September 24, 2015

In just two weeks Mercy will premiere its first-ever Freedom Experience on October 2-3 at Christ Church in Nashville. The event will feature Mercy Founder and President Nancy Alcorn and several Mercy counselors and leaders who will teach the seven keys to freedom used for over three decades in the Mercy residential program. Attendees will learn practical and effective tools to overcome life-controlling issues and find lasting freedom. The presenter roster below, including featured worship leaders, gives a glimpse of what’s in store at this power-packed, two-day event. For more information or to purchase tickets for The Freedom Experience, including VIP packages, visit www.MercyMultiplied.com or call 615-831-6987.

NANCY ALCORN spent the first eight years of her career working for the state of Tennessee. It was during this time of government work that Nancy realized the inadequacy of these programs to offer real transformation in the lives of troubled individuals. Nancy realized that only Christ can truly change a life so she started Mercy in 1983. Since that time, numerous residential and outreach programs have been established in various locations across America and other nations around the world and the ministry continues to grow and expand. Nancy is an author, and she frequently speaks at conferences around the world. She resides in Nashville, TN, which is also the home of the national headquarters of Mercy.

For Shelley Breen, Denise Jones and Leigh Cappillino, who comprise the multi-platinum trio POINT OF GRACE, the lifelong search for an eternal home has been captured in song, logged in thousands of miles on the road and shared with countless individuals around the world. As a group, it’s a journey that’s 20 years in and 13 albums deep, punctuated with 27 #1 songs, 13 Dove Awards, two GRAMMY nominations, career album sales in excess of 7 million with multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, making them one of the Top 10 best-selling artists in the history of Contemporary Christian music. Shelley says, “The thing that propels us on is that we love God and we love to serve people.”

Whether singer/songwriter ELLIE HOLCOMB was spinning confessional tales of romantic heartache during her college years, collaborating with her husband Drew as part of his band, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, or penning her personal reflections of God’s faithfulness as a solo artist, this Dove-Award winning artist has always viewed music as the ultimate bridge-builder. Ellie shares, “I love writing songs about truths that I forget so easily—who God is, who I belong to, what I’m called to. Speaking that over myself and other people is something that I want to be doing for the rest of my life. I want to help encourage the wounded and weary in our church pews, that’s what I want to be a part of.”

SHELLY ALFRED has served in ministry for over 15 years and currently holds the position of Program Director in Mercy’s Nashville home. At this year’s Freedom Experience, Shelly will be speaking on the subject of forgiveness. She states, “I have seen the damage that comes from bitterness and resentment in my personal life as well as those I have counseled. Forgiveness is a key that opens the door to freedom from a person’s past and releases her into a healthier way of life.”

Having previously served as a church youth pastor for six years and at various roles at Mercy for over three years, MELANIE CARTER is now Mercy’s Director of Outreach. Melanie will teach on “Renewing the Mind,” a favorite subject of hers. “Romans 12:2 tells us that we are literally transformed when we renew our minds! As we allow the light of God’s Word to infiltrate our minds, it will push out the lies of the enemy. I have personally experienced the POWER of God’s Word to change my thoughts, my heart, and my entire life!”

MELANIE HARBERT, Program Director in Mercy’s St. Louis home, has been helping hurting girls find freedom for over 11 years. Melanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and is working on her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Development. Melanie will share on “Finding Freedom from Oppression.” She states, “I am passionate about helping others see the gifts and abilities inside of them, then inspiring them to walk in those abilities.”

JEN OTERO has served at Mercy for over nine years. Previously Counselor and Director of Counseling in the Nashville Mercy home, Jen is now Mercy’s Transitional Care Manager. She holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and has counseled in different capacities for over 15 years. Jen will teach on “Healing Life Hurts,” a topic she’s passionate about. “I have witnessed firsthand the power and transformation available when we invite Jesus into the midst of our deepest hurts.”

MARGARET TROQUILLE has served hurting young women at Mercy for 21 years. Currently holding the position of Executive Director of Program Operations, Margaret has over 30 years of experience serving in leadership roles and pastoral counseling as well as serving in many different capacities within Mercy. Margaret will be teaching on Generational Patterns at this year’s Freedom Experience. Margaret states, “I am so passionate about seeing others truly live the life that God created them to live.”