“In January 1983, determined to establish a program in which lives would truly be transformed, Nancy Alcorn moved to Monroe, Louisiana to start Mercy Ministries of America (now Mercy Multiplied). She knew that there were three principles to which she must always remain faithful: (1) accept young women free-of-charge, (2) always give at least ten percent of all donations to other organizations and ministries, and (3) do not take any state or federal funding or any money that interferes with the freedom to share Christ.” 

I first heard about these amazing three founding principles in 2007. I knew immediately in my heart that Nancy Alcorn was someone I wanted to partner with. I believed this was a mission that would set my heart on fire. Life change was possible, and I wanted to be part of it.

Thankfully, due to the college degree, I had chosen, I had an opportunity to intern at the then Mercy Ministries in 2010 in Nashville, TN. Although I was only an intern, I experienced more life transformation in those three months being at Mercy Ministries than any other time of my life.

Thanks to Nancy Alcorn and very hospitable staff, I learned about speaking truth into my life. I learned to line up my thoughts to the Bible and how to renew my mind. I realized that mistakes former generations had made didn’t have to be my narrative. I learned that hearing from God could be as simple as showing up and listening. God changed me.

In 2014, after working at a different ministry for a few years, I felt called back to the very place that had changed my life. I was incredibly honored to be hired on as the Community Relations and Development Manager at Mercy Multiplied in Sacramento, California.

It was then that God was ready to do a different transformation in me, this time through my character, finances, obedience, and personal ministry. I was no longer someone who admired Nancy Alcorn from a distance; I had the opportunity to serve every day amongst her staff and see the lives changing right before me.

In my particular role, I was responsible for getting out into the Sacramento community and funding our local Mercy Multiplied home. I don’t think there is one day in the last five years I haven’t recited our three founding principles. In my own words: Number one, take young women in free-of-charge. We never want residents to think that we are making money off of their issues.

Number two, we have always been blessed through our giving, and we give ten percent of what we bring in away to other ministries. Number three, we take no state or government funding and no money with strings attached. We know that freedom is possible through Christ, and we don’t take any money that doesn’t allow us to preach that message.

As time went on, I found myself to be extremely challenged by these three founding principles in my own life.

Principle #1: Take young women in free-of-charge

Was it true that I gave what I had freely to others? I might not be a residential counseling home, but I have other skills, talents, and time that I can give. Am I willing to do this free-of-charge without expecting something in return? Am I giving to others without passive-aggressive guilt-tripping?

Principle #2: Tithe 10% of income

Did I understand that it is a promise from God that I would be blessed through my giving? Did I trust him enough to give when I was worried there would not be anymore? Did I trust God with the first of my everything? Did I support others who are doing similar work instead of feeling threatened? Did I give when God called me to give, or did I hold onto it for myself?

Principle #3: Never take money with strings attached

Did I take things that had strings attached? Did I ever let greed or something that was maybe pretty good but not holy get in the way of proclaiming the gospel? Did I compromise what I knew was right to get ahead in a worldly sense? Did I let titles and accolades steer me in a direction I didn’t originally intend?

In these past five years of working at Mercy Multiplied, there hasn’t been a single day God hasn’t challenged my belief system. Every day I have the privilege of watching the fantastic staff of Mercy Multiplied carry out integrity in every choice that they make. Every decision they have made has made me a better person, a better friend, a better coworker, a better wife, and a better follower of Christ.

As you read this article, I pray that God would kindly nudge you towards your next growth spot. I truly believe the closer you become to this anointed ministry, the more God can change your heart for the better!

Mercy Multiplied is a nonprofit Christian organization that equips people to live free and stay free through Jesus Christ. To learn more about our free-of-charge residential counseling program and Outreach services click here. 

For a more in-depth look at our organization and founding principles watch our history video on YouTube. Follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!