2018 Graduate Update
“When I was in grade school, my parents divorced, and I blamed myself. In high school, I felt rejected and struggled with self-harm, sexual addiction, and depression. Multiple negative influences in my life caused me to develop an eating disorder. Eventually, I felt like I had lost all control of my life and attempted suicide for the first time. I stopped living and simply endured the days. Shortly after this attempt, I was raped. I felt like the only good thing left in me was gone. My eating disorder grew worse, and I began to use drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. I had picked a date and made a plan to end my life: August 20, 2014. On August 19, 2014, Mercy contacted me with an entry date into the program.
I wouldn’t be alive today if I hadn’t found God’s love through Mercy. I was overwhelmed by the love and kindness I experienced. I figured I would just have to learn to live with all my issues and would never be free from my torment. In newly found times of joy, I couldn’t understand how I was NOT depressed, and I began to believe that change was possible. God showed me who He is and who I am in Him, which changed everything for me! I fully committed my life to Christ and replaced the lies I believed with His truth.
God not only saved my life, but gave me a life of purpose. Since graduating from Mercy, I have been given the opportunity to serve and intern at my church and attend leadership courses. I have also been accepted into the World Race’s Mission Expedition! In August of 2018 (four years from my planned suicide), I will be traveling to 11 different countries to share the Gospel over the span of 11 months. I have a desire to see people set free and want to be a powerful voice that brings change for the Kingdom. I am ready to boldly share Christ with the world!”
-Ashley was a graduate from Mercy in 2015
