What a year 2020 has been so far.  We know that for many of our friends and supporters, this year has brought about significant and unprecedented challenges for so many.  The same is true for Mercy Multiplied.  But amidst the challenges and global crisis, the leadership and Board of Mercy has found new opportunities and a fresh perspective for how we equip people to live free and stay free in Christ. As cities across the nation have navigated stay at home orders, partial openings, and challenges of working towards getting people back to work, school, and gathering together, the mission of Mercy has not skipped a beat.  Because Mercy’s residential facilities are considered essential, our homes have remained open with some slight adaptations to how we operate.  Since January 2020, we have continued to see women find freedom in Christ with 63 graduating from our residential program. We have also seen an increased number in people finding freedom through our Keys to Freedom study. We wanted to update you on what’s been happening these past 7 months and how Mercy has continued to adapt!

Intake Process

With safety being a top priority, the intake process has been modified to stagger entries in a way that ensures resident and staff safety. Residents are screened and asked a series of questions to ensure there has been no exposure to anyone with the coronavirus. Additionally, the young women are required to self-quarantine for two weeks before coming to the program. This process change has made the transition into the home easier for our new residents.

Virtual Opportunities

With regulations preventing large in-person gatherings, Mercy found new opportunities to help even more hurting people by utilizing technology. The Outreach Services created a free, eight-week Keys to Freedom boot camp on Facebook and had over 750 people register! People have shared testimony after testimony about how they are being set free from unforgiveness and anger. After seeing the impact of the boot camp, the Outreach team is excited to be offering a similar digital Keys to Freedom Teaching Series starting August 13. Click here for details.

The Outreach Services team has also piloted a virtual MPower training designed to educate, equip, and empower pastors, ministry leaders, teachers, counselors, parents, and others to more effectively help and support people who are hurting and struggling, while staying healthy and whole in the process.  Now more than ever, people are angry, hurting, and need solid support from others and we are excited to host another Virtual MPower Workshop on October 2-3.

Exciting Announcement

Mercy has also had the opportunity to evaluate and consider the barriers that are holding young women back from receiving the life-transforming help they need. One of those barriers is the intimidating idea of disconnecting from “real life.” The question was asked, “what if we could serve women earlier in their challenges and avoid crisis points?” We believe God has led us to an incredible solution to these barriers.  So, with this in mind, Mercy is excited to announce the prototype of its first non-residential Mercy Multiplied Center for Wellness and Counseling this September, where it all began in the West Monroe, Louisiana home.

At this center, Christ-centered holistic care for spirit, soul, and body, will be offered at an outpatient level to any female aged 13 and older. The goal is to serve women throughout the state of Louisiana and even neighboring states if they are willing to drive to get the help they need.  We look forward to seeing where God leads us as we evaluate this prototype and consider other locations to launch similar programs in the future.

While the West Monroe home is transitioning into an outpatient center, our homes in Nashville, TN, St. Louis, MO, and Sacramento, CA, will continue to offer residential services. Mercy will always provide residential services, because, for many people, the need to step away from their day-to-day environment is essential for their healing process.

This year has been difficult to navigate but God remains faithful. He continues to provide for this ministry in unexpected ways and has expanded Mercy’s reach to help more hurting people. From new endeavors in Louisiana to experimenting with technology, more and more people are walking in freedom. If you would like to join in the mission of Mercy, become a monthly partner today and play a key role in the ongoing work to restore the lives of people in need!