Most of the families who come in to see us are known by name.  We welcome them, share our stories with each other and extend ourselves in mercy to serve them.  The paradox of this is that the more we empty ourselves to relieve the suffering of others the more completely we are filled with mercy.

I boast in our weaknesses as a testimony to God’s power and spirit working through the weakest of people, myself being the weakest.  Having little business experience and lacking material resources, God chose to use me and my missionary volunteers as instruments of mercy.  Together, through prayers, sacrifices and petitions we have made a building that is only 2600 square feet feel as though it is the House of Mercy for all.

I tell my families that the House of Mercy isn’t a place, it’s a verb.  The House of Mercy is only as merciful as the servants who offer themselves to the poor.  If we close are hands to someone in need or turn away from someone who asks for food we are no longer the House of Mercy, but the House of Indifference.  How much more then should we strive to seek the relief of suffering of our neighbors?  It is not enough to pity someone when we see they are naked, hungry tired or lonely.  We must feel the hunger, cold and fatigue ourselves to appreciate the value of their cross.  Then together we must rise from the dust to persevere together to the Holy Kingdom of Heaven.

If the words I speak sound “lofty” and appear to be contrary to my former way of life, it is because the Spirit of the Lord is upon me and beckoning me to work tirelessly for the Kingdom of Heaven.  I have been humbled by this service as I realize how much work there is to be done for the salvation of souls.

I used to think that I wanted to be a Missionary in some far off land thinking that would be the only way to really “help” people.  What my families have taught me at the House of Mercy is that there is work to be done in every corner of the world including my own community and in my own family.  God has lead me to understand that it is not enough to go to Church.  I must bring the whole world with me as I pray remembering those people who have never stepped foot inside of a church.

Let me share this example with you ...

Last night we had a class where people brought their entire families.  Young and old we gathered together.  Except two women, I was the only English speaking person in the room.  We began this meeting with gratitude & I asked each person to share what they were thankful for that day.

What a great blessing it is to ponder on the gifts God has given to us and see the power of God working in the lives of those around us.  One by one, families began raising their hands wanting to share their gratitude for simple things such as the health of their children and that they were able to find work for one day.  As we went around the room, one woman slowly rose from her chair.  She told me her name and began to cry.  She wept as she thanked God for her family and for the House of Mercy.  She is trying to take care of her children by herself and she had no food.  In a panic, she called a friend and learned about the House of Mercy.  Within a few hours we shared what we had with her.

Her testimony touched not only my heart but the hearts of those people who were their listening.  I then asked the class.  ‘Who in this room is poor?”  Looking around the room I saw people slowly smiling as they raised their hands timidly.  I responded, “No one has more poverty than he who does not love his neighbor”.  Immediately I saw the hands fall as they realized their richness in compassion and mercy.  People began to share stories of gratitude from neighbors and family members who had been there in time of need to help them.  Each person, in his or her own way, began testifying to the grace of stepping outside of oneself to serve another.

This class is not unique.  These people are not foreigners; they are family – my family and yours.  I told them that we are all one body in Christ and each has a destiny to fulfill in the Church.

I urge you as I close this letter to make your home a House of Mercy.  When your husband asks for your time, share it freely.  When your wife asks you to help with the laundry, exceed her expectations.  When your children ask you for the truth tell them in both your words and your actions.  Let your lives be living witnesses to the faith to which you have been called.

Please pray for us as we continue our journey. 

In Christ’s mercy,

Kellie Ross

Director