“In serving and learning to be a vessel through which God’s love could be poured out on others, I felt myself gradually accepting God’s love for me. Before the year, I placed my own limits on what God’s love looked like, believing in my heart that God’s care for me depended solely on the ways in which I loved Him. God knew that I needed street ministry to see how He was still present to people whose lives were so visibly tangled by sin and suffering. Knowing that He was, and is, with those on the streets, I can believe that He is with me even when I am unable to see Him.”
Ariel, 2022–23, 2023–24 Mercy Missionary
“The two years I spent in the Mercy Missionary program were the most formative and joyful years of my life thus far. I entered the streets thinking that I would bring the healing power of Christ's love but it was me who needed that same power in my life. The whole experience was only ever a gift. The Lord did wonders in my heart and for my faith, while taking my yes and humbly revealing his presence through me, to those suffering in my local ‘Calcutta.’
I cannot recommend the Mercy Missionary year enough.”
Julie, 2021–22, 2022–23 Mercy Missionary
“The mission year gave me personal tools in deep listening and community engagement that the Lord has woven into my career post-mission year. If I had not left my engineering job to do the mission, the doors would not have been opened for this new career trajectory in clean energy development. I found that in the workplace, it is highly valuable to be able to listen to, to engage with and to organize groups of people in community events. The mission year equipped me to do this in ways I otherwise could not.”
Jack, 2021–22 Mercy Missionary
“The missionary year is a unique opportunity to draw close to Christ and gain a greater sense of His Presence in the everyday. I entered into the year eager to serve and show compassion for our brothers and sisters on the streets and those living in poverty. I left the year with a deeper trust in God’s providence, and a greater zeal to share the profound joy and mystery of living a life in Christ.”
Isabel, 2021–22 Mercy Missionary
“This missionary year has helped me grow in courage and love. By breaking through the barrier of the unknown and encountering the homeless where they’re at, my heart has been opened to the reality of common humanity and has shown me I am called and able to love beyond my perceived limits.”
Natalia, 2020–21 Mercy Missionary
“This missionary year tested basic assumptions I had about the homeless and about myself. The ministry and living in Christian community will challenge you professionally and personally. Christ will ask you, ‘How much do you love me?’ and you will have to give him an answer.”
Mark, 2020–21 Mercy Missionary