Alison
Throughout my childhood, I was physically, sexually and verbally abused. I made straight A’s in school, played sports and had lots of friends, but I was consumed with shame. I struggled with anorexia and bulimia and began to cut myself. I became extremely depressed and suicidal and knew I couldn’t get better on my own. I had a friend who graduated from Mercy and I longed for the freedom and hope that she had, so I applied. While at Mercy, the Lord restored me. Although it has been really hard to work through my past and pain, He has healed me and shown me how to walk in the freedom and authority I have as a believer. I’ve learned to see God much more clearly and know that He was not the author of my pain. I am so joyful and grateful for all the Lord has done in my life and heart.
After Mercy, I plan to finish my last semester of college with a double major in psychology and Spanish. After college, I plan to go to seminary and get a degree in Biblical counseling. I know that God is calling me to help others who are struggling with the same things that I have overcome by His grace, and I am so excited to see all the good that God has in store for me.
Chelsi
I was raised in a Christian home and my father became a pastor when I was 9. Growing up, I was constantly made fun of for being overweight, smart and a pastor’s kid. I was also molested several times during my childhood. At 11, I began to use drugs to numb my pain and at 14, I began to self-harm. Later, I developed an eating disorder and began to over-exercise. After years of struggling with these issues, a friend told me about Mercy, and I knew I had to apply. While at Mercy, God has taken away my fear and restored my relationship with my family. Being at Mercy has been the most life-changing experience I’ve ever had! I have learned that my identity has nothing to do with what I do or how I look. I know who I am in Christ. He has healed me of all my wounds and shown me that He is the only thing I need.
After graduation, I plan to finish my bachelor’s degree in psychology and get involved in the young women’s ministry in my church.
Lauren
I lost many loved ones at a young age and became severely depressed. I started using drugs in my teens, and soon they took over my entire life. I felt like my hopes and dreams for the future were snatched away from me. I knew I had to get help or I wasn’t going to survive. I found Mercy on the internet and decided to apply.Being at Mercy changed my life. I now have hope for the future. I’ve learned that my past does not determine my future, and in Christ I am a new creation. I am completely free from drug addiction, and I have never experienced such joy and happiness.
After graduation, I plan to go to cosmetology school. I am so excited to finally start fulfilling my God-given destiny.
Colie
I experienced a lot of verbal abuse growing up. This led to fear, anxiety, eating disordered behavior and depression. I cut myself to numb the pain I was feeling and to punish myself. I hated myself and felt I could never be good enough. I used over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs to try and kill myself. I heard about Mercy from a friend and decided to apply.While at Mercy, God has literally saved my life. I know I am forgiven, loved and accepted by God. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am not my past and I have a life worth living in Him.
After graduation, I plan to work on finishing my creative writing degree. I also hope to get married someday. I want to share God’s love!
Congratulations Alison, Chelsi, Lauren and Colie! We are so proud of you! We have truly seen your lives transformed by the unconditional love of God and can’t wait to see what He has in store for you in the future!
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