Amaris – 2017 Graduate

Many relationships in my family were dysfunctional due to addiction. I had a false understanding of what normal looked like. I assumed my experiences were normal when they were not. This confusion led me into a life of overall chaos, oppression, and disorder.

I discovered Mercy through my church family. There were former residents of both the Nashville and Monroe home who attended my church. I decided to apply because I felt led by God to do so. When I arrived, I was very broken and seeking God. I wanted hope and was determined to receive all God had to offer. I realized He brought me this far, so why not give it my all?

A major turning point in my Mercy journey was coming to the realization that God brings all things out of darkness and into the light. God, Himself, will reveal it all, so I shouldn’t bother to hide anything because it won’t benefit me.

Through Mercy God has shown me that He is my everything and that He provides everything. When I feel there is no hope, He always holds me by the hand. I have learned that no matter what happens in my life, His greatest desire is to have my heart. I know that He is there for me, and I will never be alone. I also learned my value and authority in Jesus Christ.

After graduating from Mercy, I will be attending college and studying psychology. My ultimate goal is to live completely in obedience to God by following His will and eventually become a missionary in a foreign country.

To all the Mercy supporters, I want to say thank y’all so much for all of the wonderful things your generosity has sprouted in my life! Your obedience and love has opened the door for me to come to Mercy and have a life-changing encounter with God. May you prosper and continue to live in obedience to our Abba Father.