Anna – 2012 Graduate

I was adopted as an infant from Calcutta, India. My family was stable until my parents divorced when I was eight years old. Following the divorce, I suffered major abuse from a family member growing up. This environment made me believe I had to be perfect to be worthy. I spent my life feeling as if no one loved or wanted me.

During middle school, I began to struggle with my weight. I was told that curves meant I was fat, so I began to monitor my food and hated myself if I ate too much. I also began to despise being Indian. I just wanted to be like everyone else with no distinctions that would make me stick out. My life was out of control. So much pain burdened my heart and I began cutting to cope with my pain. I literally felt dead.

During high school, I faced extreme levels of sexual abuse. My life was out of control, so I began drinking and partying. So much pain burdened my heart.

I found out about Mercy through my pastor and a Mercy graduate at my church. I knew I needed more help than counseling or a support group could offer, so I applied. When I entered Mercy, I was extremely broken. I had a willing mask on, but inside I was terrified to enter the process of healing.

Today, I am new creation! God has restored my soul, and breathed life into me. During my time at Mercy, all of my masks came off, and the REAL Anna was exposed. God showed me that the abuse is not my fault. I now know I am clean by the blood of Jesus! For the first time in life, I can trust people and receive their love. It’s incredible! I know God has plans to prosper me, and to give me hope and a wonderful future! My greatest lesson is that it doesn’t matter where you are; it’s whether you have Jesus as your Savior.

In the future, I plan on working in sex trafficking prevention and abolition. I pray God will work through me to reach others as I speak about what He has done in my life.

Thank you, Mercy, for your obedience to the call of Christ! I’ll forever be grateful to your guidance and love. Without Mercy, I know I’d be dead right now. Instead, I am out of bondage and am free! I can live my life to the fullest!