“Sweet” Event Blesses Mercy

September 15, 2016

A full house to support Mercy Monroe

More than 175 people attended “The Sweetness of Mercy” event last Sunday to benefit Mercy Multiplied. Hosted by the Missions Committee of the First United Methodist Church of Monroe (FUMCM), the event raised nearly $9,000 for Mercy’s residential home located in Monroe, Louisiana, one of four Mercy homes in the U.S.

Pastor Lynn Malone and the FUMCM congregation have been faithful supporters of Mercy for many years. Jan Nelson, chair of the FUMCM Missions Committee, also serves as a member of the Monroe Mercy Community Board and led her Missions team to orchestrate a powerful program highlighting Mercy.

“Sound Faith!” leading worship

The evening began with a fish dinner catered by Catfish Cabin. Several other area restaurants and bakeries and women from FUMCM provided tables full of sweet desserts. Following dinner, “Sound Faith!” led a moving time of worship. Cathy Whatley, FUMCM Missions team member, then introduced Mercy’s Community Relations Manager, Dana Owens; 2004 Mercy graduate, Lyndsey; and current Mercy resident Natassia to share about the mission and ministry of Mercy Multiplied.

2004 Mercy grad Lyndsey sharing her journey to freedom

Lyndsey shared that while her life before Mercy was a very dark place of depression, attempts to take her own life, and numerous psychiatric hospitalizations, she met God in a very real and powerful way at Mercy. Lyndsey now lives in great freedom and peace and is married with two children.

Natassia entered the Monroe Mercy home in April of this year and is excited to be graduating on September 20^th. She spent the majority of her life in Guatamela with her parents who served there as missionaries. She loved doing ministry with her family and had a strong relationship with the Lord. However, after being sexually abused by a family friend, her life began to unravel. Natassia returned to the U.S. at the age of 16 and had a difficult time adjusting to her new surroundings. Life spiraled out of control in a number of ways, until she found Mercy. While in the program, Natassia has found a renewed relationship with the Lord and a newfound hope and freedom.

Pastor Malone praying over the Mercy residents

At the close of the event, Pastor Lynn Malone, Rev. J. Roddy Taylor, Rev. Chris Winterman, and FUMCM members gathered around the Mercy residents for a special blessing and prayer.

The Monroe residents were moved at the support and generosity of those gathered. Read some of their heartfelt responses below:

Sunday’s event meant so much to me. It was really sweet to see a church come together in support of Mercy Multiplied. Everyone was so encouraging and loving. All of us felt so loved by the thoughtfulness put into the event for us. The fish fry and all of the desserts were delicious and made us feel treasured. We feel so undeserving of all the church did for us. It was a great night of worship and testimonies of how the Lord has transformed girls’ lives through Mercy. It was a blessing to see a group who supports this ministry and really cares about furthering the Kingdom on earth and to see all the work being done through Mercy Multiplied. –Jan

Thank you so much for the wonderful event Sunday evening. It truly means a lot to have such amazing support from churches like yours. The time and effort y’all put in is an incredible representation of God’s love. I felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet some of your members, and the prayer at the end touched my heart. The food and desserts were absolutely delicious (best hush puppies I’ve ever had)! I really can’t say thank you enough. It’s because of churches like you and your generosity that Mercy’s doors remain open and girls like myself can receive healing. God bless you! -Lena

Tasha and Illena, Monroe Mercy residents

Sunday night’s event meant so much to me. I felt so honored to have the church gather together on our behalf. It was such a loving atmosphere and a judge-free zone. I’ve never felt or experienced so much love and support until coming to Mercy and from those who support Mercy. For the first time, I felt like a queen. -Tasha

“The Sweetness of Mercy” event sponsors were: Lillian & Herschel Gentry, Pam and Fred Hill, Johellen & Malcolm Maddox, Jan and David Nelson, Hope and Dan Robertson, and Cathy and Bill Whatley. Contributing businesses included:

The Paper Market, Thurman’s Food Factory, The Coffee Bean, Albritton’s Cake House and Catering, The Bakery Boutique, Daily Press, Daily Harvest, Newk’s Eatery, Lea’s of Lecompte, Not Just Pie, Restaurant Sage, Janie McGuffee and CC’s Coffee.

Mercy is grateful for the partnership of FUMCM and the support of the Monroe community. Click here to learn how you or your organization can partner with Mercy and support young women as they break free from life-controlling issues.