Joining the Story God Is Writing
Family Tree is our recurring giving program at New Mercies, a faithful group of financial partners who invest month after month to protect children, preserve families, and share the hope of Christ.
Recently, we had the joy of sitting down with James and Jennifer Mitchell, one of our Family Tree givers, to hear more about their journey with New Mercies and what giving regularly means to them. Their story reflects what it looks like to move from simply knowing about a ministry to becoming deeply invested in what God is doing through it.
When did you first hear about New Mercies?
The Mitchells first connected with the ministry more than 10 years ago at Headwaters Church, when it was known as Safe Families for Children. They remember hearing about the vision for the ministry from Kim Plattner, then director of the Fort Wayne chapter. It resonated with them right away.
“We tried to get involved as early as we could,” they shared.
Jennifer began serving in transportation, stepping in to help kids get where they needed to go during hostings. They saw something distinct at New Mercies, a Christ-centered mission committed to protecting children and supporting parents in crisis.
Why did you decide to start giving monthly?
For years, James and Jennifer gave periodically, year-end gifts and one-time donations when needs arose. But eventually, they felt led to shift toward more consistent support.
They told us that they still valued the ministry, but they couldn’t volunteer during their current season in life. Becoming a monthly Family Tree giver became their way of stepping into the gap.
“It’s one way we can help New Mercies fulfill the mission even if we can’t do it ourselves,” James told us.
They also understand the practical impact of regular giving. “Knowing it’s coming in every month is huge,” Jennifer said. Because New Mercies has gifts coming in each month, it adds a layer of stability to the entire organization, so vulnerable families can experience stability too.
Why does supporting vulnerable families matter to you?
“Just keeping children out of the system is important, and we feel like it’s our duty, really,” Jennifer shared.
As parents themselves, the Mitchells also understand the value of having a support system. “We, as a couple with children, know how important it is to have people around you,” James said. “New Mercies and the people volunteering give families that support system.”
James and Jennifer are especially drawn to the ministry’s commitment to reunification. The focus on family preservation and Gospel transformation sets this ministry apart. New Mercies partners with many faith-based organizations and recruits volunteers from local churches. This gives the Mitchell’s confidence that parents and children are not only receiving practical support, but also experiencing a faithful Christian witness along the way.
What impact do you hope your giving has on families?
Their prayer is simple but powerful: that families would move from crisis to stability, surrounded by believers who reflect the love of Christ.
The Mitchells hope their giving helps remove risk factors, strengthen parents, and protect children from unnecessary separation. Ultimately, they long to see families restored and influenced by the Gospel.
“It’s a program we can get behind because we know the values behind the program,” James added.
What would you say to someone who is praying about becoming a Family Tree giver?
When asked what they would say to someone praying about becoming a Family Tree giver, Jennifer told us, “When you’re giving financially, you’re invested, so you’re more likely to pray for the ministry. You’re just more invested!”
For them, monthly giving has done more than support the mission. It has deepened their connection to it. What once may have felt like simply agreeing with a good cause has become something personal.
James explained it this way: “It’s one thing to recognize and support a mission the way it’s stated. It’s another when you become part of the mission through financial support.”
He continued, “I can agree with a good thing and say, ‘That’s really good.’ But it’s made real once you join the mission.”
That shift from observing to participating has changed how they see New Mercies. They are not just familiar with the name. They read the stories, pray for the hard things, and celebrate the wins.
Their encouragement to others is simple: pray and consider taking that next step. Monthly giving is not just a transaction; it is a way of stepping into God’s redemptive work. When you invest in the mission, you become part of the story He is writing in the lives of vulnerable families. You are helping protect children, strengthen parents, and reflect the hope of Christ in tangible ways.