Kristina – 2017 Graduate

As a child, I was sexually abused. This abuse led to a lot of confusion, disgust, embarrassment, and awkwardness. Throughout middle school and high school I was bullied. I was called fat, ugly, dumb, and many other things. I was rejected, ignored, and talked about, even by my own friends. Soon, I started to believe the lies they said and eventually started to hate myself. To cope, I put on different masks and acted like someone I wasn’t. Eventually, I was so unhappy with myself, I developed an eating disorder. In 2011, I tried to commit suicide. I didn’t see a point to living anymore. When I went to college, I thought everything would change, but I was still rejected and ignored. My suicidal thoughts became worse. I also started to self-harm. On December 17, 2014, my dad passed away very unexpectedly. I was very close to my dad. I didn’t understand why God would take him. To say I hated God was an understatement. I wanted nothing to do with him. At that point my suicidal thoughts were an every day, every second thought. I hated everything about life and became a very angry person.

I heard about Mercy when I was driving one day. My thoughts were consumed with contemplating taking my own life, when the song He Knows My Name came on the radio. In the song, a few girls were talking about Mercy Multiplied. I decided it wouldn’t hurt to consider it, and I applied because I was sick of the way I was living. I knew my dad was in Heaven, and I wanted to see him again one day, but the way I was going, I thought I never would. I had tried other therapists already and realized that Mercy was my only option. When I arrived at Mercy, I was at the last straw of my life. When I walked through the doors, I knew there was hope for me.

One major turning point for me at Mercy was when we went to a conference, and one of the speakers was talking about losing a loved one. Before Mercy, every time I thought about my dad, I would always get very upset and mad. During this conference, I could feel God’s presence around me. I could see myself dancing with my dad and singing and laughing. I could feel the peace and joy. I knew my dad was with me, and I could almost feel him hugging me. From that point on, I have been at peace about my dad’s passing.

God has done so much for me. God has shown me my true identity. I know that I am beautiful, loved, worthy, precious, and perfect in God’s eyes. He has restored peace, love, and joy in my life. I no longer struggle with wanting to live. I am now happy with my life and can see a future, when before I never did. God has healed me and brought freedom to my life. I can’t picture my life without God. He has restored my strength and made me new. I give all my praise to God.

After I graduate from Mercy, I plan on using my bachelor’s degree to get a full-time job. I want to do ministry work through my church or wherever God has planned. I eventually also want to do missionary work.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, amazing donors! You all are such a blessing to me. Words cannot describe how much I appreciate your love and support. You have given me a chance to live again. Thank you so much.