It was a night full of gratitude and thanksgiving as nearly 1,000 Mercy Multiplied supporters gathered at Nashville’s Music City Center to celebrate all God has been doing over the past 40 years. Christ has transformed thousands of lives through Mercy’s Residential and Outpatient Programs, its Keys to Freedom study, MPower workshops, as well as the recently launched Keys to Freedom Retreat. What started as one residential home in West Monroe, Louisiana, has multiplied into a global ministry.
As guests arrived, they were escorted to a reception where hors d’oeurves were served prior to the main event, where a multi-course dinner was served. The room was dressed with custom luminaries and soft lighting. Pam Winters, who served as the event chair for the evening, took the stage to welcome everyone. A long-time friend and supporter of Mercy, Pam and her husband Larry have been supporting Mercy since the 1980s, and through their company, Leadership Training Development (LTD), they have introduced thousands of people to the mission of Mercy Multiplied.
After welcoming everyone and praying over the meal, she directed people’s attention to the video screens for a surprise video presentation congratulating Founder and President, Nancy Alcorn, for 40 years of ministry. CeCe Winans, Danny Gokey, Ellie Holcomb, Joel and Victoria Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Matthew West, Natalie Grant, and Point of Grace all submitted congratulatory videos and words of encouragement, taking Nancy completely by surprise.
The program officially kicked off after dinner, with Nancy taking the stage to welcome everyone to the event and introduce long-time friend of Mercy, CeCe Winans. Winans brought in the Christmas cheer with an upbeat holiday song, followed by “Worthy Of It All” from her chart-topping Believe For It album. As the presence of God was ushered into the room, attendees joined in, singing along and worshiping God.
This year’s program was presented interview style with Nancy Alcorn and Mercy UK CEO Arianna Walker having a conversation about all God has accomplished over the past 40 years both in the United States and around the world. 2003 Mercy graduate Jaime Lowery shared her powerful testimony about her time in Mercy’s Residential Program. Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, Jaime chose life by coming to the program. After working with her counselor and going through basic decision-making classes, Jaime chose to place her child for adoption.
At the closing of the interview was a special video sharing just a few testimonials from people who have been impacted by different areas of the ministry. You can watch the video here.
Pam Winters took the stage again and shared her personal story and why Mercy Multiplied means so much to her and her husband. She also asked for people to stand if they had been impacted by Mercy in some way, whether they were a former resident or graduate of the Residential Program, an outpatient client, have walked through Keys to Freedom, MPower, or have listened to the Mercy Talk podcast; adopted from Mercy or are a Mercy baby; served as a staff member, served as a board member, supported Mercy through time, talent, or treasure, or have been affected by Mercy in any way. Hundreds of people stood, representing Mercy’s reach and impact throughout the years.
CeCe Winans took the stage one last time and led the audience through an incredible time of worship with her hit single, “Believe For It,” followed by “Goodness of God.” The presence of the Lord filled the room as people stood and worshiped together, giving glory and honor to God, His goodness, and mercies.
Mercy Multiplied was blessed beyond measure by the generosity of its supporters. As a result, the ministry raised more money than ever before! At the writing of this story, $972,442.47, has been received or pledged.
We are so thankful for our Merry Mercy Committee members and all of our event sponsors. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, LegacyTree Foundation, and our Platinum Sponsors, Central Oil & Supply, Leadership Team Development, Inc., and Seeds Church.
If you would like to give a special gift honoring Mercy’s 40 years of seeing lives transformed through Christ, you can do so here.
