Rachel- 2015 Graduate

My life before being adopted was quite chaotic. At a young age I was trafficked and sold to countless men. My self-worth became very skewed. As a teenager, I was assaulted multiple times, and I became pregnant twice as a result of rape. I miscarried the first pregnancy, and because of my fears of miscarrying the second pregnancy, I had an abortion. I reached a very broken place in my life after the last assault. It led me to share the abuse that had been happening in my home. At this point, I was adopted and began the journey to healing.

When I was nineteen, a friend brought up the idea of going to Mercy. With much fear, I began the application process. I knew that I desperately needed healing from the abuse I had suffered at the hands of so many. When I first entered the program, I was full of anger and fear. I did not trust the staff, and ultimately, I did not trust God. My fear almost caused me to leave the program. I was broken and in need of healing, but I did not think that true healing and freedom was really possible for me.

A major turning point for me was when I wanted so badly to quit the program and go home. My trust in God had all but disappeared, and I doubted His ability to change, heal, and transform my life. At this point, the Lord began a great work in me, showing me His transforming power and propelling me forward in the healing process. Another major turning point for me was when my little cousin took her life. I was so broken and heavy-hearted. The first thought that I had when I found out was, “Why wasn’t that me?” The Lord quickly spoke into my heart that He has called me to live. He has instilled in me the truth of life and love, and that He does not desire for me to die. Once I realized this and firmly believed it, I was able to really press into the rest of the healing and freedom He had for me.

I could write a whole book on what God did in my life while I was at Mercy! He freed me from self-injury, the oppression of suicide, the bondage of sexual abuse and sex-trafficking, and the control of bulimia. He has revealed His infinite love for me, and that allows me to love myself in a healthier way.

I plan to return to college to pursue my degrees in psychology and human services and to serve with campus ministries, find a job, and start attending church.

I want to say thank you to all the supporters who graciously pour into Mercy so that girls like me can find true healing and freedom in Jesus.