Dr. John Townsend shares an incredible teaching about relationships at Mercy Ministries

Dr. John Townsend, author of Boundaries and Changes that Heal impacted residents at the Nashville home with a lesson on relationships. He explained how believers need to relearn how to ask for their relational needs to be met. To learn more about Dr. Townsend or his books visit http://www.cloudtownsend.com.

Special Guests at Mercy Ministries – Dr. Neil Anderson and More!!

Nashville residents and staff had an incredible week of teaching and encouragement with several very special guests. Last Wednesday, it was a privilege to have Dr. Neil Anderson, well-known speaker and author of “The Bondage Breaker,” “Victory Over the Darkness,” and many other books, take time away from his busy counseling and speaking schedule to offer his incredible wisdom insight and wisdom to our girls and staff.

Dr. Anderson shared with the residents and staff about the power of forgiveness. Having had to forgive for some tragic events in his own life, Dr. Anderson explained that even after tragedy, there is life and hope and God doesn’t have to fix our past - He frees us from it. He shared that forgiveness is more about finding freedom for ourselves than it is about the other person. Check out this video clip from our awesome and powerful time with Dr. Neil Anderson:

To learn more about Neil Anderson and his many resources, visit his website at www.ficm.org.

Then on Thursday, residents were excited to hear from Karen Philpott, former Marketing Director for Mercy Ministries and author and speaker, Leighann McCoy, who pastors at Thompson Station Church alongside her husband Tom McCoy. Both of these ladies have a huge heart for Mercy Ministries and we are excited to continue building a relationship with this awesome church.

Karen Philpott had an impactful time with residents when she shared a powerful message from her heart on the power of prayer. Leighann continued this intimate discussion by passionately illustrating the undeniable worth each person has as a child of God. Residents and staff were impacted in a powerful way!

Here is what a few of the girls had to say about these very special visitors:

Ashleigh said, “I always thought that I had to get myself right before I could forgive people, but it’s the other way around. I love when Dr. Anderson said, ‘You forgive in order to heal,’ because I can begin to let go of bitterness and let God do the judging.”

Michelle said, “God is going to keep telling me the same thing until I believe it. I loved Leighann’s message about how God gives me power to act in His image and if I seek Him I will find Him.

Caitlin said, “One of the biggest things I am working on is staying in consistent prayer continually throughout my day so that I can learn and not feel helpless or insecure. I plan to journal more so I can listen for what God is saying to me.”

Check out these video clips of our time with Dr. Anderson, Karen and Leighann.

Special thanks to Dr. Neil Anderson, Karen Philpott, and Leighann McCoy. We are so honored and grateful to have these very incredible people take the time to pour into our girls and staff.

COLMANblue visits Mercy Ministries

Christian artists, COLMANblue visited the Nashville, TN Mercy Ministries home recently. Chrissy Katina and Kristin Schweain, formerly of the Dove Award-winning group ZOEgirl, as well as Kelli Trontell, 2007 Top American Idol Songwriter, blessed the Nashville residents and staff by leading worship and sharing their hearts at the home.

For more information on COLMANblue, visit http://www.colmanblue.com.

BarlowGirl Day at Mercy Ministries California Home

Two weeks ago, sister rock trio and Mercy Ministries’ partners, BarlowGirl, performed a private acoustic set for visitors at our brand new California home. Guests were thrilled to experience the band’s powerful sound and bold message of faith and hope in Christ live in our new West Coast facility – soon to open this fall! Barlow Girls, Becca, Alyssa and Lauren also showed their love and support for Mercy Ministries’ by taking time out to meet and greet fans and visitors from the local community, including representatives from several area churches who attended the event to learn more about Mercy and find out how they could get involved.

Higher Ground Visits Mercy Ministries

Residents were also absolutely thrilled to enjoy a special private concert from Higher Ground, a dynamic gospel trio that not only makes amazing music, but touches hearts in a deep and personal way. Wayne Hilliard, Eddie Combs and Travis Adams were excited and honored to be able to share their musical talents and personal ministry with our girls and staff. The girls especially loved their song, Woman in the House, that spoke of Gods special design for women through their faith. Even more than the incredible music, was the way the men connected with our girls with their contagious and joyful personalities!

To learn more about Higher Ground Ministries visit their website at http://www.hgmin.com.

Mark Hankins visits Mercy Ministries

Mark Hankins and his wife Trina visited the Mercy Ministries Nashville, TN home this month. Teaching about fighting from victory rather than for victory, Mark shared with the girls that in order for faith to change things, we have to acknowledge every good thing that is in us in Christ and see our identities in Him. Mark shared many hilarious personal stories from his childhood, all of which kept the girls laughing and on the edge of their seats. The girls and staff were incredibly moved by Mark and Trinas passion and ministry.

To learn more about Mark and Trina Hankins check out their website at www.markhankins.org.