Mercy Street – the faith based ministry to students in West Dallas – is ten years old.  This years fundraising luncheon was a birthday celebration.

How wonderful to be greeted by students thanking us for coming.  I love how this is day is held in West Dallas on Mercy Street’s “Field of Dreams.”  We got to see first hand what God is doing in this community.

Huge smiles welcomed us, and we knew we were in for a good day.

Pretty Jill is a mentor coordinator for middle school girls.  She is the reason the Living Stones and Albers Men’s Bible Fellowship classes became  associated with Mercy Street.  Her love for the Lord and her willing spirit is inspiring.  How could we not help.

The tent was decorated for the birthday party.  Love these!

On each table were streamers, party hats, flowers and cake stands filled with birthday cupcakes.

Lunch was catered from Bubba’s.  Sweet Mother of Pearl.  Bubba’s is well know throughout Dallas, and they serve some of the best chicken you will ever put in your mouth.  Mashed potatoes, cream gravy, green beans, and a fantastic roll were put on our plates.  Yummy!

Delicious cupcakes with tall swirls of icing were a fitting touch to a birthday meal.

I believe they said that over 600 people attended the event.  I really liked the banners and balloons that were the party decorations.  It was festive.

During the program, two Mercy Street Alumni presented their top ten things they learned at Mercy Street.  Number One on the list was that they learned to love and serve the Lord.  What a wonderful testimony.  The alumni are now attending college and doing well.

Garrett Smith ( I was too far away to take pictures.)  inspired us with his dedication to the Lord by mentoring to the students in West Dallas.  Garrett is the Director of Mentoring at Mercy Street.  As Ever-Lovin’ said, “The staff of Mercy Streets live their daily lives serving the Lord.”  Many of the staff now live in West Dallas, and they go above and beyond by mentoring and befriending these students.  The goal is to transform the community.  God’s plan is to use common people to accomplish his mission of making deciples of all peoples (nations). – Matthew 28:19  As Garrett said, we are God’s PLAN.  Hard to believe isn’t it?  That is a huge responsibility for us in this world.

Much progress has been made in this community, but there is still a great need for mentors.  Trey Hill, Mercy Street Executive Director, viewed this day as a people raising event as well as a fundraising day.

Pray for Mercy Street and the ministries they provide for these students in West Dallas.

The gang was inspired and blessed today.

Blessings to you and yours,

Click HERE to read about last year’s luncheon.  Click HERE to go to the Mercy Street site to read more about their history and their programs.