August 18, 2015

Rousing a standing ovation, Mercy Founder and President Nancy Alcorn inspired Nashville’s Christ Church congregation in a moving message last Sunday. Following a powerful video that captured the history of Mercy and the multiplied impact that Mercy has made on thousands of lives, Nancy shared from her heart a timely word on love and conviction.

In a message titled “Living in the Present,” Alcorn called all in attendance to consider Isaiah 43:18-19: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Nancy spoke boldly about celebrating the past, but also moving forward to embrace new seasons and the things God has given us to do in this time. “As believers we need to be encouraged not discouraged because our job description has not changed,” she said. “We have been called to go into the world, not separate ourselves from the world…The best preaching we can do is with our lives and with our love.”

Click here to see Nancy’s powerful message in its entirety. At the end of the Sunday service, Alcorn had the privilege of baptizing 18 Nashville Mercy residents while the Christ Church congregation worshipfully sang and cheered.

Here’s what a few of the Mercy residents said of their baptism experience:

The baptism symbolized where my new relationship with Christ is. The old me has died—my old ways have passed away and are remembered no more. It means a new beginning for my kids and me. I feel it put up barriers between Satan and me. –Kim

I know now that I am forever changed. –Taylor

The baptism for me was really exciting because it was a chance for me to declare my faith in Jesus to others.—Scarlett

I called my baptism my “coronation day” because I felt like I was graduating from princess to queen. God has been growing and teaching me about being a princess and now He trusts me with more, so I became a queen to Him. Being baptized was an outward showing of my complete surrender to God. Inwardly it also meant that I will be starting a new journey with my King. –Kaylee

Click here to view the full service, including baptisms, in the Christ Church video archive.

Mercy is grateful for the support of Christ Church and the “church home” provided to the Nashville Mercy residents as they learn and grow in their faith.