their church in Indiana. We had a great visit, and I thought you might want to see what Brightie looks like today. Every life is precious, and every life matters!

Even though I did not see Brightie’s birthmother today, I walked away from today’s visit feeling very thankful for her decision to choose life and for your support that makes it all possible. I hope you are blessed by these pictures. It is so very cool!!

Great Weekend in North Carolina!

I just wanted to share about a really cool church I had the privilege of speaking at over the weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina. Pastors Matt and Martha Fry founded C3 Church just over 10 years ago, and it is absolutely astounding to me what they have accomplished in such a short time. The church itself is located on an old 47-acre tobacco farm, but you would never know that if you went there today. The facilities are fabulous, but the best part about it is the heart and spirit of the church itself. Pastors Matt and Martha have created a tremendous church culture that is so warm and inviting, and they have a huge heart and passion to share the unconditional love of Christ with their community and beyond.

Me pictured with Pastor Matt Fry

Me pictured with Pastor Martha Fry

Check out their website at www.c3church.com. If you are ever in the Raleigh area, I highly recommend this church! I want to say a special thanks to Pastors Matt and Martha, as well as their great leadership team for inviting me to be a part of their weekend worship services. It was a great privilege and honor, and I am so pumped about my new friends!!!