A Beautiful Hosting Experience

New Mercies seeks to stand in the gap for parents in crisis, whether that crisis is the first or fourth for a parent. By providing a family-like network of support, our desire is for parents to feel safe to call us again if they need help navigating future challenges. This also means volunteers can form deeper relationships with parents, often leading to more opportunities to share the Gospel.

Family Coach Elizabeth Dearing saw this happen in a recent hosting for a mom we will call Sheliyah. Elizabeth first met Sheliyah several years ago when New Mercies facilitated a hosting for her children. Sheliyah’s original Host Family helped her move into an apartment, and she was able to use community resources to get to a stable place. Elizabeth didn’t think she would hear from her again. Then, a year and a half later Sheliyah reached out a second time in need of a hosting for her daughter, Layla, while she found another place to live.

At first, Sheliyah said she was embarrassed and hadn’t wanted to call back. Elizabeth conveyed to her that we were delighted she was seeking support again as that showed she had come to trust the ministry. Layla’s Host Family loved having her and said that she fit right in. The Host Mom, Tiffany, talked about seeing Sheliyah buy diapers for someone else who couldn’t afford them during the hosting. Elizabeth agrees that Sheliyah is just that type of person—so giving.

At first glance, this story may not appear successful because Sheliyah experienced another time of crisis. But the fact that she reached out to New Mercies a second time is what the ministry is designed for! She knew where to turn to for the safety of her children and a chance to regain stability. This is exactly what New Mercies is trying to do for families in our community: act as the support network that they need. This allows us to proactively protect children and support parents in an ongoing way.

At first glance, this story may not appear successful because Sheliyah experienced another time of crisis. But the fact that she reached out to New Mercies a second time is what the ministry is designed for!

Although Layla’s hosting is over, Sheliyah’s other kids attend the school Elizabeth works at, allowing the relationship to deepen. Elizabeth still sees Sheliyah often and sends her Bible verses each week. She always responds with a heart and hasn’t told her to stop! Sheliyah has also been open to invitations to church, so Elizabeth hopes that she will start attending, maybe with Layla’s Host Family. In the meantime, Elizabeth remains in Sheliyah’s life as a caring fellow believer. This may not have happened if Sheliyah had not reached out a second time. We don’t know what effect another hosting can have on a mom and her kids, or how the Lord will use our volunteers in the lives of each parent we serve. But we love seeing His hand guide each story!