Becky and Clare are taking on a challenge all in hope of raising some funds for Mercy UK!! We are climbing Mount Snowdon together and Becky is going to jump out of an aeroplane at 15,000ft with a parachute of course!

 When? 

We’ll be taking on Mount Snowdon on 16th August 2019 and Becky will be skydiving on 26^th August 2019 in the Peak District (should be a good view!).

Who are/what is Mercy UK?

Mercy UK is committed to educating leaders, equipping individuals and empowering churches through effective discipleship resources, pastoral support and residential homes for women with life controlling issues. With over 30 years of experience they are passionate about helping others address all aspects of their wellbeing and deal with the root cause of issues and not just manage the behaviours. They seek to see hope restored and lives transformed.

Why are we fundraising for Mercy UK?

Clare – Mercy are an incredible charity. Their passion is to see lives freed from addiction, free from eating disorders, free from all life controlling issues. Mercy is completely unique, they take in vulnerable women and meet them where they are at, just as God does. They journey with them on the road of recovery. They don’t just teach about the power and love of Christ, they live it out and support these women emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Bex – They helped me see my value, my worth and my purpose in this ever-changing world. There’s not a day goes by that I am not grateful for all the lessons I learnt during my time at Mercy over 2 years ago. I learnt to rely on Jesus, in all things and I also learnt what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus because the wonderful staff team there live that out daily. Taking time out to go Mercy’s residential home isn’t a quick fix, it’s not easy, in fact it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done… but going there allows you to be in an amazingly peaceful atmosphere to start or deepen your relationship with Jesus. So, we’re raising money so that other vulnerable young women can experience the healing power of Jesus for themselves, for free!!

What does a transformed life and restored hope look like?

Clare – Before Bex went to Mercy UK, she was bound by so many things, her past, trauma she had experienced early on in life, labels she and other people had put on her; addict, self-harmer, alcoholic, manic depressive. Each day was a gamble with her mental health, and it seemed like a never ending hole with no light at the end of the tunnel. But of course there was light at the end of the tunnel and that light was Jesus. Over the 7 months Bex spent at Mercy she learnt to replace the lies with what God said about her, free, courageous, strong, peace maker, truth bringer, loved, chosen, daughter. Mercy and the power of the Holy Spirit transformed my beautiful sister into a stunning creation of God. That doesn’t mean everything is fixed and all is well now, there are still struggles but the difference is there is now hope, there is now freedom and there is now an everlasting call over Bex’s life that says she is a child of God.

Bex – Mercy was my last hope. I’d tried lots of other avenues to find freedom from the things that controlled my life, but none of them ‘worked’. My hope was restored, for years I didn’t have any hope for a brighter future, I was completely and utterly hopeless, but my time at Mercy helped me to dream again, dream bigger dreams and hope for more. I was broken, damaged and hurting before I went to Mercy, but spending time investing in myself and learning about how God feels about me transformed my perspective on life. There is hope, life can be better and there is freedom from all the challenges that life throws my way!

Why are we doing this challenge? 

Bex – I barely walk anywhere at the moment. As bad as it may sound… the only place I really walk to is to my car, that’s not good for me… or the environment! BUT training has begun and I’m now going for a run 3 times a week and now i'll walk to the local shop for milk if I need it!

If I compare this challenge to the ‘Mercy Journey’, it was really hard and this is going to be difficult too, but ultimately I’ll be pleased I pushed myself and it will change my life for the better. It’s not going to be easy and it’s going to be long, but it will be worth it and maybe I’ll even enjoy some aspects of it too. We’re made to live in community, supporting each other and cheering each other on and that’s why I’ve got Clare coming along for the journey!

Clare – I absolutely love a challenge and I absolutely love Mercy and I absolutely love Bex. It’s that simple! 

What is the Keys To Freedom resource and how did you find it?

Clare – I’ve learnt so much from Bex and her time at Mercy. Having dealt with mental health for ten years myself, I found Bex’s journey encouraging and faith building for myself. Keys To Freedom is a wonderful discipleship course which you can do in a small group, or on your own (though I’d recommend 3-4 people, as it goes quite deep and the support can be helpful). I found such freedom in this book, drawing me closer to God and further away from what the enemy wants. It strengthens your identity in Christ, teaches you to lean on God, to put Him at the centre of your life! 

We would love it if you would give to this incredible charity, for the sake of the people out there that are still searching for the hope we have! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them 😊