Mercy International Ministry's (MIM's)Corporation

Our vision is to provide mentally, emotionally and economically disadvantaged MEED people and their families refuge, respite and diversion conducive to exploring multi-dimensional solutions  to muti-dimensional challenges: and to empower self-determined, self-sustaining livelihoods and peaceful, positive and productive lifestyles at the local, national and global level.

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive framework of options and solutions within the MIM's Model of Empowerment which will help dimystify, distill and manifest pervailing consensus utilizing various case study research to create holistic solutions for MEED people and their families; and .through simultaneous grassroots outreach and collaborative community efforts to enable MEED people and their familes user-friendly access to our knowledge, ideas and supportive network of resources.

 MIM's began as a dream many years ago. Little did I know that my dream would expand to include what it does today. Nor, did I realize the road I would travel to make this dream a reality.

Compassion Sunday of February 27, 1994 found me sitting in a United Pentecostal Church (UPC) Camp Meeting in Louisiana. Compassion Services International of the United Pentecostal Church Incorporated was having their foreign missions service. All of my life, even as a very young girl, I have been drawn to the lives of missionaries. And, I have read dozens of their books. I believe I have read just about every book of Nona Freeman's. So, it wasn't strange for me to be in that service. Nor, do I think it was a coincidence. Because, I had an interesting experience, which would greatly impact my life, my way of thinking and my relationship with God.

As I sat on the back row of that missions service, I could clearly hear a voice speak to me. It said, "You"re going to Mauritania."   And as this voice spoke these words, I felt a tap on my left shoulder. I immediately turned around to see who had tapped me. To my surprise, no one was there. I knew an angel or the hand of God had lighted upon me and spoken to me that day. But, for many years, I never told anyone about this incident, except my pastor at the time. I had heard of these kinds of supernatural occurrences. But, I didn"t know anyone personally that had experienced such a thing... So, I just thought people would think that I was crazy. And, even now, I am sure there are many that have doubts to the validity of my story. But, it is true, non-the-less. At that time of my life, I was a single parent of my young son, who was already showing symptoms of a mental illness, though no one would tell me. Not even his doctor. And, at that time I didn't know much about mental illness. But, my wise pastor told me, "Sister, your child is your ministry right now. If God is calling you to Mauritania, one day you will go. Just have faith." I was crushed! I just knew that I was going to be hopping on a plane any day to go take Jesus to the Mauritanians. And I thought, why couldn't my pastor hear from God the way I did? So, I began a series of fasts with much prayer. I questioned God. But, no answers came back. Then, I'd get angry with God and I would fuss at Him, as if that would change anything. One evening, as was my practice, I walked down to the church for my prayer time. It was already dark. I knelt down to pray. I told God I wasn't going to question Him any more for an answer to why my pastor said it wasn't time for me to go to Mauritania. All I did was ask God for a sign to confirm that I truly would go one day. The next thing that happened nearly took my breath away. The sanctuary doors both swung open and the vestibule light came on. I knew no one was in the church. I had the key. I had let myself in the church, locked myself in and checked the other doors. So, I jumped up and ran to the vestibule, checked the doors and the parking lot. Nothing! Be careful what you ask God for. You just might get it!

All of this happened within a matter of a few months of each other. Some would say, I must have had some kind of hallucination with both instances. But, I say no. These were the beginning of many spiritual experiences that have led me to believe in mystical happenings. As a very young girl, I would make up songs. But, I didn't tell anyone about them. I thought people would think I was crazy. And, I would see things, kind of like a puzzle in my minds eye, before they would happen. Again, I didn't tell anyone about these experiences. But, I find it interesting that now I write many songs and the music. And now, I use this very gift to help myself and others. The things I "see", I write them down. And, many times these "visions" are turned into song.

So, have I gone to Mauritania? No, not yet. But, I am holding onto a promise. And, I have prayed for that country every day for 12 years since I heard the voice say I would go there. Through the years, I have gathered information regarding the country. And, I find it interesting that this country needs much humanitarian aide, especially since the MIM's Model builds upon the foundation of humanitarian needs of food, clothing and shelter. Hmm. I wonder?         I think God really does know what He is doing! Perhaps that voice and tap on my shoulder of 1994 is talking to me even now?  And, now, I know too that missionaries have their own unique challenges. And, they need a place of respite and diversion from the emotional entanglements they face. So, MIM's Model is designed to support them, too.

Some would say that I am stretching myself beyond my limits, that these are grandiose ideas. But, remember what MIM's stands for - MERCY International Ministries. That means going more than the extra mile.                                  It means  s t r e t c h i n g and fulfilling the golden commandments of "Love God and Love thy neighbor" It means to live, "And, of some have compassion, making a difference". Jude 22 And, why does this ministry have the focus of ameliorating MEED people and their families? Because, it"s so desperately needed! And, I just happen to be making myself available to pitch in and help where needed.

Lastly, many want to know if this is connected to any religion. No. We have our own individual spiritual belief systems which we follow and honor. We all honor each other as a part of the mystery of life and the knowledge of a higher power which guides each one of us. We actively seek the path of peace, supporting community, unconditional acceptance, and positive, productive lives. Some of our spiritual/Scientific practices we believe and/or practice are Christianity, Earth-based Native American, Agnosticism, Wicca and non-specific. We are inclusive to all spiritual paths that promote and practice peacemaking and un-conditional love.