Mattea – 2015 Graduate

I was sexually abused as a child and severely bullied. This led to my struggle with an eating disorder, depression and sexual immorality later on in life. I believed my identity and self worth solely depended on my ability to appease God, which to me meant earning His love and forgiveness by being perfect and pleasing others.

My cousin graduated from Mercy, and my dad told me about it. I applied out of desperation, and I was really hopeless when I arrived.

I had several turning points during my time at Mercy. The first was when I learned that I didn’t have to earn God’s love and forgiveness and was freed from living under condemnation. The second was when I learned my identity is in Christ alone. The third turning point was when I told my counselor about my past struggle with sexual immorality and was freed from my sexual addictions. The final one was when I finally surrendered my will to God.

Through Mercy, God has transformed my life. I went from being hopeless of ever being healed to having hope overflowing for my future. I went from having no identity to finding my identity in Christ. I learned that God loves me.

My dream is to start a retreat center focused on helping college age women suffering from tragedies like a serious break up, death of a parent, or a car accident to come process and reconnect with God. My plan is to go to a ministry school to get my degree as a pastor in order to better equip me for this retreat center. I also plan to get married someday.

Mercy didn’t just change my life, it transformed my life. Thank you so much for your support, time and resources. You have made a big difference in my life. I know it can be hard to give when you don’t get to see the fruit of your labor, but I’m so blessed that I get to see the fruit of your labor every day. It’s amazing, awe-inspiring, encouraging and much appreciated. Thank you!