Mercy Ministries

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” In 2012, God gave me one of the greatest gifts, a sweet baby girl.  Looking back to that early April morning, I realize that I had no idea what the next several years would hold.  I remember holding that tiny baby in my arms with tears running down my cheeks in awe that God would choose me and my husband to nurture and care for this enormous responsibility while at the same time thinking “how are we ever going to do this?”.  The next few days were a blissful blur…

Changing times, yes, we live in a world of change.  The news cycles change so quickly that it is challenging to keep up.  Breaking news headlines flash across the TV screen and our cell phones sound alarms. It has been said of those of us who are Berk Countians, that we do not like change, nor do we adapt well to change.  We are comfortable with doing things and having things the same old way – for years.  Some prefer to call it consistency while others might consider Berks Countians to be set in their ways. When it comes to…

Since mid-March, life has changed – on so many levels, and in various ways.  We are facing unchartered territory.  Uncertainty seems to surround us. Now more than ever, encouragement is vital for believers as well as those who have not yet come to faith in Christ.  One specific area comes to mind – not only the value of human life but facing the death of a loved one. As believers, we often find comfort in reading John 14.  However, the life application of truth presented in this rich passage can be a challenge, especially as we face the death of…

Karen and Ton were planning their wedding.  The initial appointment with the pastor was scheduled, and the couple looked forward to completing their pre-marital counseling. As was his tradition, the pastor concluded the first session by handing them copies of The Five Love Languages.  Their assignment was to read each chapter on their own, then discuss that chapter prior to reading the next chapter.  The pastor encouraged them to apply the principles presented, followed by conversations about how the application influenced their relationship. With eager anticipation, Karen and Tom received their books and walked to the car.  There they paused…

Tucked away in a rarely read book of the Bible there are a few verses, words of a prayer, that provide the odd combination of comfort and challenge.  Habakkuk 3:17-19: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, Though the olive crop fails and the field produce no food, Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I  will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a…