This summer, Mercy residents enjoyed a day on the water with In His Wakes, a ministry that uses water sports to share Christ’s love. Nashville residents and staff participated in the “Day to Remember” program in early June, according to Faith Phillips, Executive Program Assistant at the Nashville Mercy home. “We enjoyed tubing, surfing, and got to try out a Zup-board,” said Phillips. “The residents had a wonderful time!” 

 After their time on the water, residents had an opportunity to share their ‘victory’ of the day. Comments from the Nashville Mercy residents illustrate the powerful impact of In His Wakes. One young woman shared, “I actually have a pretty big fear of bodies of water, but I was able to step out and face my fears today. I decided to go tubing, and it was so much fun! I’m really proud of myself, and I’m glad I trusted God.” Another resident said the day helped her with social anxiety: “I have a really hard time being in large groups of people and socializing but today was actually really fun.”   

Another resident celebrated how much her life has changed in Mercy’s Residential Program. 

“Before Mercy, I spent a lot of time on the lake, but I didn’t make the best decisions back then, and I did things I’m not proud of. Part of me was worried I might be reminded of the things I did going back to the lake, but since being at Mercy, I know I have grown in so many ways. I’m so grateful for what I experienced today and to see that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  

California Mercy residents had their day at In His Wakes in July, and Administrative Assistant Lindsay Aja said, “Everyone loved it. They each tried something new and enjoyed being out in the fresh air and on the water.” Aja thanked the In His Wakes staff for providing the encouragement each young woman needed to have a wonderful time.  

One California resident described the experience as a blessing. “My ‘off the dock’ moment was when I jumped onto the body board. I truly felt at peace in His wake,” she said, adding, “Being in His wake is my happy place.” 

Another resident expressed her desire to use the faith lessons learned through water sports. “In His Wakes is a true representation of how God calls us to step out of comfort zones. Through ‘getting off the dock’ I was able to experience letting go and stepping out of my comfort zone – a practice I will take with me in my walk with Jesus.”   

After the young women enjoyed a slideshow of pictures from their day, they had an opportunity to publicly express their faith in Christ through baptism. Eight Mercy residents chose to be baptized at In His Wakes. 

Mercy Multiplied’s Residential Program is for young women ages 13 to 32 who are struggling with life-controlling issues and situations. The program is free of charge because of Mercy’s community of generous donors. Click to learn more about Mercy’s Residential Program. 

Click to learn more about In His Wakes.