A path of help and new life
The Mission of Mercy program does not have the same length for everyone. The next steps depend on a person's condition, responsibility, willingness to cooperate, and real progress.
What we do
Temporary housing and care
A place to live, meals, and help with basic daily needs, within the Mission's capacity.
Stabilization and order
The first days help a person come out of chaos, settle into a routine, restore everyday order, and get to know the ministers.
Relationships and mentoring
Regular personal conversation about a person's story, decisions, responsibility, relationships, and next steps.
The Gospel and the Bible
Reading the Bible, prayer, and conversations about the Christian faith are part of the life of the Mission.
Practical help
As a person is ready — movement toward work, everyday responsibilities, and greater independence.
Gradually joining the life of the church
We do not rush a person into services, home groups, and other activities. The ministers determine the right time.
Preparing to serve
For those who have come a long way and show faithfulness, an opportunity may open to learn to help others.
Who we seek to help
- people without stable housing or support;
- people whose lives have been broken by alcohol or drug use, if their current condition allows them to take part safely;
- people going through a severe personal, family, or social crisis;
- those who, after incarceration or other serious consequences of the past, are ready to move toward a responsible life, if the legal conditions are compatible with the program;
- the relatives and friends of people in crisis.
Who the Mission may not be able to accept
We cannot promise housing to everyone who asks. The decision is made after a conversation and an assessment of the situation.
- a person needs medical detox or round-the-clock medical supervision;
- a person is in an acute medical or mental health condition requiring specialized care;
- a person poses an immediate danger to themselves or others;
- a person has legal restrictions or obligations that cannot be reconciled with the Mission's rules and routine;
- a person is not willing to voluntarily follow the basic house rules and cooperate with the ministers;
- a person needs a level of professional care the Mission does not provide.
Every situation is considered individually. Declining housing means that the Mission must act within its capacity and keep everyone in the house safe.
Conditions of participation
- a voluntary desire to accept help and change the direction of one's life;
- truthful information about the current situation, health, substance use, and legal circumstances;
- completing the form or speaking personally with the ministers;
- willingness to follow the routine, the safety rules, and the decisions of the responsible ministers;
- willingness to take part in the life of the Mission, including conversation, mentoring, reading the Bible, and learning about the Gospel.
The first days
In the early stage there may be additional limits on phone use, transportation, personal trips, work, and other outside contact. Their purpose is safety, adjustment, and the chance to focus on the first steps. The specific limits are set by the Mission's internal rules.
Ending participation
Participation is voluntary. A person may end it, but we ask them to discuss the decision with the ministers first. The Mission may also end participation in cases of serious or repeated rule violations, a threat to safety, or when the program is no longer a suitable form of help.
The participant's path
- 1
First contact
A person, or someone close to them, contacts the Mission, fills out the form, or calls.
- 2
Conversation and assessment
We learn the story, the current needs, condition, and circumstances, and determine whether we can offer suitable help.
- 3
Beginning participation
If a decision is made to provide housing, the person is introduced to the house, the rules, the routine, and the ministers.
- 4
Stabilization
The first days are given to safety, order, rest, relationships, and adjustment.
- 5
Relationships and the Gospel
Through personal conversation, mentoring, reading the Bible, and prayer, a person learns about the Christian faith.
- 6
Next steps
As a person is ready, work, practical responsibilities, and greater independence are added.
- 7
Getting to know church life
When the ministers consider it timely, a participant gradually becomes acquainted with services, home groups, and other parts of church life.
- 8
Moving toward independence
A plan takes shape for what comes next: work, housing, relationships, church fellowship, and responsibility.
- 9
The opportunity to serve others
For mature and dependable participants, a path may open to helping others through the Mission.