“In May of this year, I started my journey here at Mercy. Over the past six months, past all the tears, the prayers that were prayed over me and the ones I whispered that no one knew about. Past all the growing pains, I learned something. The pain that I was in then, is what God wanted to heal so that I could experience His joy. I’m reminded of that very thing this holiday season. I know that this time of year is hard for a lot of people and it has been for me at times, but being at Mercy, surrounded by people who have been my family since I’ve come here, has been healing and comforting. Something that I haven’t always experienced during the holidays. Even the little things like decorating cookies or encouraging each other to say what we’re thankful for have brought peace to my life. The staff have continued to encourage us and point us to Jesus. I’m thankful to God for using Mercy to bring the healing that only He could bring.” – 2025 Mercy Resident
Healing rarely happens at once. More often, it unfolds slowly—through tears shed in private;prayers whispered when words feel too heavy to speak aloud, and moments of surrender that no one else ever sees. This is the kind of healing God is doing every day at Mercy.
One resident recently shared how she arrived at Mercy carrying deep pain—pain that had shaped her holidays, her relationships, and her understanding of family. Over time, through prayer, community, and intentional discipleship, God began healing the very places that once caused her the most hurt. What she discovered is a truth we see again and again: the pain God heals is often the pathway to the joy He wants His children to experience.
For many, the holiday season can intensify feelings of loneliness, grief, or disappointment. Expectations clash with reality, and old wounds can resurface. Yet at Mercy, residentsexperience something different. They find a safe, Christ-centered community marked by unconditional love-where they are seen, known, and valued by a loving God who is restoring them day by day.
Simple moments—decorating cookies, building gingerbread houses, expressing gratitude, encouraging one another—become sacred. These small acts, rooted in consistency and love, restore trust and bring peace. Students learn that joy doesn’t come from pretending the pain never existed, but from allowing God to meet them in it.
Central to this transformation is the commitment of Mercy’s staff, who faithfully point residentsback to Jesus. They pray, they listen, and they walk alongside each girl with compassion and truth. God continues to do what only He can do—heal hearts, restore identity, and bring lasting freedom.
This testimony is one of many reminders that redemption is real and ongoing. When God is given access to our deepest wounds, He replaces sorrow with hope and pain with purpose. We are grateful to witness His work and thankful for every life being transformed at Mercy.
As we move through this season, may we remember that true joy is found not in perfect circumstances, but in the healing presence of Christ—and may we continue to celebrate the lives He is restoring every day.