Krystal – 2014 Graduate

I was sexually, physically and emotionally abused by a family member from age seven until age 12. At age 12, I began to self-harm. I wore many masks to keep people away. I had been in and out of hospitals and counseling. I was experiencing so much anger, torment, hatred and pain. I hated life. I just wanted to end it all as a way out. I had no hope, purpose or dreams.

I didn’t know how to express what was going on inside me. I was led by my emotions and resorted to attention-seeking behaviors. I was desperate for change and wanted help. My mentor told me about Mercy. When I went to the Mercy website, I knew in my heart Mercy was the place for me to be transformed.

At Mercy, my heart was touched after attending one of the graduations. Afterwards, I went to my counselor’s office and poured out my darkest secret that I had been holding inside. I was challenged by the staff to deal with the abuse of my past. I knew I would only experience freedom if I was willing to really look at my past. I was presented with a specific plan to motivate me and give me direction throughout my healing process. I had not realized how I was destroying my life by allowing my past to control me.

God showed me that even when I was a child, He was there for me. He never left my side. He showed me that He gives everyone a free will. We have a choice to choose Him or follow our free will. I realized that the people who hurt me no longer have control over my life. I learned there are still people I can trust because God has entrusted them to invest in me. I learned that the Lord hurts when His children are hurting. Most of all, I learned that God loves me so much.

After Mercy, I plan to go back to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I want to gain experience so that I can hopefully go back to college to become a Registered Nurse. I would love to serve as part of a medical missions team one day and use my skills to help give others hope.

I am so grateful that Nancy Alcorn remains obedient to the calling that God has on her life. If it was not for God and her, I would not have had the chance to experience freedom and hope. I am so thankful for the staff loving me and showing me how to trust again and that I am worthy of great things. To the donors who support Mercy, I am so thankful for every one of you. If not for your support, I may not be where I am today.