"God Was Working on Her"
We first introduced you to Maggie* a few months ago, a 17-year-old from a difficult background who was being hosted through New Mercies. You might remember that she told her Family Coach she wanted to be just like her Host Mom, Tiffany. Maggie's story continued after those first key interactions with her Family Coach and Host Mom. Her hosting ended up being a beautiful picture of how God often fills even the hardest moments with grace.
A New Beginning
Maggie's journey with New Mercies began after a call to our Support Line on a weekend. She had just lost her living situation and wasn’t sure what to do next. One of our volunteers was able to bring her groceries at the place she was staying temporarily while we arranged a hosting for her. That’s when Tiffany stepped in as her Host Mom.
With less than two hours’ notice, Tiffany said yes to hosting Maggie. Though the first few days were understandably a bit chaotic, the next few months became deeply meaningful for everyone involved. Tiffany, who has walked through some hard things in her own past, offered Maggie a rare blend of tough love and grace. Maggie quickly got involved in classes to complete her high school diploma, went to youth group for the first time, and was surrounded by new experiences and conversations with caring adults.
Moments of Growth
Becki described it as “really beautiful,” watching Maggie have a say in what she wanted to do next and start imagining a different kind of life. Away from harmful social circles and immersed in a supportive environment, Maggie started to ask deep questions: Is God real? If He loved me, why would He let these things happen?
Tiffany remembers sitting on the couch when Maggie asked those questions. “It just really shows you that God was working on her,” she said. That moment, and so many others, over dinner, in the car, and at youth group, opened the door for faith-filled conversations. During the hosting, Tiffany got to share her testimony and why she made different life decisions. modeling what a Christ-centered life could look like.
Trusting God
Though Maggie's hosting ended due to some challenging circumstances, it was clear to both Tiffany and Becki that seeds had been planted. Maggie continues to make encouraging choices and has been in contact with Tiffany. She’s working on her education, has reconnected with her sister, and is choosing not to follow old patterns, even when she could.
“We were just a few months of her life when she was 17,” Becki shared. “But hopefully, when it matters, she will choose something different than she might have.”
That is the heart of New Mercies: to offer truth and grace and trust God with the results. We are thankful for Tiffany, Becki, and every volunteer who steps in faithfully–even in hard situations that may not have results we can see right now.
*Name changed to protect privacy