Please watch Maurine's testimony if you haven't. It will give you chills:

Kenya is like most other third world countries in that the rich are very rich and the poor are very poor.

There's not really anyone in the middle.

It's heartbreaking to know that most of the "nice" houses (still a huge step under what we consider "nice" in America) are more than ten times what a college graduate can afford to rent.

It's a sad reality.

One that we are learning firsthand as Maureen hunts day after day for a property to rent for the maternity home. Maureen wrapped up her AMAZING training in Ethiopia and came home ready to work very hard for the Kingdom of God. Her first week back was met with spiritual warfare.

[Specifics: Some of the obstacles we are facing: landlords who don't want to rent to Christian ministries, we are trying to stay within a specific budget, but most of the houses are more than we have determined...which means we may need more money every month if we can't find affordable housing.]

But God. This is His house. We are fully relying on Him to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can even imagine. 

Girls lives are at stake. Unborn babies are at risk. We need a miracle.

What You Can Do:

Pray. I know it sounds trite. But lives depend on it. Please, pray for Mercy House. Pray for direction, wisdom and the hand of God to move.

Fast. Please consider joining us by fasting one day a week. We fast because we are more hungry for God than food and we need Him. (We fast breakfast and lunch every Tuesday).

Intercede. The work of the Mercy House will be rescuing hopeless girls ultimately targeted for sex trafficking, backstreet abortions, even death. Satan hates this work and he is fighting against us. We are not playing games and we need you to be steadfast in interceding for everyone involved: Maureen, Executive Director, future staff, board members on US and Kenyan soil.

We receive emails everyday from people asking "What can we do?" We need this more than we need money (and we need money!) Thank you for partnering with us to love mercy. 

Maureen is beginning her third week of training at Living Waters Maternity Home in Ethiopia. She is learning so much and has really fallen in love with the young mothers and pregnant girls as well as the staff. They are taking very good care of her!

Our communication is limited, but Maureen has been diligent to send extensive weekly reports that are at least a dozen pages each. It has been amazing to learn with her. We are working on a Resident's Manuel, job descriptions and so much more as we get closer and closer to launching Mercy House.

One of the most touching events so far, was the Executive Director of the home in Ethiopia, anointing and commissioning her to the work in Kenya. She did so by praying over Maureen and washing her feet.

It was a very special moment for these two ladies. God is using them to encourage one another. 

Maureen is also getting a lot of hands on experience in purchasing, bookkeeping, prenatal care 

and babysitting! She loves those babies!

The girls spend a lot of time making paper beads to sell in gift shops in Ethiopia and to tourists.

Maureen made these with the girls:

Mercy House will be making some beads for the jewelry that we make and sell, but they will also be learning how to sew and make handbags and headbands, basket-weaving, soap-making and several other skills.

She is also enjoying some delicious Ethiopian food prepared by each girl in the home as part of their responsibilities. 

We are so thankful that God divinely joined us with this ministry. They have been a true answer to prayers. Please pray for these girls in Ethiopia. And please, commit to praying for Maureen as she learns and grows and gets ready to fulfill the role God has called her to. There are still many unknowns and the task is great, but God is a step ahead and leading us each day.

The countdown for opening the Mercy House in Kenya has officially begun! While we are still fundraising and raising monthly support, our focus is shifting to collecting supplies and items we will be taking to Africa in June. Each month, we will host a collection drive (you can check out the monthly lists here).

This is such a great TANGIBLE way to be a part of Mercy House and to get your friends, kids, family and church involved!

Our Wish list from In His Hands has been filled! Thank you!

January 1-31: Prenatal Items and Pregnancy Tests:

We are collecting vitamins-any brand, any quantity. We are also collecting pregnancy tests. We are in the process of connecting with a Christian Crisis Pregnancy ministry in Kenya.

[Most Dollar Stores carry pregnancy tests…for just $1!]

If you’d rather shop online, I’m excited to share our ONLINE PRENATAL WISH LIST at In His Hands, a Christian Midwifery supply company.

You can purchase them on behalf of Mercy House at really affordable prices and have them shipped to this address:

The Mercy House

8000 Research Forest Dr Ste. 115-110

Spring, TX 77382

Please leave a comment (or come back after you've ordered or later in the month once you've mailed your item) and let us know what you're collecting.

Deadline: Jan. 31