Coaches’ Wives Support Mercy Multiplied

April 13, 2016

THE GATHERING - Liesel

Julie McKay introducing Mercy Multiplied and 2004 Mercy grad Liesel at The Gathering

While attending the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four Tournament in Houston recently, 240 coaches’ wives acknowledged that March Madness isn’t just about basketball. During an annual program called The Gathering, coaches’ wives representing colleges and universities from all over the nation and from every competitive division took time to recognize and give to Mercy Multiplied’s work and mission.

Since 2007, The Gathering has been a way for coaches’ wives attending the National Association of Basketball Coaches’ Convention at The Final Four to connect with other coaches’ wives and be encouraged, inspired, and challenged by a creative program of guest panelists and keynote speakers. As the event grew in attendance each year, The Gathering planning committee saw the need to not only bless coaches’ wives, but also provide an opportunity for coaches’ wives to be a blessing.

THE GATHERING-Grad Liesel speaking

Mercy grad Liesel on the big screen presenting to 240 coaches’ wives from all over the country

“It is so rewarding to see what God can accomplish when we come together to be a part of something bigger than ourselves!” said Julie McKay, a member of The Gathering committee and wife of Liberty University Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Ritchie McKay. “As The Gathering grows and our vision expands, we recognize the value of giving generously not only of our time, talents, and passions, but also of our resources.”

A natural connection between The Gathering and Mercy Multiplied came through Jackie Quinn, who serves as both The Gathering’s Program Coordinator and Mercy’s Director of Communications. “It’s always powerful when women determine to use the platforms they’ve been given for greater purpose. It’s exciting to see women who have such influence on university campuses across the nation lift up a ministry that is so transformational for young women. It’s essentially leaders raising up leaders!”

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Jackie Quinn interviewing Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman at The Gathering

In 2015, The Gathering began investing in Mercy Multiplied and encouraging others to join in supporting Mercy’s life-transforming work among young women across America and around the world. Coaches’ wives heard from Mercy’s Founder and President, Nancy Alcorn, who was the featured keynote speaker for the 2015 program and inspired many by her commitment to serve hurting and broken young women.

In this year’s program, The Gathering attendees heard from 2004 Mercy graduate Liesel. Liesel shared how her turbulent upbringing culminated in a life-controlling drug addiction. She described the instability and pain her addiction caused in her life and relationships. Through the Mercy Multiplied program, Liesel received the tools and perspective she needed to break free from her addiction and its destructive cycles. She shared how the hope and restoration she found in Christ is now being multiplied in her marriage and family more than a decade after her graduation from Mercy.

THE GATHERING-Liesel

Mercy grad Liesel sharing her story of transformation

At the end of The Gathering program, which also included a panel discussion of coaches’ wives and a feature interview with Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman, guests were provided an opportunity to give to Mercy.

Mercy is grateful for the support and generosity of The Gathering. For more information on The Gathering, click here. To learn how you or your organization can partner with Mercy Multiplied, click here.