Encouragement Over the Phone
The New Mercies Support Line is for parents facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether they’re overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of where to turn next, they find a compassionate voice on the other end. Our trained Support Line Volunteers are ready to listen without judgment, offer practical support through hosting if possible, and point them to the hope of Christ.
Tyler's Story
Shannon, one of our Support Line Volunteers, returned a message from a dad named Tyler*. He had recently become a single parent and relocated to the area after losing his job and home. A film editor who created social media content, Tyler had come chasing opportunity — but when he arrived with his two young daughters, the work had dried up.
With no support system and nowhere to stay, Tyler was doing everything he could to keep his family together. His daughters were already carrying deep emotional weight — grieving the loss of their mom and struggling with the instability that came from constant transition.
Tyler had reached out not looking for a place to send his kids, but for help to keep them with him. Though he had already tried many of the local resources Shannon suggested, he was adamant: separation was not an option. He also shared some hesitations about ministries and churches out of a deep desire to protect his girls.
A New Purpose
As the conversation unfolded, Shannon asked if she could pray for him. Tyler agreed, and what followed was a holy moment. A professing believer, Tyler paused after Shannon prayed and said:
“That was the most encouraging thing that has happened to me in weeks.”
Then, he put the phone on speaker and said, “Hey girls! This is Miss Shannon. She just prayed for Daddy. Can you say thank you?”
Shannon shared that she probably walked away more encouraged than they were. “He was really trying to be a stand-up dad...and had just fallen on hard times,” she reflected.
Encouragement
Their call lasted nearly 40 minutes, longer than the average Support Line call, and it was the only time Shannon has ever spoken directly to children on the line. Tyler’s openness about his faith and his commitment to staying together as a family made a deep impression.
Stories like Tyler’s remind us that Support Line conversations aren’t just about information and resources — they’re also sacred spaces where parents are seen, prayed for, and reminded that they are not alone.