Melanie – 2015 Graduate

I had a difficult childhood growing up and endured a lot of abuse. This led to a terrible addiction of self-harming every day, multiple times a day. I wanted to escape from my home life. I knew I needed Jesus and that there was life more abundantly found in God. I wanted a safe place to heal. That’s why I came to Mercy.

I found out about Mercy through an organization called Population WE that Matthew West runs. I decided to apply because I was desperate for healing and freedom. When I arrived, I was stubborn. I was afraid to change and press through. I was also very withdrawn.

A major turning point during my time at Mercy was when God showed me specifically that He loved me and cared for me. God showed me that it was by His stripes that I am made whole. That was so personal for me. His love for me clicked. God also showed me that my self-harm addiction was more than just a root issue but an agreement with the enemy. I hated the devil for that. I decided I didn’t want to continue self-harming—I wanted to serve God. He showed me He wanted to rebuild me and love me.

God has completely healed me from my self-harm addiction and even the small roots of shame that were hidden in the darkness. Despite my scars, I can see I am beautiful because I see who I am in Christ.

After graduating from Mercy, I plan to go to school, and I also hope to start a ministry someday. I know it sounds “crazy,” but that is what God has continued to reveal to me. He wants me to be a sparkplug for His glory, sparking revival. I don’t know what that will look like just yet, but He’ll show me.

To all the Mercy supporters, thank you so much for being a vessel of the Lord. Because of your donations, you made it possible for me to come and receive the healing and freedom I now have.