@kimenriquez15 "I would be careful with i say".Dont worry im not worried in what you say...If you look at the title of her vid,its under child abuse..Nothing mentioned about child abuse.No beatings,No sexual abuse etc etc.And everyone has a opinion,Which means my opinion shouldnt matter to you.And yes things like this are possible.Unless you actually know of someone from Mercy ministries that had this happen,then your arguement is irrelevant.Name and shame,but not when its doing good.
I bet that lady was paid to lie about them.I support the Mercy ministries.You dont need a degree in psycology to give people love.Thats all they do there.And to share gods word with those who are open to except it.Not forced upon.Shes definately working for someone whos against the will of God.
This must be all about Austrailia because I was at Mercy in Monroe. I did leave out of rebellion because I honestly don't think I was ready yet. It was the worst mistake of my life leaving that I did everything in my power to come back. It was completely free! God was there and I was never told that I had to do certain things to get free. It was all about God...going into the program you know it cause it's a Christian place!
It's funny how some Mercy Survivors in the US have the same claims as Australia and others are left in the dark or they're brainwashed. I have seen too many girls get damaged by this place. Everyone gets scared when someone goes, because they know they will not even come back with the same personality.
I know people think this is sick behavior, and some people are defending hillsong saying this is not true... I am an ex member, And I know, it gets worse than this. This story as sad as it is, really does not surprise me what so ever.
@tarabrady91 I agree....the only videos I have seen of people complaining about Mercy is the people who don't want to believe in God in the first place. It always seems to be people from Australia.
@greenbeanhope That's a judgement on your behalf and it is untrue. Most girls who go to Mercy are Christians, that's why they go there. You will find more videos about abuse at Mercy in Australia compared to other countries, because it was the Australian homes that were shut down after the government investigation.
@tarabrady91 There are right ways and wrong ways to go about helping people. In Mercy Ministries' case in Australia, they were incorrectly claiming their staff had qualifications that they didn't have. They were also charging the girls, while claiming all the time that their program was free. Helping girls is a good thing to want to do, but ethics and professional practices must come into it, otherwise they cause more damage to already fragile girls, as unfortunatelly happened in this case.
It wasn't free. They charged hundreds of dollars a week to be there. Why did you think it was free??
You are right that it's voluntary officially. But you need to remember that girls go there voluntarily BECAUSE Mercy Ministries advertised that they would receive psychiatric care by professionals. When instead there were no professionals and they were doing exorcisms as the only "treatment" and counseling.
You also need to remember that once girls are in the house, they are almost immediately indoctrinated with "if you leave then you will be outside the will of God for the rest of your life" type rubbish put into their heads. When you constantly do this to mentally ill people, as well as telling them nobody in the 'world' can help, only Mercy can help because they are sick due to demons being inside them. Well, girls feel they can't leave when they are so indoctrinated. It is like mind control
@mercygirl777 I'm sorry it was like that for you. I went to one of the homes in the US and it wasn't like that at all. There were professionals and they told us we could leave. They suggested we didn't because they knew God could help us but they didn't tell us that if we left we'd be out of the will of God. The home I went to was completely free. You know it must've only been the Australia home because it's not like that here in the US. I'm sorry you had a bad experience there.
Thank you for making this video. I can relate to what the girls are saying because I am an ex resident too. The staff weren't qualified in health or anything like that and they feed lies into your head, like mental illness is caused because of demons. It was wacky, way out there stuff. I came out of there worse than I went in there because I couldn't stop thinking about all the things they said about demons and how I was a bad person.
Profit making organizations under the guise of a "religious organization" will never have the expertise to deal with complex medical or behavioural issues. They should stick with what they know-- making money from needy, gullible or desparate people.
@s1lverflames I'm not sure where your information is coming from. The video is correct. Mercy Ministries Australia did charge the girls before the homes were shut down.
God commands child abuse: Moses was angry with the officers of the army who returned from the battle. "Have you allowed all the women to live?" he asked them. "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD's people. Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man. [Num 31:14-18]
I do wish that i could give you advise, but you have to have an open heart to receive it. The best response i can have is that you don't go to the amish to help you with a vehicle, unless you believe the transportation ways they believe, because they are going to mend that horse and not a mustang engine. In turn, if you are not going to be open to mercy's belief, then how can you expect them to help you?
I understand where many of these girls are, and i have put my faith in people also, and been a success story they used, but then i have also been let down and disposed of. I am not saying they are 100% right in what they do, but they are not a hundred percent wrong either. I was also damaged by the same type of organization, but what does not kill you does make you stronger, IF YOU ALLOW IT TO. I took their teachings, but disposed of the clickish dogma.
Maybe those girls speaking were cheated but I know personally. I went into Mercy myself. I got the help I was promised and the staff NOT ONCE performed an exorcism. I know because I asked for prayer about something and never got told I was demon possessed. We were allowed to get close to people and talk to our parents. I was never told I had to raise my hands or jump up and down. I was told to seek the Lord and that was my main purpose for going. Experience Mercy before you judge it please......
You obviously weren't in Mercy Australia. I HAVE experienced Mercy Australia and everything these girls in the video said is true. The staff did an exorcism on me, so I know!
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No, I wasn't in Mercy Austrailia. I was in Mercy America. In fact, I left Mercy on my own will. I miss it so much and made such a big mistake that I am going BACK. Now why would I want to go back to a cult that abuses girls?
I don't care about your experience in America. Just because they haven't done exorcisms on you (yet) in America does not make you an expert on Mercy Ministries Australia's conduct.
I told you that these girls may have been mistreated in Australia. I'm just saying that they don't mistreat girls in America. I'm not saying that these girls weren't mistreated. The staff at the Mercy home I went to would never do exorcisms because that's not what they are all about.
I feel Nancy Alcorn's motives in creating Mercy Ministries and it's residencies were indeed pure. However there are a lot of girls who's needs were not met by the program and some who were downright mistreated. My girlfriend was one of them.
Now, she has improved and healed more than she ever has by being surrounded by people that love her and who helped her realize she didn't need a "program" to obtain God's love, HEALING, and mercy. Jesus came to this earth to give us that directly.
I think in your heart you know there was truth there, but now you mock what they preach because you are hurt that they did not put as much hope, time and attention in you as they thought they should. It's okay to be hurt, but channel that hurt in a healthy way. It's okay to want to run the program different, but then stand up and make your own program, if these people really didnt care, then they never would have tried to help. Do you appreciate anything they did attempt to do for you?
hannahb24eva when were you at Mercy Ministries Australia to even be able to speak about this? It seems that you do not know much about the program as is obvious by your posts. An organisation shouldn't be allowed to advertise that their staff are qualified, that girls will be treated by psychologits, qualified counsellors, social workers and other professionals if they are not, and that is what the problem is.
I am not disagreeing with you about the advertising part of things ok... because I don't know that side of it I never saw them falsely advertise. Done...I am not arguing but I am not going to sit back and discourage girls from going to get the help they want because of it. I think so called "professionals" couldn't have healed all my good friends it was God.
And to the person who talked about casting out demons you don't know what you are talking about. Alot of girls in the program are attacked by Satan in ways you could never understand in order for them to fully heal we pray over them, you wouldn't understand it unless you were there.
I was involved in Mercy Ministries, I was there and I most certainly do understand the casting out of demons. It was done to young women, by their accounts sometimes against their will. This is not normal Christian behaviour. You need to understand that psychological illness is real illness, and not something that can be played around with by an organisation that advertises that their staff are qualified, when they are not.
Well I know Mercy Ministries also and I know that the women that work there know what they are doing. Call it illness I call it attack. Satan doesn't want them leaving that program healed from there illness and hurts.
No, they do not know what they are doing. They are not medically trained, and a lot of the counsellors are unqualified. Removing young women from proven medical treatment and putting them in the care of unqualified people can worsen medical and psychological condition.s
These women love these girls and want what's best for them. I know what happens there as well and know that you are mistaken. If you didn't feel the love that these women have for you and for God, I am terribly sorry, because you just pushed away possibly the most unconditional love you could have ever received. I have many friends that have come from this program and there ILLNESS is completely gone I will stand by that truth and not just a couple peoples opinions.
hannahb24eva when were you at Mercy Ministries Australia to even be able to speak about this? It seems that you do not know much about the program as is obvious by your posts. An organisation shouldn't be allowed to advertise that their staff are qualified, that girls will be treated by psychologits, qualified counsellors, social workers and other professionals if they are not, and that is what the problem is.
Bad things happen at every recovery home! Doesn't mean that the staff were not well equipped. Don't judge something from one/ a couple peoples opinions. Talk to the hundreds and thousands of girls who's lives have been changed completely with this program!! I have seen it with my very own eyes. Most amazing program in the world and I will defend it until my dying breath also!!
I hope that this does not stray anyone from applying or going to Mercy Ministries.I went to one and it was the best experience of my life as well as thousands of other girls.This girl was kicked out and you have to understand it's from her own perspective.Please remain open and don't use her testimony as a basis for getting help for your issues if you are considering going.I went to tons of therapist and spent tons of money, was never helped. Mercy helped me and now my life is totally different
You are in the USA. This video is about the Australian Mercy Ministries and what they do to girls in their care. Mercy claimed that the staff caring for the young women were qualified to treat mental illness, but they were not. Young women who were not kicked out of Mercy have come forward and spoken out - it is not limited to those who were kicked out. Young women need to be made aware of how Mercy Ministries in Australia 'treats' illnesses with exorcisms and unqualified staff.
Katieflowerpower has had a little too much "flower".The only thing religious about Mercy is katiepower."The devil comes to still,kill,& destroy."That's all I see you doing Katie.MMOA has helped many girls & me be set free.I've been Hospitalized 13x's Christian based & psych wards.If anything they gave me money for essentials.Maybe you should show some proof before shelling out crazy twisted misperceptions.Mecy is family to me and I will defend it til my dying breathe! At My Post Nancy!
onelulubell please don't make comments about things you have no understanding of. You are in the USA, and this video is about Mercy Ministries in Australia, lovey. Mercy Ministries is a religious organisation, and as many young women who have been in the program in Australia have said, the mistreatment involved forced exorcisms as well as psychological and emotional abuse.
onelulubell please don't make comments about things you have no understanding of. You are in the USA, and this video is about Mercy Ministries in Australia, lovey. Mercy Ministries is a religious organisation, and as many young women who have been in the program in Australia have said, the mistreatment involved forced exorcisms as well as psychological and emotional abuse.
onelulubell, a lot of women who go to Mercy Ministries are Christians - they are not stupid, they know what is normal Christian behaviour and what is cult like behaviour, and abuse such as forced rituals. Grow up.
Mellyayres I'm not sure who you're replying to, but I am a Christian who went to MM and I do believe that God can heal. But how they treated me there wasn't Christ like at all. I understand that their 'Bible study retreat' style treatment may work for some girls, but young women who needed proper medical care while in the program weren't seen by professionals. MM claim that their staff are qualified to treat mental illness, but they are not qualified & young women are left untreated.
Mellyayres I'm not sure who you're replying to, but I am a Christian who went to MM and I do believe that God can heal. But how they treated me there wasn't Christ like at all. I understand that their 'Bible study retreat' style treatment may work for some girls, but young women who needed proper medical care while in the program weren't seen by professionals. MM claim that their staff are qualified to treat mental illness, but they are not qualified & young women are left untreated.
we have the right to believe what we believe just because you dont believe in the speration from past hurts through a diffrent means a chrsit centered means does not mean it is abuse. i agree its a tough program but it works, i have acomplished more in my life since i have left mercy 4 years ago than i could imagen. Thankyou too all the people who support mercy and if you are applying to mercy dont let this video put you off its hard work but if you want freedom i highly recomend it
I stand by Mercy and its teaching and would not change my time there. In any group or oganiztion your going to find people who are unhappy and that sound like where this is comeing from.
it took years of situations that often led girls to enter the program and that takes an approch that may seem unnatural. But that it from me when you have lived in a world that gives up on you and know one know what to do Mecy was what i needed. My stay there taught me the keys i need to contiune my life healhy doesnt mean i will never struggle ect. Mercy is not a place for girls to go and wast time if girls get asked to leave there is a very good reson.
i am a graduate of mercy ministries, you enter the house knowing that it what is espected of you as well as knowing that it is christian and christ based.
That's not abuse. Exorcisms may be strange. They'd probably scare me a little and had I gone to Mercy I may have discharged myself, but they don't fall under the category of abuse. If a person CHOOSES to go to an obviously Christian treatment center they should not be surprised if they get treatment that falls under the category of Christian.
Also, there are lots of treatment centers who will discharge people for noncompliance. I was kicked out of one this summer for similar reasons.
Yes, if a young woman goes to a Christian treatment centre she should be able to expect treatment in a Christ like way, however this was not the case at Mercy Ministries. I was there for some time, and when things like exorcisms are forced upon the young women, and when they are constantly told they are demonic, that is emotional and spiritual abuse by anyone's definition.
None of this (in the video or in any of the responses thus far) sounds like abuse. Exorcisms are not abuse--and, for the record, I don't believe in exorcisms. I'm a Christian but lean more towards the conservative side. Kicking someone out for smoking a cigarette is not abuse either. I'm not saying it was right (I'm not saying it was wrong either), but it isn't abusive. Some parents choose to discipline their children for smoking or having sex or whatever and others choose not to.
Exorcisms are abuse when they are forced on the young women after they young women asked them not to do it. The cigarette was smoked during her leave from the program, ie not on their premises, in the young ladie's own personal time.
Abuse and manipulation can take many forms, but you can guarantee when something religious is FORCED on a young women against her will, such as is done at Mercy Ministries, it is abuse.
Nobody is arguing what the rules should be, I was simply stating that she was not 'found with cigarettes' at the premises, but instead she was actually on a break, in her own personal time.
Just because someone is not on the premesis doesn't mean the rules don't apply. On break or not, she was still in the program. If girls are on an outing, they are off the premesis. Does that mean they can light up? No.
Please see my previous comment. Nobody is arguing what the rules should be. However I will say that being on two weeks leave at home is very different than going on an 'outing.'
I KNOW that. But she was still in the program even on break, and expected to abide by the rules.
It seems you have the idea that as long as someone doesn't SEE you doing something wrong, then that makes it okay.
What wrong act would one draw the line at? Cursing? Smoking? Drinking? Lying? Stealing? Porn? Where do you say, "No, this is wrong. I shouldn't do it."
apugirl4747 did you read my previous post at all? I didn't say that it wasn't wrong, so please stop trying to twist things and put words in my mouth. For the third time, I was pointing out the actual situation.
What Mercy Ministries does in abusing young women is wrong, using the name of Jesus to do so is VERY wrong, and no cigarette while on a two week leave is going to take away from that fact.
Yes I did read your post. And that was what I was replying to. I'm not twisting things or trying to put words in your mouth. I was stating facts about Mercy's standpoint on the rules, and that girls are aware of those rules.
So I don't understand what your argument is here? I didn't state that young women were not aware that Mercy prohibit smoking on breaks. A lot of the rules are made clear to residents after they arrive, although some are only made clear after they are broken.
My point is that Mercy Ministries' practices, such as forced exorcisms, the denial of appropriate medical and psychiatric care and other questionable things they do are abusive.
IMO they are negligent because they are reducing these illnesses to mere "demonic oppression." This is not safe when girls go off the premises or are then not adequately supervised because they have claimed, or the staff thinks they have been magically cured by "casting" a demon out of her body. For example, a girl might then go on to commit suicide b/c she is not being treated effectively, or in a medical facility, not being properly supervised, etc.
Regardless of how ineffective their "treatment" is, they just aren't equipped to treat serious mental illnesses. While I was there a girl (her soul had "broken into pieces" according to them) who was hardly even coherent jumped off the balcony onto a stone floor and broke her back, and there were no medical staff on premises. Of course we were told to keep this quiet or "the devil" would use it against Nancy to prevent her from "helping" other girls.
They take in ED patients who are barely medically stable and do not closely supervise the refeeding process, which is dangerous. IMO, it would be quite a different thing is they took in medically-stable low risk pregnant teenagers, but these girls (and their parents) are risking their health in the hopes of a miraculous recovery. IMO, Mercy should be liable b/c there is no evidence that "casting out demons" cures eating disorders, depression, suicidal tendencies, etc.
I am sorry. I shouldn't have said what I said. I was being immature and ridiculous. The truth is I know what kind of experience I had and it was great. I have no idea what yalls experiences were so I am going to butt out of it. I am sorry that these things happened to you. I wish you all the best of luck. You will all be in my prayers. I am not going to quit supporting Mercy and telling of my great experience there, but I am going to butt out of what you girls are saying. God bless!!
Thanks mercygrad08, I am glad that you had a good experience and that you left feeling good about yourself. Unfortunately many girls didn't and our goal is to let people know so that they can make an informed decision when they decide to go there, or send their daughters. I know we are doing what we feel is right, and I'm sure you are, too. Cheers!
You all just need to grow up!!! This is getting really immature and ridiculous. God's truth will be revealed and you will all look like heartless fools. I am not denying the fact that what you are saying is true because it may be, but you dont have to make such a big deal about it, and I know for a fact that part of what yall are saying is a lie. There are more people who feel the way I feel than people that feel the way you feel. Get over yourslves please. This is getting old.Attention seeking?
I'm from the US and have remained anonymous, I am not "attention seeking." And it is a big deal because it is not right to ignore the very real illness that these people have and instead view them as "demons" to be cast out. They are making false claims, and taking government money (in Australia), which Nancy always makes a huge deal about not doing. They should continue trying to do something about it until things are changed.
Totally agreed iamundinespragg. Also, in Australia anyway, more than half the young women leave the program due to the abuse, or they are kicked out. Abuse and manipulation is not something that should simply be ignored. Those who are speaking out in the name of justice and protecting others, are not the people who need to grow up ;)
Yes, it's all about the money. Not even Christianity is awake to the fact that money will soon be useless as the oil-based economies begin to collapse. If they understood the reality of money they would not place so much importance on accumulating it at any cost.
I for one will recommend to friends not to patronise Gloria Jeans. Nothing like consumer action to make these corporations pull their finger out. Once again the psychopathic behaviour of corporations is on display.
I love Mercy Ministries and Nancy Alcorn with all of my heart. For those of you watching this that are thinking about going to Mercy dont listen to these girls. They are just mad that they got kicked out. Mercy is an amazing place and God has used them to change many lives. He can use Mercy to change yours if you let Him. It's not Mercy's fault that these girls had issues, their life is their choice. Mercy doesn't abuse, but with the help of God they transform.
I did not get kicked out, I left of my own volition because I couldn't in good conscience continue with their program. We had already discussed a grad. date. Nancy brought in Paula Kilpatrick to "prophesy" and "cast out demons" It happened, I saw it, Nancy was in the room, and those girls aren't lying.
What did she do? Sit in the room with you? Because when she came to Nashville it was specifically to "prophesy" and "cast out demons." She is a so-called "prophet" who is merely using techniques akin to those used by John Edwards to con people into believing she speaks for God. Christians should be seriously upset about what's happening a Mercy Ministries because they are being falsely represented.
No, she did prophesy over us. What I mean is there wasn't any "voodoo" going on. She prayed over us, and then spoke to each of us individually about stuff. What she said to me was very specific. Not like "psychic" specific, but like "encouraging guidance" specific.
iamundinespragg, I'm not trying to argue with you about your experience, or anyone else's. It's just frustrating to see girls saying that Mercy is a bad place and evil/abusive/cult/etc etc.
She told me I would marry somebody who was in a band. I am not even kidding. Which I did not do. Sylvia Browne and John Edwards have devoted followers as well, but that doesn't make what they're doing any more ethical. And you are lucky that she didn't spend the second half of her day casting demons out of your body. And yes, I do think it is very much like a cult because any problems you have with the program are put down to your "lack of faith." Very much what would be said to cult members.
Yes, but what I'm saying is that what these girls are saying is true, based on my experience, so yes, in that sense, you are arguing with me about my experience. What happened to me (and to the other girls, who I believe) is what makes Mercy a "bad" place.
I was involved with Mercy Ministries in Australia and the girls in the video are telling the truth. Not all the girls that have come forward to the media were kicked out, either. Some of them left when they found that the staff were unqualified and the practices were abusive. You obviously know nothing of how Mercy Ministries operates in Australia, and I pray that young women who were thinking of entering the program have now been warned of the abusive practices. Aren't you in the USA anyway?!!
I am in the United States but his interest me very much. I hate it when idiots try to use religion to solve a worldly problem. I feel bad for these girls....
Mercy Ministries is an abusive organisation where the girls are manipulated, controlled and denied proper medical care. The staff are unqualified, and the practices are ungodly. You don't know the girls in the video - and not all girls who have come forward to the media were kicked out. Just because a charity 'claims' to be Christian based, should we as Christians turn the other way and allow them to continue to abuse and neglect?
I'm a former resident at the home in Nashville and am so glad this is finally coming out. Yes, they do "cast out demons". Nancy, who was in the room at the time, brought in somebody especially for a two-day event. I left because my counselor expected me to hear God talking to me in my head. (He didn't, thankfully.) For a long time I told people it was a great place as well because I thought it was my fault that I didn't have enough faith. I would testify under oath that this stuff it true.
I was involved in Mercy Ministries and from my time there, more than half the girls were either kicked out or left. Some 'graduates' that they are boasting about are now in psychiatric units recovering from their experiences. It is really good that the truth about this organisation is finally getting out there. I hope that more girls who were abused there come forward and are empowered to tell of their experiences.
Blame shifting is common when a girl doesn't graduate. I am a graduate myself, and even I have been hospitalized since Mercy. But it had nothing to do with Mercy. EVERYONE HAS ISSUES, and NO ONE IS PERFECT or "fixed", even after graduating. Mercy gives girls tools and knowledge to deal with their issues--just like alot of secular counseling programs.
Also, there are a VARIETY of reasons girls leave Mercy. It's actually MORE often that girls DECIDE to leave.
Let me ask you this... hundreds of thousands of people also are submitted to psychiatric institutions... some against their will, some voluntarily... if a handful have been found to be abused or mistreated in any way, would you expect something to be done about it? Do you think there'd be a public outcry? Or would you just say, "Well, it's helped hundreds who went through it, so let's ignore this handful"?
Oh, believe me...I HAVE been abused in psych units. And it nearly ALWAYS gets swept under the rug, because they claim we are "delusional" or "out of control" or something.
"Abuse" is FAR DIFFERENT from "I am not religious so I was confused by the stuff they do."
You don't have to be Christian to go to Mercy, but you do need to understand that it is a Christian-run program.
Also, I do understand that not all Christians speak in tongues or lay hands on others when they pray. These activities are not "exorcism" as stated. Exorcism involves bringing a spirit OUT of someone.
Christians cannot be possessed, but we CAN be opressed--meaning that demonic spirits cannot come INTO us, but they can be AROUND us. The prayers are for the spirits to GO AWAY and leave the Christian alone.
apugirl4747 you are making way too many assumptions. The girls have stated that exorcisms did in fact take place, where demons were cast out of them one at a time by name. THAT IS AN EXORCISM! Also, a lot of the girls who came forward are Christians. This is not a question of religion. They were abused at Mercy Ministries.
spirit of depression, spirit of pride, spirit of anger...these are some spirits that OPRESS Christians, and weigh heavy on them. (And the Bible talks about these too!) But they cannot be IN Christians or completely take over.
Naomi was kicked out because she was "seen smoking at the airport." Smoking is never allowed at Mercy (I had to quit the day I got there too), and the girls KNOW these rules and that breaking THAT rule WILL get you sent home.
Yes, she smoked one cigarette at the airport during her Christmas break. She did not smoke on Mercy Ministries premises, nor while she was 'in' the program. She was anorexic, on leave, and they kicked her out of the program for smoking one cigarette! Go figure!
I am sure now, that she is grateful she escaped their clutes when she did though.
Does it state in their rules that girls have to have exorcisms too? Funny that I don't remember reading that. In fact, the girls don't know most of the rules until they actually arrive! Eg no giving out the house address to their friends to receive letters, no talking about their problems with each other, no talking about their treatment with their family, what goes on at mercy stays at mercy, and many more!
They don't want girls to talk about issues with each other because they want each girl to focus on her own stuff and not others' stuff. PLUS so there's less DRAMA. If we were qualified to counsel each other, we wouldn't be at Mercy.
Sorry, I don't know anything about giving the address or talking to family. We were ENCOURAGED to talk with family--even have family phone sessions.
It really sounds like the USA is run a lot differently to the Australian homes then. Girls were not even given a residents handbook until they arrived, so had no idea of the rules or expectations until they got there, and needless to say it was a huge shock. Mercy in the USA sounds a lot less secretive in that regard!
Actually, in the US, they aren't given a handbook until they arrive either. I've read accounts from girls in both Australia and the US, and spent a month in the St. Louis home myself (I left "in rebellion," and I thank God I got out when I did!), and they sound pretty similar to me, unfortunately.
Those are disgusting lies, and a disgusting attitude.
I have witnessed an exorcism at Mercy in Australia, and seen documentation about the casting out of demons that the girl was given. Perhaps it does not happen to every girl, but it does happen to some!
I did not call you a liar or disgusting. I don't think you know much about what goes on at Mercy in Australia, that's all.
I was saying that the quotes from Peter Irvine are disgusting lies.
The documentation was listing names of demons, and explaining about the casting out of demons. The girls were to read it before the exorcism took place.
Well, I don't know EXACTLY how the Australia home is run...Each Mercy home is run a little bit differently. But I do know that Mercy in the US is definitely NOT run like that. I have visited all the US homes, and I have NEVER seen anything questionable.
Yes, it may be strange and confusing to those that don't understand it, but that is all.
As for names of demons...do you mean names like Legion, or Croticus, or like spirit of fear, spirit of anger, etc?
Yes, I have heard from several people that the USA homes are run differently and that they are a lot more supportive of the girls. I have nothing against the USA Mercy homes, but I do know what happens in the Australian Mercy homes and it is not right, and not Christ-like at all!
The names I saw were like spirit of fear, spirit of anger, but they had told the girls that the demons are inside them.
Every time the girl's illness became a problem (eg depression, etc) the staff stated that the girl obviously has demons. That is just wrong!!!! I keep asking why these girls didn't get to see a psychologist and get the treatment they desperately needed?
Well, I'm sorry. I really think they should show how they pray over girls, so girls can be aware and understand it a little more. I'm still skeptical to think it was an actual exorcism.
apugirl--then you much know how frustrated these girls feel when they have been criticized as delusional/crazy, as well. And yes, you do have to be Christian, or convert soon afterwards. They would not keep you around if you didn't buy into their system of belief very soon after arriving. On their application it asks, "Are you willing to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?"
I never said they were delusional or crazy. But if a girl is not willing to truly pursue a relationship with Christ, and be willing to let her past "die" instead of clinging onto it as her identity....then there isn't much that a Christian program like Mercy can do...They can't "force" you to become well, alot of it is based on choices. If the girl DOESN'T UNDERSTAND what's going on around her, then it will likely feel like a negative experience.
The media is saying they are crazy. And now you are saying they did not have enough faith and were too stupid to understand what was going on! Above you claimed residents don't have to be Christian to attend and that is untrue. I am a college-educated, fully functioning adult who has read the Bible from cover to cover; do not insult me by claiming I found MM negligent because I was unable to understand what was going on right in front of my face.
I did not say they were stupid. I said "if they don't understand"--that is different. What I mean by it is this: Different denominations (Baptist, Catholic, Charasmatic, Evangelical, etc.) have different customs/beliefs. For example, Baptists generally do not raise their hands in worship or speak in tongues, whereas many evangelicals do. A girl who has different customs may not be used to such things and get scared or put off by it.
I understand what you're saying, but this is not to do with different 'cultures' within Christianity. The casting out of demons is an exorcism, in anyone's language. Abuse is abuse, manipulation is manipulation. It is not to do with different cultures and genuine Christians would be disgusted at what happens at Mercy Ministries. The way staff have treated girls and young women in the program, is not of God at all.
I did not say they were stupid. I said "if they don't understand"--that is different. What I mean by it is this: Different denominations (Baptist, Catholic, Charasmatic, Evangelical, etc.) have different customs/beliefs. For example, Baptists generally do not raise their hands in worship or speak in tongues, whereas many evangelicals do. A girl who has different customs may not be used to such things and get scared or put off by it.
Ok, let me set one thing straight. I was raised Baptist and was all for praise and worship. If people want to be really happy about singing and praising God, then I am happy for them. I really liked praise and worship. I did not leave after 7 months because of the praise and worship. I left because they claimed I should hear God talking to me in my head.
You have previously commented that the girls were 1.only speaking out because they were kicked out 2.did not have to be Christian 3."confused" by the program somehow 4.lacking in faith, thus unable to succeed. Not one of those claims is true. I was not kicked out, confused or misinterpreting the program or lacking in faith. And girls did have to be Christian if they want to stay in the program.
I am fascinated by how you continually take my words (and other people's) and twist them around to say and mean what YOU want them to mean.
I also told you before that I am not trying to argue. You are telling your side, that is fine. But I'm also telling mine and sharing facts that I know since I am ALSO a former resident.
1.I never said the girls are only speaking out because they were kicked out. 2.They don't have to be Christian, but must be willing to be open to it--There IS a difference! 3.I didn't say they WERE confused, I said it was a possibility because of differences in beliefs/practices. 4.I NEVER said or implied that lack of faith made them unable to succeed.
1. You said, "Blame shifting is common when a girl doesn't graduate." Thus, my conclusion that you think the girls are only speaking out due to spite ("blaming" Mercy)
2. You said, "If the girl DOESN'T UNDERSTAND what's going on around her, then it will likely feel like a negative experience." So, yes, you did, And in any case, Mercy claims they are not affiliated with any particular denomination. The things going on there go way beyond differences in denominations.
Cont. to apugirl: You've said about 3 times in previous comments that the problem is that the girls "don't understand" what is going on around them, which is simply not true.
3.You said, "if a girl is not willing to truly pursue a relationship with Christ" this implies you claim they lack faith because believe me I was trying and had plenty of faith, but because I disagreed with what they said, they told me I didn't have enough faith.
4. It is semantics saying there is a difference between having to be Christian when you arrive and having to be Christian to succeed in the program. This is just another way of getting girls there and convincing them in the isolated Mercy environment that what they are telling them is true, instead of letting them make an informed decision before they go into the program.
Yes I have known of girls who have been kicked out (or threatened with it) because they did not want to go up the front at church and pray to become a Christian. They went to this program because it was advertised as welcoming Christians and non Christians alike, however once a girl gets there they are put under immense pressure and indoctrination, and if they do not become a Christian they are booted out.
There is a saying regarding comments and forums..."do not feed the trolls."
...I should have taken that advice...I've been wasting too much of my energy and time arguing against people who are on an ego trip insisting that Mercy is bad. Thanks but I'm not up for your brainwashing rants.
You want to win the argument? Fine, you win. But in the end integrity wins---and if Mercy is guiltless, then they need no defending and God will continue to bless them, and nothing can stand in the way.
A troll is someone who engages in ad hominem attacks on other posters instead of supporting their arguments with factual evidence. Ironically, that is what you just did to me. However, I am glad to see that our discussion has come to the point where you are no longer able to refute my argument because I have presented to you factual evidence supporting my claims. I hope you are right that integrity will win out in the end because I know that these girls and I are telling the truth.
It's not that I'm "no longer able," it's just that your constant arguments have simply become tiresome to me. You say you have factual evidence, but so do I. In fact, there are more girls who can testify that Mercy has changed their lives for the better than can say it's been negative or detrimental. There are so many strange inconsistencies with the allegations against Mercy.
Oh, and by the way---exorcism is not abuse. Neither is laying hands, Bible studies or food being locked up (which is what you'd see at any ED treatment facility).
Exorcisms are abuse when they are forced upon the young women against their wishes. Anything religious that is forced is exploitation and abuse, by any definition.
Sorry but that is false, in Australia anyway. More than half the young women who were in the house when I was there, left when they realised the program didn't have qualified staff, or were kicked out. More than half have negative experiences.
So, does that mean that GOD has to have an M.A. or M.D. or Ph.D. in order to help girls? Regular staff might not have degrees, but they have gone through extensive training. And the counselors DO have degrees.
Ministries advertises that their staff are qualified in treating psychiatric illness, when they are not qualified in that way at all. It is absurd to compare the staff members with God.
Absurd? Exactly. My point is that the staff encourages the girls to seek God with their issues, because He is the one that will heal their hurts. If girls are seeking for a PERSON to heal their hurts and solve their issues, they WILL be disappointed---because only God can truly heal.
So yes...if girls prefer a psychiatrist to God (especially in a Christian program) then they WILL get frustrated and feel neglected. But HAVE they been? NO.
Wrong again. Mercy Ministries is a Christian program that advertises that its staff are qualified to treat mental illness. So of course young women go there expecting proper psychiatric care. What you don't seem to grasp is that psychiatric care and seeking God for healing can go hand in hand. The young women found that the staff were unqualified to treat mental illness, and instead inflicted abuse upon the young women (forced exorcisms, denial of care etc.) That is the issue at hand.
People who have been to Mercy are speaking out against the abuse that was inflicted upon them. I'm sorry, but that does not constitute 'brainwashing rants.' I find it interesting that you chose the word 'brainwashing' because brainwashing techniques are exactly some of the things that are used on the young women at Mercy Ministries.
apugirl4747 you are right, God loves justice, He loves what is right, and He is blessing these young Christian women in speaking out to defend His name against an organisation who is wrongfully using His name to inflict hurt and abuse.
hmm maby the millions of people who sing the Hillsong music in the own church and the millions of people who lissen to music must be wrong about Hillsong.......
All this is more or less why I left the Evangelical movement. Not only because of what this video denounces, but also because of the reactions of Evangelicals. Evangelicals do not accept any form of criticism (unless it is really superficial). Any criticism, even from the inside, is seen as anti-Christian attack. Refusing criticism = fundamentalism. Sorry, but it's true.
As a Christian journalist I'm outraged at the discrimination shown against this organisation. Also, the fact that you call yourself HillsongChurch is deceptive and a downright lie.
Calling Mercy a "deceptive ministry" and even a "cult" is defamation. The SMH are lucky that it is MERCY ministries and not I'LL SUE YOU ministries, I don't know if I'd be so merciful as to let it slide. Do your own research and find out the truth. Don't believe all you read in the paper and see on the TV!!!!
well this is my final comment as i dont need to defend mercy, i know whats going on there and the good work they do is known to me and my family. But i do want to say, Hillsong dont 'staff' mercy, hillsong is just a church and some staff go there but some dont... i think people are thinking hillsong have all this power, but it is just a church. I just ask that you keep your mind open to all things. thanks for the chat :)
oh, and Princess Aimie, you are painfully transparent, even down to your fake username.
You lie - Mercy is an arm of Hillsong, and has been promoted through Gloria Jeans, who hold an annual fundraiser for it, and has change boxes on GJ counters asking naive consumers to donate. GJ is founded by 2 members of the Hillsong board. Nice try.
Don't critisise something you know nothing about. I think someone IN the program would understand it better than you. Stop believing the emotional lies the media are telling you. They just want a story. Look deeper for the real story. Do your own research.
only 2 months and i still have a little while to go, i want to come out of mercy free, i want to help other girls become free, mercy has seriously changed my life, if what the girls say happened i feel bad for them but why punish me and other girls, we need and want mercy, sponsors have now stopped giving money, it makes it harder on mercy, but in the end it effects me and the other girls in the homes. in the end, yes there punishing mercy, but there punishing me more
I have seen the effect that prisons can have on people ..they end up healthier and more stable than they have been for years..the regimented lifestyle..3 meals a day..
most people feel safe and better in an environment that takes away your need for choices..I hope this stabilization continues to work for you.
I agree that it is good you feel more stable in the Mercy environment. But, if even a handful of girls are being mistreated, it is unethical (and cruel, IMO) not to change things, and if Mercy refuses to make changes, yes, they should be shut down.
alright, well say this did happen, it was like 5 years ago, the program has changed, it is now a 6 month program, staff have changed, the law has changed. What do the girls want, like what do they want to achieve by going to the papers about mercy, do they want an apology do they want mercy to close down, because i beg them to not close mercy down, mercy has helped me so much and if it were to close, i would be homeless and shattered because mercy has been helping me so much, ive been there for
csso (child safety support officers)who have life experience, no qualification needed... i trust every worker at mercy, they are all loving, compassionate, helpful people. I've written to today tonight, and maybe they will let me go on there show and tell you my side of my experience with mercy minsitries.
also, i'm not actually sure what hillsong has to do with mercy, yes we go there to church and i think they may give some money to the program but they dont have anything to do with me and my treatment plan at the house. I have seen a gp whenever i have been sick, i have seen a dietian, i see a counsellor weekly... so i'm confused as to why you are saying these people are students when there not. I have lived in many residentials and 99% of 'youth workers' arent qualified. Child safety employs
Mercy isn't branched off Hillsong, although Hillsong does support them. It originated in the U.S., and Darlene Zschech visited one of the homes and partnered with Nancy Alcorn (founder) to start Mercy Australia.
8:45 is still technically study time, 9pm is supper followed by meds, quiet time is 9:30 and lights out at 10. your right, staff wouldnt allow me to be on youtube at this time of night... mostly because they have things to do... but since im at home its up to me to make the right choices, and im not looking up anything which i would consider to be bad... ask me questions, ask me anything, im in the program and mercy works
Of the 96 graduates the SMH already has 6 people they are quoting with stories of mistreatment and an ex staffer..
Its not how they treat people when problems resolve themselves..its how you treat the difficult one that shows the true worth of a program.
they dumped them on a plane unsupervised and told the other girls parents that she wants nothing to do with them.. I think trying to break up families is evil and by far the worst story here.
@kimenriquez15 "I would be careful with i say".Dont worry im not worried in what you say...If you look at the title of her vid,its under child abuse..Nothing mentioned about child abuse.No beatings,No sexual abuse etc etc.And everyone has a opinion,Which means my opinion shouldnt matter to you.And yes things like this are possible.Unless you actually know of someone from Mercy ministries that had this happen,then your arguement is irrelevant.Name and shame,but not when its doing good.
jayc274 7 months ago
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jayc274 7 months ago
I bet that lady was paid to lie about them.I support the Mercy ministries.You dont need a degree in psycology to give people love.Thats all they do there.And to share gods word with those who are open to except it.Not forced upon.Shes definately working for someone whos against the will of God.
jayc274 8 months ago 2
This must be all about Austrailia because I was at Mercy in Monroe. I did leave out of rebellion because I honestly don't think I was ready yet. It was the worst mistake of my life leaving that I did everything in my power to come back. It was completely free! God was there and I was never told that I had to do certain things to get free. It was all about God...going into the program you know it cause it's a Christian place!
christiangrrl24 8 months ago
It's funny how some Mercy Survivors in the US have the same claims as Australia and others are left in the dark or they're brainwashed. I have seen too many girls get damaged by this place. Everyone gets scared when someone goes, because they know they will not even come back with the same personality.
SleepEverlasting 9 months ago
I know people think this is sick behavior, and some people are defending hillsong saying this is not true... I am an ex member, And I know, it gets worse than this. This story as sad as it is, really does not surprise me what so ever.
4EverDyingInMyDreams 11 months ago
i think hillsong is come from pit of hell, i honestly do, and i am christian because i try follow jesus.
DasTuppen 11 months ago 2
this is so wrong!! dont judge them for trying to make a difference in girls lives
tarabrady91 1 year ago
@tarabrady91 I agree....the only videos I have seen of people complaining about Mercy is the people who don't want to believe in God in the first place. It always seems to be people from Australia.
greenbeanhope 1 year ago
@greenbeanhope That's a judgement on your behalf and it is untrue. Most girls who go to Mercy are Christians, that's why they go there. You will find more videos about abuse at Mercy in Australia compared to other countries, because it was the Australian homes that were shut down after the government investigation.
silverrose72 11 months ago 2
@tarabrady91 There are right ways and wrong ways to go about helping people. In Mercy Ministries' case in Australia, they were incorrectly claiming their staff had qualifications that they didn't have. They were also charging the girls, while claiming all the time that their program was free. Helping girls is a good thing to want to do, but ethics and professional practices must come into it, otherwise they cause more damage to already fragile girls, as unfortunatelly happened in this case.
silverrose72 11 months ago 3
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You know, It IS a voluntary program and it is FREE. If you don't like their methods, THEN LEAVE.
popcorn0729 3 years ago
It wasn't free. They charged hundreds of dollars a week to be there. Why did you think it was free??
You are right that it's voluntary officially. But you need to remember that girls go there voluntarily BECAUSE Mercy Ministries advertised that they would receive psychiatric care by professionals. When instead there were no professionals and they were doing exorcisms as the only "treatment" and counseling.
mercygirl777 3 years ago 6
You also need to remember that once girls are in the house, they are almost immediately indoctrinated with "if you leave then you will be outside the will of God for the rest of your life" type rubbish put into their heads. When you constantly do this to mentally ill people, as well as telling them nobody in the 'world' can help, only Mercy can help because they are sick due to demons being inside them. Well, girls feel they can't leave when they are so indoctrinated. It is like mind control
mercygirl777 3 years ago 4
@mercygirl777 I'm sorry it was like that for you. I went to one of the homes in the US and it wasn't like that at all. There were professionals and they told us we could leave. They suggested we didn't because they knew God could help us but they didn't tell us that if we left we'd be out of the will of God. The home I went to was completely free. You know it must've only been the Australia home because it's not like that here in the US. I'm sorry you had a bad experience there.
s1lverflames 11 months ago
@popcorn0729 It wasn't free. Many girls did leave.
silverrose72 11 months ago
Heart breaking
HolySpiritChat 3 years ago 8
Thank you for making this video. I can relate to what the girls are saying because I am an ex resident too. The staff weren't qualified in health or anything like that and they feed lies into your head, like mental illness is caused because of demons. It was wacky, way out there stuff. I came out of there worse than I went in there because I couldn't stop thinking about all the things they said about demons and how I was a bad person.
gothchick87 3 years ago 7
Profit making organizations under the guise of a "religious organization" will never have the expertise to deal with complex medical or behavioural issues. They should stick with what they know-- making money from needy, gullible or desparate people.
dionysius33 3 years ago 11
@dionysius33 How much do you know about Mercy? They make no profit off the girls. The girls come in free of charge. God changed my life in Mercy.
s1lverflames 1 year ago
@s1lverflames I'm not sure where your information is coming from. The video is correct. Mercy Ministries Australia did charge the girls before the homes were shut down.
silverrose72 11 months ago 2
God commands child abuse: Moses was angry with the officers of the army who returned from the battle. "Have you allowed all the women to live?" he asked them. "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD's people. Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man. [Num 31:14-18]
exodus21v20 3 years ago
I do wish that i could give you advise, but you have to have an open heart to receive it. The best response i can have is that you don't go to the amish to help you with a vehicle, unless you believe the transportation ways they believe, because they are going to mend that horse and not a mustang engine. In turn, if you are not going to be open to mercy's belief, then how can you expect them to help you?
poorpeterpan 3 years ago
Take your nose out of Alcorn's rear and stick it in an Aussie newspaper. They are cheating girls out of the care they were promised by them.
thecynicsage 3 years ago 2
I understand where many of these girls are, and i have put my faith in people also, and been a success story they used, but then i have also been let down and disposed of. I am not saying they are 100% right in what they do, but they are not a hundred percent wrong either. I was also damaged by the same type of organization, but what does not kill you does make you stronger, IF YOU ALLOW IT TO. I took their teachings, but disposed of the clickish dogma.
poorpeterpan 3 years ago
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Maybe those girls speaking were cheated but I know personally. I went into Mercy myself. I got the help I was promised and the staff NOT ONCE performed an exorcism. I know because I asked for prayer about something and never got told I was demon possessed. We were allowed to get close to people and talk to our parents. I was never told I had to raise my hands or jump up and down. I was told to seek the Lord and that was my main purpose for going. Experience Mercy before you judge it please......
christiangrrl24 3 years ago
You obviously weren't in Mercy Australia. I HAVE experienced Mercy Australia and everything these girls in the video said is true. The staff did an exorcism on me, so I know!
mercygirl777 3 years ago 3
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No, I wasn't in Mercy Austrailia. I was in Mercy America. In fact, I left Mercy on my own will. I miss it so much and made such a big mistake that I am going BACK. Now why would I want to go back to a cult that abuses girls?
christiangrrl24 3 years ago
This video is about Mercy Ministries AUSTRALIA.
I don't care about your experience in America. Just because they haven't done exorcisms on you (yet) in America does not make you an expert on Mercy Ministries Australia's conduct.
mercygirl777 3 years ago 4
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I told you that these girls may have been mistreated in Australia. I'm just saying that they don't mistreat girls in America. I'm not saying that these girls weren't mistreated. The staff at the Mercy home I went to would never do exorcisms because that's not what they are all about.
christiangrrl24 3 years ago
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I feel Nancy Alcorn's motives in creating Mercy Ministries and it's residencies were indeed pure. However there are a lot of girls who's needs were not met by the program and some who were downright mistreated. My girlfriend was one of them.
Now, she has improved and healed more than she ever has by being surrounded by people that love her and who helped her realize she didn't need a "program" to obtain God's love, HEALING, and mercy. Jesus came to this earth to give us that directly.
palpatine55 3 years ago 6
hillsong exploits religion for money.
end.
ouchjeez 3 years ago 8
I think in your heart you know there was truth there, but now you mock what they preach because you are hurt that they did not put as much hope, time and attention in you as they thought they should. It's okay to be hurt, but channel that hurt in a healthy way. It's okay to want to run the program different, but then stand up and make your own program, if these people really didnt care, then they never would have tried to help. Do you appreciate anything they did attempt to do for you?
poorpeterpan 3 years ago
hannahb24eva when were you at Mercy Ministries Australia to even be able to speak about this? It seems that you do not know much about the program as is obvious by your posts. An organisation shouldn't be allowed to advertise that their staff are qualified, that girls will be treated by psychologits, qualified counsellors, social workers and other professionals if they are not, and that is what the problem is.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago 6
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I am not disagreeing with you about the advertising part of things ok... because I don't know that side of it I never saw them falsely advertise. Done...I am not arguing but I am not going to sit back and discourage girls from going to get the help they want because of it. I think so called "professionals" couldn't have healed all my good friends it was God.
hannahb24eva 3 years ago
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I am sorry for the false advertising because I don't know all that info... Godbless.
hannahb24eva 3 years ago
And to the person who talked about casting out demons you don't know what you are talking about. Alot of girls in the program are attacked by Satan in ways you could never understand in order for them to fully heal we pray over them, you wouldn't understand it unless you were there.
hannahb24eva 3 years ago
I was involved in Mercy Ministries, I was there and I most certainly do understand the casting out of demons. It was done to young women, by their accounts sometimes against their will. This is not normal Christian behaviour. You need to understand that psychological illness is real illness, and not something that can be played around with by an organisation that advertises that their staff are qualified, when they are not.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
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Well I know Mercy Ministries also and I know that the women that work there know what they are doing. Call it illness I call it attack. Satan doesn't want them leaving that program healed from there illness and hurts.
hannahb24eva 3 years ago
No, they do not know what they are doing. They are not medically trained, and a lot of the counsellors are unqualified. Removing young women from proven medical treatment and putting them in the care of unqualified people can worsen medical and psychological condition.s
freeatlastnow 3 years ago 4
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These women love these girls and want what's best for them. I know what happens there as well and know that you are mistaken. If you didn't feel the love that these women have for you and for God, I am terribly sorry, because you just pushed away possibly the most unconditional love you could have ever received. I have many friends that have come from this program and there ILLNESS is completely gone I will stand by that truth and not just a couple peoples opinions.
hannahb24eva 3 years ago
hannahb24eva when were you at Mercy Ministries Australia to even be able to speak about this? It seems that you do not know much about the program as is obvious by your posts. An organisation shouldn't be allowed to advertise that their staff are qualified, that girls will be treated by psychologits, qualified counsellors, social workers and other professionals if they are not, and that is what the problem is.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago 3
Bad things happen at every recovery home! Doesn't mean that the staff were not well equipped. Don't judge something from one/ a couple peoples opinions. Talk to the hundreds and thousands of girls who's lives have been changed completely with this program!! I have seen it with my very own eyes. Most amazing program in the world and I will defend it until my dying breath also!!
hannahb24eva 3 years ago
I hope that this does not stray anyone from applying or going to Mercy Ministries.I went to one and it was the best experience of my life as well as thousands of other girls.This girl was kicked out and you have to understand it's from her own perspective.Please remain open and don't use her testimony as a basis for getting help for your issues if you are considering going.I went to tons of therapist and spent tons of money, was never helped. Mercy helped me and now my life is totally different
mleann99 3 years ago
You are in the USA. This video is about the Australian Mercy Ministries and what they do to girls in their care. Mercy claimed that the staff caring for the young women were qualified to treat mental illness, but they were not. Young women who were not kicked out of Mercy have come forward and spoken out - it is not limited to those who were kicked out. Young women need to be made aware of how Mercy Ministries in Australia 'treats' illnesses with exorcisms and unqualified staff.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
Katieflowerpower has had a little too much "flower".The only thing religious about Mercy is katiepower."The devil comes to still,kill,& destroy."That's all I see you doing Katie.MMOA has helped many girls & me be set free.I've been Hospitalized 13x's Christian based & psych wards.If anything they gave me money for essentials.Maybe you should show some proof before shelling out crazy twisted misperceptions.Mecy is family to me and I will defend it til my dying breathe! At My Post Nancy!
onelulubell 3 years ago
onelulubell please don't make comments about things you have no understanding of. You are in the USA, and this video is about Mercy Ministries in Australia, lovey. Mercy Ministries is a religious organisation, and as many young women who have been in the program in Australia have said, the mistreatment involved forced exorcisms as well as psychological and emotional abuse.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago 3
onelulubell please don't make comments about things you have no understanding of. You are in the USA, and this video is about Mercy Ministries in Australia, lovey. Mercy Ministries is a religious organisation, and as many young women who have been in the program in Australia have said, the mistreatment involved forced exorcisms as well as psychological and emotional abuse.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago 3
onelulubell, a lot of women who go to Mercy Ministries are Christians - they are not stupid, they know what is normal Christian behaviour and what is cult like behaviour, and abuse such as forced rituals. Grow up.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago 3
I will speak Mercy a voice that brings change!
onelulubell 3 years ago
Mellyayres I'm not sure who you're replying to, but I am a Christian who went to MM and I do believe that God can heal. But how they treated me there wasn't Christ like at all. I understand that their 'Bible study retreat' style treatment may work for some girls, but young women who needed proper medical care while in the program weren't seen by professionals. MM claim that their staff are qualified to treat mental illness, but they are not qualified & young women are left untreated.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
Mellyayres I'm not sure who you're replying to, but I am a Christian who went to MM and I do believe that God can heal. But how they treated me there wasn't Christ like at all. I understand that their 'Bible study retreat' style treatment may work for some girls, but young women who needed proper medical care while in the program weren't seen by professionals. MM claim that their staff are qualified to treat mental illness, but they are not qualified & young women are left untreated.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
we have the right to believe what we believe just because you dont believe in the speration from past hurts through a diffrent means a chrsit centered means does not mean it is abuse. i agree its a tough program but it works, i have acomplished more in my life since i have left mercy 4 years ago than i could imagen. Thankyou too all the people who support mercy and if you are applying to mercy dont let this video put you off its hard work but if you want freedom i highly recomend it
Mellyayres 3 years ago
I stand by Mercy and its teaching and would not change my time there. In any group or oganiztion your going to find people who are unhappy and that sound like where this is comeing from.
Mellyayres 3 years ago
it took years of situations that often led girls to enter the program and that takes an approch that may seem unnatural. But that it from me when you have lived in a world that gives up on you and know one know what to do Mecy was what i needed. My stay there taught me the keys i need to contiune my life healhy doesnt mean i will never struggle ect. Mercy is not a place for girls to go and wast time if girls get asked to leave there is a very good reson.
Mellyayres 3 years ago
Not true, in Australia girls have been asked to leave because they were thought to be 'demonic' by the staff.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
i am a graduate of mercy ministries, you enter the house knowing that it what is espected of you as well as knowing that it is christian and christ based.
Mellyayres 3 years ago
That's not abuse. Exorcisms may be strange. They'd probably scare me a little and had I gone to Mercy I may have discharged myself, but they don't fall under the category of abuse. If a person CHOOSES to go to an obviously Christian treatment center they should not be surprised if they get treatment that falls under the category of Christian.
Also, there are lots of treatment centers who will discharge people for noncompliance. I was kicked out of one this summer for similar reasons.
bburney06 3 years ago
Yes, if a young woman goes to a Christian treatment centre she should be able to expect treatment in a Christ like way, however this was not the case at Mercy Ministries. I was there for some time, and when things like exorcisms are forced upon the young women, and when they are constantly told they are demonic, that is emotional and spiritual abuse by anyone's definition.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
None of this (in the video or in any of the responses thus far) sounds like abuse. Exorcisms are not abuse--and, for the record, I don't believe in exorcisms. I'm a Christian but lean more towards the conservative side. Kicking someone out for smoking a cigarette is not abuse either. I'm not saying it was right (I'm not saying it was wrong either), but it isn't abusive. Some parents choose to discipline their children for smoking or having sex or whatever and others choose not to.
bburney06 3 years ago
Exorcisms are abuse when they are forced on the young women after they young women asked them not to do it. The cigarette was smoked during her leave from the program, ie not on their premises, in the young ladie's own personal time.
Abuse and manipulation can take many forms, but you can guarantee when something religious is FORCED on a young women against her will, such as is done at Mercy Ministries, it is abuse.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
As far as the smoking, it is stated in the application (which ALL girls SIGN that they understand):
"You may be subject to dismissal from the program for using drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes or for having them in your posession."
Just because she was on break or pass doesn't make her exempt from the rules.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Nobody is arguing what the rules should be, I was simply stating that she was not 'found with cigarettes' at the premises, but instead she was actually on a break, in her own personal time.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
Just because someone is not on the premesis doesn't mean the rules don't apply. On break or not, she was still in the program. If girls are on an outing, they are off the premesis. Does that mean they can light up? No.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Please see my previous comment. Nobody is arguing what the rules should be. However I will say that being on two weeks leave at home is very different than going on an 'outing.'
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
I KNOW that. But she was still in the program even on break, and expected to abide by the rules.
It seems you have the idea that as long as someone doesn't SEE you doing something wrong, then that makes it okay.
What wrong act would one draw the line at? Cursing? Smoking? Drinking? Lying? Stealing? Porn? Where do you say, "No, this is wrong. I shouldn't do it."
apugirl4747 3 years ago
apugirl4747 did you read my previous post at all? I didn't say that it wasn't wrong, so please stop trying to twist things and put words in my mouth. For the third time, I was pointing out the actual situation.
What Mercy Ministries does in abusing young women is wrong, using the name of Jesus to do so is VERY wrong, and no cigarette while on a two week leave is going to take away from that fact.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
Yes I did read your post. And that was what I was replying to. I'm not twisting things or trying to put words in your mouth. I was stating facts about Mercy's standpoint on the rules, and that girls are aware of those rules.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
So I don't understand what your argument is here? I didn't state that young women were not aware that Mercy prohibit smoking on breaks. A lot of the rules are made clear to residents after they arrive, although some are only made clear after they are broken.
My point is that Mercy Ministries' practices, such as forced exorcisms, the denial of appropriate medical and psychiatric care and other questionable things they do are abusive.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
IMO they are negligent because they are reducing these illnesses to mere "demonic oppression." This is not safe when girls go off the premises or are then not adequately supervised because they have claimed, or the staff thinks they have been magically cured by "casting" a demon out of her body. For example, a girl might then go on to commit suicide b/c she is not being treated effectively, or in a medical facility, not being properly supervised, etc.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago 2
con't to bburney:
Regardless of how ineffective their "treatment" is, they just aren't equipped to treat serious mental illnesses. While I was there a girl (her soul had "broken into pieces" according to them) who was hardly even coherent jumped off the balcony onto a stone floor and broke her back, and there were no medical staff on premises. Of course we were told to keep this quiet or "the devil" would use it against Nancy to prevent her from "helping" other girls.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago 2
con't to bburney:
They take in ED patients who are barely medically stable and do not closely supervise the refeeding process, which is dangerous. IMO, it would be quite a different thing is they took in medically-stable low risk pregnant teenagers, but these girls (and their parents) are risking their health in the hopes of a miraculous recovery. IMO, Mercy should be liable b/c there is no evidence that "casting out demons" cures eating disorders, depression, suicidal tendencies, etc.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago 2
hey! i jus wached this vid n im a bit confused! can u tell me wat an exorcism is?
meGODisBIG 3 years ago
I am sorry. I shouldn't have said what I said. I was being immature and ridiculous. The truth is I know what kind of experience I had and it was great. I have no idea what yalls experiences were so I am going to butt out of it. I am sorry that these things happened to you. I wish you all the best of luck. You will all be in my prayers. I am not going to quit supporting Mercy and telling of my great experience there, but I am going to butt out of what you girls are saying. God bless!!
mercygrad08 3 years ago
That is a good attitude to have, good on you!
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
Thanks mercygrad08, I am glad that you had a good experience and that you left feeling good about yourself. Unfortunately many girls didn't and our goal is to let people know so that they can make an informed decision when they decide to go there, or send their daughters. I know we are doing what we feel is right, and I'm sure you are, too. Cheers!
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
You all just need to grow up!!! This is getting really immature and ridiculous. God's truth will be revealed and you will all look like heartless fools. I am not denying the fact that what you are saying is true because it may be, but you dont have to make such a big deal about it, and I know for a fact that part of what yall are saying is a lie. There are more people who feel the way I feel than people that feel the way you feel. Get over yourslves please. This is getting old.Attention seeking?
mercygrad08 3 years ago
I'm from the US and have remained anonymous, I am not "attention seeking." And it is a big deal because it is not right to ignore the very real illness that these people have and instead view them as "demons" to be cast out. They are making false claims, and taking government money (in Australia), which Nancy always makes a huge deal about not doing. They should continue trying to do something about it until things are changed.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
Totally agreed iamundinespragg. Also, in Australia anyway, more than half the young women leave the program due to the abuse, or they are kicked out. Abuse and manipulation is not something that should simply be ignored. Those who are speaking out in the name of justice and protecting others, are not the people who need to grow up ;)
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
Yes, it's all about the money. Not even Christianity is awake to the fact that money will soon be useless as the oil-based economies begin to collapse. If they understood the reality of money they would not place so much importance on accumulating it at any cost.
I for one will recommend to friends not to patronise Gloria Jeans. Nothing like consumer action to make these corporations pull their finger out. Once again the psychopathic behaviour of corporations is on display.
Ninyae1 3 years ago
I love Mercy Ministries and Nancy Alcorn with all of my heart. For those of you watching this that are thinking about going to Mercy dont listen to these girls. They are just mad that they got kicked out. Mercy is an amazing place and God has used them to change many lives. He can use Mercy to change yours if you let Him. It's not Mercy's fault that these girls had issues, their life is their choice. Mercy doesn't abuse, but with the help of God they transform.
mercygrad08 3 years ago
I did not get kicked out, I left of my own volition because I couldn't in good conscience continue with their program. We had already discussed a grad. date. Nancy brought in Paula Kilpatrick to "prophesy" and "cast out demons" It happened, I saw it, Nancy was in the room, and those girls aren't lying.
jnsferris 3 years ago
I met Paula Kilpatrick too...she came while I was there. But there was nothing weird that time.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
What did she do? Sit in the room with you? Because when she came to Nashville it was specifically to "prophesy" and "cast out demons." She is a so-called "prophet" who is merely using techniques akin to those used by John Edwards to con people into believing she speaks for God. Christians should be seriously upset about what's happening a Mercy Ministries because they are being falsely represented.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
No, she did prophesy over us. What I mean is there wasn't any "voodoo" going on. She prayed over us, and then spoke to each of us individually about stuff. What she said to me was very specific. Not like "psychic" specific, but like "encouraging guidance" specific.
iamundinespragg, I'm not trying to argue with you about your experience, or anyone else's. It's just frustrating to see girls saying that Mercy is a bad place and evil/abusive/cult/etc etc.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
I know that some people have said it has helped them, but the truth is that many, many girls and young women have been abused at Mercy Ministries.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
She told me I would marry somebody who was in a band. I am not even kidding. Which I did not do. Sylvia Browne and John Edwards have devoted followers as well, but that doesn't make what they're doing any more ethical. And you are lucky that she didn't spend the second half of her day casting demons out of your body. And yes, I do think it is very much like a cult because any problems you have with the program are put down to your "lack of faith." Very much what would be said to cult members.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
Yes, but what I'm saying is that what these girls are saying is true, based on my experience, so yes, in that sense, you are arguing with me about my experience. What happened to me (and to the other girls, who I believe) is what makes Mercy a "bad" place.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
I was involved with Mercy Ministries in Australia and the girls in the video are telling the truth. Not all the girls that have come forward to the media were kicked out, either. Some of them left when they found that the staff were unqualified and the practices were abusive. You obviously know nothing of how Mercy Ministries operates in Australia, and I pray that young women who were thinking of entering the program have now been warned of the abusive practices. Aren't you in the USA anyway?!!
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
I am in the United States but his interest me very much. I hate it when idiots try to use religion to solve a worldly problem. I feel bad for these girls....
mcrdinosaur 3 years ago
Mercy Ministries is an abusive organisation where the girls are manipulated, controlled and denied proper medical care. The staff are unqualified, and the practices are ungodly. You don't know the girls in the video - and not all girls who have come forward to the media were kicked out. Just because a charity 'claims' to be Christian based, should we as Christians turn the other way and allow them to continue to abuse and neglect?
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
I'm a former resident at the home in Nashville and am so glad this is finally coming out. Yes, they do "cast out demons". Nancy, who was in the room at the time, brought in somebody especially for a two-day event. I left because my counselor expected me to hear God talking to me in my head. (He didn't, thankfully.) For a long time I told people it was a great place as well because I thought it was my fault that I didn't have enough faith. I would testify under oath that this stuff it true.
jnsferris 3 years ago 3
I was involved in Mercy Ministries and from my time there, more than half the girls were either kicked out or left. Some 'graduates' that they are boasting about are now in psychiatric units recovering from their experiences. It is really good that the truth about this organisation is finally getting out there. I hope that more girls who were abused there come forward and are empowered to tell of their experiences.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
Blame shifting is common when a girl doesn't graduate. I am a graduate myself, and even I have been hospitalized since Mercy. But it had nothing to do with Mercy. EVERYONE HAS ISSUES, and NO ONE IS PERFECT or "fixed", even after graduating. Mercy gives girls tools and knowledge to deal with their issues--just like alot of secular counseling programs.
Also, there are a VARIETY of reasons girls leave Mercy. It's actually MORE often that girls DECIDE to leave.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Let me ask you this... hundreds of thousands of people also are submitted to psychiatric institutions... some against their will, some voluntarily... if a handful have been found to be abused or mistreated in any way, would you expect something to be done about it? Do you think there'd be a public outcry? Or would you just say, "Well, it's helped hundreds who went through it, so let's ignore this handful"?
What strange standards you people have.
Zephyrintheksy 3 years ago
Oh, believe me...I HAVE been abused in psych units. And it nearly ALWAYS gets swept under the rug, because they claim we are "delusional" or "out of control" or something.
"Abuse" is FAR DIFFERENT from "I am not religious so I was confused by the stuff they do."
You don't have to be Christian to go to Mercy, but you do need to understand that it is a Christian-run program.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Also, I do understand that not all Christians speak in tongues or lay hands on others when they pray. These activities are not "exorcism" as stated. Exorcism involves bringing a spirit OUT of someone.
Christians cannot be possessed, but we CAN be opressed--meaning that demonic spirits cannot come INTO us, but they can be AROUND us. The prayers are for the spirits to GO AWAY and leave the Christian alone.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
apugirl4747 you are making way too many assumptions. The girls have stated that exorcisms did in fact take place, where demons were cast out of them one at a time by name. THAT IS AN EXORCISM! Also, a lot of the girls who came forward are Christians. This is not a question of religion. They were abused at Mercy Ministries.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
spirit of depression, spirit of pride, spirit of anger...these are some spirits that OPRESS Christians, and weigh heavy on them. (And the Bible talks about these too!) But they cannot be IN Christians or completely take over.
Naomi was kicked out because she was "seen smoking at the airport." Smoking is never allowed at Mercy (I had to quit the day I got there too), and the girls KNOW these rules and that breaking THAT rule WILL get you sent home.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Yes, she smoked one cigarette at the airport during her Christmas break. She did not smoke on Mercy Ministries premises, nor while she was 'in' the program. She was anorexic, on leave, and they kicked her out of the program for smoking one cigarette! Go figure!
I am sure now, that she is grateful she escaped their clutes when she did though.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
*clutches
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
They state in their rules that if you smoke, drink, etc EVEN ON BREAK, that it is grounds for dismissal.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
And they obviously show no mercy in that reguard.
Does it state in their rules that girls have to have exorcisms too? Funny that I don't remember reading that. In fact, the girls don't know most of the rules until they actually arrive! Eg no giving out the house address to their friends to receive letters, no talking about their problems with each other, no talking about their treatment with their family, what goes on at mercy stays at mercy, and many more!
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
They don't want girls to talk about issues with each other because they want each girl to focus on her own stuff and not others' stuff. PLUS so there's less DRAMA. If we were qualified to counsel each other, we wouldn't be at Mercy.
Sorry, I don't know anything about giving the address or talking to family. We were ENCOURAGED to talk with family--even have family phone sessions.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
It really sounds like the USA is run a lot differently to the Australian homes then. Girls were not even given a residents handbook until they arrived, so had no idea of the rules or expectations until they got there, and needless to say it was a huge shock. Mercy in the USA sounds a lot less secretive in that regard!
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
Actually, in the US, they aren't given a handbook until they arrive either. I've read accounts from girls in both Australia and the US, and spent a month in the St. Louis home myself (I left "in rebellion," and I thank God I got out when I did!), and they sound pretty similar to me, unfortunately.
ShyGirlEiana 3 years ago 13
Were the claims something like this:
''We don't do exorcisms, we don't do any of those things.
''A couple of the girls (reported in the media) do have psychological issues... they make a lot of things up.''
- Peter Irvine, Director, Mercy Ministries Australia
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
Those are disgusting lies, and a disgusting attitude.
I have witnessed an exorcism at Mercy in Australia, and seen documentation about the casting out of demons that the girl was given. Perhaps it does not happen to every girl, but it does happen to some!
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
So what does this "documentation" say?
I am neither a liar nor disgusting.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
I did not call you a liar or disgusting. I don't think you know much about what goes on at Mercy in Australia, that's all.
I was saying that the quotes from Peter Irvine are disgusting lies.
The documentation was listing names of demons, and explaining about the casting out of demons. The girls were to read it before the exorcism took place.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
Well, I don't know EXACTLY how the Australia home is run...Each Mercy home is run a little bit differently. But I do know that Mercy in the US is definitely NOT run like that. I have visited all the US homes, and I have NEVER seen anything questionable.
Yes, it may be strange and confusing to those that don't understand it, but that is all.
As for names of demons...do you mean names like Legion, or Croticus, or like spirit of fear, spirit of anger, etc?
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Yes, I have heard from several people that the USA homes are run differently and that they are a lot more supportive of the girls. I have nothing against the USA Mercy homes, but I do know what happens in the Australian Mercy homes and it is not right, and not Christ-like at all!
The names I saw were like spirit of fear, spirit of anger, but they had told the girls that the demons are inside them.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
Every time the girl's illness became a problem (eg depression, etc) the staff stated that the girl obviously has demons. That is just wrong!!!! I keep asking why these girls didn't get to see a psychologist and get the treatment they desperately needed?
freeatlastnow 3 years ago
At the US homes, access is available to docs, dentist, etc.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Well, I'm sorry. I really think they should show how they pray over girls, so girls can be aware and understand it a little more. I'm still skeptical to think it was an actual exorcism.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
what claims? I was talking about psych facility claims that nothing bad happens in them.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
apugirl--then you much know how frustrated these girls feel when they have been criticized as delusional/crazy, as well. And yes, you do have to be Christian, or convert soon afterwards. They would not keep you around if you didn't buy into their system of belief very soon after arriving. On their application it asks, "Are you willing to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?"
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
I never said they were delusional or crazy. But if a girl is not willing to truly pursue a relationship with Christ, and be willing to let her past "die" instead of clinging onto it as her identity....then there isn't much that a Christian program like Mercy can do...They can't "force" you to become well, alot of it is based on choices. If the girl DOESN'T UNDERSTAND what's going on around her, then it will likely feel like a negative experience.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
The media is saying they are crazy. And now you are saying they did not have enough faith and were too stupid to understand what was going on! Above you claimed residents don't have to be Christian to attend and that is untrue. I am a college-educated, fully functioning adult who has read the Bible from cover to cover; do not insult me by claiming I found MM negligent because I was unable to understand what was going on right in front of my face.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago 2
I did not say they were stupid. I said "if they don't understand"--that is different. What I mean by it is this: Different denominations (Baptist, Catholic, Charasmatic, Evangelical, etc.) have different customs/beliefs. For example, Baptists generally do not raise their hands in worship or speak in tongues, whereas many evangelicals do. A girl who has different customs may not be used to such things and get scared or put off by it.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
I understand what you're saying, but this is not to do with different 'cultures' within Christianity. The casting out of demons is an exorcism, in anyone's language. Abuse is abuse, manipulation is manipulation. It is not to do with different cultures and genuine Christians would be disgusted at what happens at Mercy Ministries. The way staff have treated girls and young women in the program, is not of God at all.
freeatlastnow 3 years ago 2
I did not say they were stupid. I said "if they don't understand"--that is different. What I mean by it is this: Different denominations (Baptist, Catholic, Charasmatic, Evangelical, etc.) have different customs/beliefs. For example, Baptists generally do not raise their hands in worship or speak in tongues, whereas many evangelicals do. A girl who has different customs may not be used to such things and get scared or put off by it.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Ok, let me set one thing straight. I was raised Baptist and was all for praise and worship. If people want to be really happy about singing and praising God, then I am happy for them. I really liked praise and worship. I did not leave after 7 months because of the praise and worship. I left because they claimed I should hear God talking to me in my head.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
You have previously commented that the girls were 1.only speaking out because they were kicked out 2.did not have to be Christian 3."confused" by the program somehow 4.lacking in faith, thus unable to succeed. Not one of those claims is true. I was not kicked out, confused or misinterpreting the program or lacking in faith. And girls did have to be Christian if they want to stay in the program.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
I am fascinated by how you continually take my words (and other people's) and twist them around to say and mean what YOU want them to mean.
I also told you before that I am not trying to argue. You are telling your side, that is fine. But I'm also telling mine and sharing facts that I know since I am ALSO a former resident.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
1.I never said the girls are only speaking out because they were kicked out. 2.They don't have to be Christian, but must be willing to be open to it--There IS a difference! 3.I didn't say they WERE confused, I said it was a possibility because of differences in beliefs/practices. 4.I NEVER said or implied that lack of faith made them unable to succeed.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
1. You said, "Blame shifting is common when a girl doesn't graduate." Thus, my conclusion that you think the girls are only speaking out due to spite ("blaming" Mercy)
2. You said, "If the girl DOESN'T UNDERSTAND what's going on around her, then it will likely feel like a negative experience." So, yes, you did, And in any case, Mercy claims they are not affiliated with any particular denomination. The things going on there go way beyond differences in denominations.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
Cont. to apugirl: You've said about 3 times in previous comments that the problem is that the girls "don't understand" what is going on around them, which is simply not true.
3.You said, "if a girl is not willing to truly pursue a relationship with Christ" this implies you claim they lack faith because believe me I was trying and had plenty of faith, but because I disagreed with what they said, they told me I didn't have enough faith.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
Cont again to apugirl:
4. It is semantics saying there is a difference between having to be Christian when you arrive and having to be Christian to succeed in the program. This is just another way of getting girls there and convincing them in the isolated Mercy environment that what they are telling them is true, instead of letting them make an informed decision before they go into the program.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
Yes I have known of girls who have been kicked out (or threatened with it) because they did not want to go up the front at church and pray to become a Christian. They went to this program because it was advertised as welcoming Christians and non Christians alike, however once a girl gets there they are put under immense pressure and indoctrination, and if they do not become a Christian they are booted out.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
There is a saying regarding comments and forums..."do not feed the trolls."
...I should have taken that advice...I've been wasting too much of my energy and time arguing against people who are on an ego trip insisting that Mercy is bad. Thanks but I'm not up for your brainwashing rants.
You want to win the argument? Fine, you win. But in the end integrity wins---and if Mercy is guiltless, then they need no defending and God will continue to bless them, and nothing can stand in the way.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
A troll is someone who engages in ad hominem attacks on other posters instead of supporting their arguments with factual evidence. Ironically, that is what you just did to me. However, I am glad to see that our discussion has come to the point where you are no longer able to refute my argument because I have presented to you factual evidence supporting my claims. I hope you are right that integrity will win out in the end because I know that these girls and I are telling the truth.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
It's not that I'm "no longer able," it's just that your constant arguments have simply become tiresome to me. You say you have factual evidence, but so do I. In fact, there are more girls who can testify that Mercy has changed their lives for the better than can say it's been negative or detrimental. There are so many strange inconsistencies with the allegations against Mercy.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Oh, and by the way---exorcism is not abuse. Neither is laying hands, Bible studies or food being locked up (which is what you'd see at any ED treatment facility).
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Exorcisms are abuse when they are forced upon the young women against their wishes. Anything religious that is forced is exploitation and abuse, by any definition.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
Sorry but that is false, in Australia anyway. More than half the young women who were in the house when I was there, left when they realised the program didn't have qualified staff, or were kicked out. More than half have negative experiences.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
So, does that mean that GOD has to have an M.A. or M.D. or Ph.D. in order to help girls? Regular staff might not have degrees, but they have gone through extensive training. And the counselors DO have degrees.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Ministries advertises that their staff are qualified in treating psychiatric illness, when they are not qualified in that way at all. It is absurd to compare the staff members with God.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
Absurd? Exactly. My point is that the staff encourages the girls to seek God with their issues, because He is the one that will heal their hurts. If girls are seeking for a PERSON to heal their hurts and solve their issues, they WILL be disappointed---because only God can truly heal.
So yes...if girls prefer a psychiatrist to God (especially in a Christian program) then they WILL get frustrated and feel neglected. But HAVE they been? NO.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
Wrong again. Mercy Ministries is a Christian program that advertises that its staff are qualified to treat mental illness. So of course young women go there expecting proper psychiatric care. What you don't seem to grasp is that psychiatric care and seeking God for healing can go hand in hand. The young women found that the staff were unqualified to treat mental illness, and instead inflicted abuse upon the young women (forced exorcisms, denial of care etc.) That is the issue at hand.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago 3
People who have been to Mercy are speaking out against the abuse that was inflicted upon them. I'm sorry, but that does not constitute 'brainwashing rants.' I find it interesting that you chose the word 'brainwashing' because brainwashing techniques are exactly some of the things that are used on the young women at Mercy Ministries.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
apugirl4747 you are right, God loves justice, He loves what is right, and He is blessing these young Christian women in speaking out to defend His name against an organisation who is wrongfully using His name to inflict hurt and abuse.
katieflowerpower 3 years ago
I agree with you apugirl4747. VIEWERS: do NOT base your viewpoints primarily on that of the media!!! they're the blind leading the blind.
bronclark 3 years ago
hmm maby the millions of people who sing the Hillsong music in the own church and the millions of people who lissen to music must be wrong about Hillsong.......
roelandh 4 years ago
All this is more or less why I left the Evangelical movement. Not only because of what this video denounces, but also because of the reactions of Evangelicals. Evangelicals do not accept any form of criticism (unless it is really superficial). Any criticism, even from the inside, is seen as anti-Christian attack. Refusing criticism = fundamentalism. Sorry, but it's true.
groovyshamrock 4 years ago
As a Christian journalist I'm outraged at the discrimination shown against this organisation. Also, the fact that you call yourself HillsongChurch is deceptive and a downright lie.
Calling Mercy a "deceptive ministry" and even a "cult" is defamation. The SMH are lucky that it is MERCY ministries and not I'LL SUE YOU ministries, I don't know if I'd be so merciful as to let it slide. Do your own research and find out the truth. Don't believe all you read in the paper and see on the TV!!!!
bekkynixon 4 years ago
well this is my final comment as i dont need to defend mercy, i know whats going on there and the good work they do is known to me and my family. But i do want to say, Hillsong dont 'staff' mercy, hillsong is just a church and some staff go there but some dont... i think people are thinking hillsong have all this power, but it is just a church. I just ask that you keep your mind open to all things. thanks for the chat :)
princessamie89 4 years ago
oh, and Princess Aimie, you are painfully transparent, even down to your fake username.
You lie - Mercy is an arm of Hillsong, and has been promoted through Gloria Jeans, who hold an annual fundraiser for it, and has change boxes on GJ counters asking naive consumers to donate. GJ is founded by 2 members of the Hillsong board. Nice try.
Zephyrintheksy 4 years ago 2
Don't critisise something you know nothing about. I think someone IN the program would understand it better than you. Stop believing the emotional lies the media are telling you. They just want a story. Look deeper for the real story. Do your own research.
bekkynixon 4 years ago
only 2 months and i still have a little while to go, i want to come out of mercy free, i want to help other girls become free, mercy has seriously changed my life, if what the girls say happened i feel bad for them but why punish me and other girls, we need and want mercy, sponsors have now stopped giving money, it makes it harder on mercy, but in the end it effects me and the other girls in the homes. in the end, yes there punishing mercy, but there punishing me more
princessamie89 4 years ago
I have seen the effect that prisons can have on people ..they end up healthier and more stable than they have been for years..the regimented lifestyle..3 meals a day..
most people feel safe and better in an environment that takes away your need for choices..I hope this stabilization continues to work for you.
hillsongchurch 4 years ago
I agree that it is good you feel more stable in the Mercy environment. But, if even a handful of girls are being mistreated, it is unethical (and cruel, IMO) not to change things, and if Mercy refuses to make changes, yes, they should be shut down.
iamundinespragg 3 years ago
alright, well say this did happen, it was like 5 years ago, the program has changed, it is now a 6 month program, staff have changed, the law has changed. What do the girls want, like what do they want to achieve by going to the papers about mercy, do they want an apology do they want mercy to close down, because i beg them to not close mercy down, mercy has helped me so much and if it were to close, i would be homeless and shattered because mercy has been helping me so much, ive been there for
princessamie89 4 years ago
you can find that kind of support in many places.. but even still I don't think mercy will close down..
I hope at least they get better staff and some standard operating procedures that don't leave the difficult ones behind
hillsongchurch 4 years ago
csso (child safety support officers)who have life experience, no qualification needed... i trust every worker at mercy, they are all loving, compassionate, helpful people. I've written to today tonight, and maybe they will let me go on there show and tell you my side of my experience with mercy minsitries.
princessamie89 4 years ago
also, i'm not actually sure what hillsong has to do with mercy, yes we go there to church and i think they may give some money to the program but they dont have anything to do with me and my treatment plan at the house. I have seen a gp whenever i have been sick, i have seen a dietian, i see a counsellor weekly... so i'm confused as to why you are saying these people are students when there not. I have lived in many residentials and 99% of 'youth workers' arent qualified. Child safety employs
princessamie89 4 years ago
hillsong staffs it and set it up and promotes it..you would know that you volunteer your time and do work around the church..
hillsongchurch 4 years ago
Mercy isn't branched off Hillsong, although Hillsong does support them. It originated in the U.S., and Darlene Zschech visited one of the homes and partnered with Nancy Alcorn (founder) to start Mercy Australia.
apugirl4747 4 years ago
8:45 is still technically study time, 9pm is supper followed by meds, quiet time is 9:30 and lights out at 10. your right, staff wouldnt allow me to be on youtube at this time of night... mostly because they have things to do... but since im at home its up to me to make the right choices, and im not looking up anything which i would consider to be bad... ask me questions, ask me anything, im in the program and mercy works
princessamie89 4 years ago
then I apologize for inferring deceit..
Of the 96 graduates the SMH already has 6 people they are quoting with stories of mistreatment and an ex staffer..
Its not how they treat people when problems resolve themselves..its how you treat the difficult one that shows the true worth of a program.
they dumped them on a plane unsupervised and told the other girls parents that she wants nothing to do with them.. I think trying to break up families is evil and by far the worst story here.
hillsongchurch 4 years ago