December 2, 2015

Many new visitors attended Friends of Mercy luncheons this month at the Nashville, Sacramento and St. Louis Mercy homes. Nearly 150 guests from the respective regions came to learn more about the local and worldwide work and mission of Mercy.

At each event guests enjoyed a complimentary lunch and program highlighting the life-transforming stories of current Mercy residents and graduates.

In Sacramento, current residents Callie and Jen and graduate Beth shared their personal stories of transformation. Callie and Jen each told guests how Mercy helped them overcome decade-long eating disorders. Beth, the first resident at the California home when it opened in 2009, shared with guests how she is still walking in freedom and successfully using the tools she learned at Mercy almost six years later.

In St. Louis, current resident Krystal shared about the abuse she suffered at a young age and how through Mercy she has found her hope and identity in Christ. Krystal also shared that God has ignited a passion in her to be an advocate for foster care children in the future. Michal, a 2014 graduate, shared how she overcame abuse, depression, and her eating disorder through the Mercy program. God has restored Michal’s hope and dreams, and she is now attending college on an academic and water polo scholarship.

All of the young women who presented at this month’s luncheons are among the thousands Mercy has served since its beginning in 1983. Girls ages 13-28 from all socio-economic backgrounds come to Mercy for an average of six months to receive the care and counseling they need to break free from a combination of life-controlling issues.

Each luncheon concluded with tours of the respective regional homes. Guests were also introduced to Mercy’s many resources and encouraged to use them as tools to help the hurting within their local churches and spheres of influence. Many were excited at the chance to get copies of Mercy Founder and President Nancy Alcorn’s new book, Ditch the Baggage, and corresponding study series that outlines the seven keys to freedom used in the Mercy program.

Mercy is thankful for the generous sponsors who made these events possible! If you are interested in attending or sponsoring a future Friends of Mercy Luncheon, be sure to check our Events page for upcoming dates.