@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.
@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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?
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......
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ;)
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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....
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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.
96 grads whose lives have changed and been restored....vs....6 people who didn't have a good experience.
Mercy in Sydney has been operating since 2001. So in 7 years, 6 people didn't like it. Mercy has been in existence in the U.S. since 1983, and has helped thousands and thousands of girls. Yes, I've heard a couple girls tell me they didn't benefit, or it just wasn't for them....but there was never anything "bad."
I just think it's sad that all of a sudden this is getting so much bad raps.
getting know where because she isn't willing to change. Some of the girls on the waiting lists dont have the time to wait for a girl to stop messing around, they need to come into the program now. I have been to many state and private facilities to get help and none have been able to help me, Mercy really works and i am making it my personal goal to show the public what the real mercy ministries is about, the program that restores hope and improves lives. Good always prevails.
I agree. I was almost dismissed because I was messing around and not being serious enough, and making poor choices. Sometimes it was so easy to think that "I couldn't help it." It is so empowering to know that that you can CHOOSE to act out or CHOOSE not to.
i just wanted to share my opinion. I'm currently in the mercy ministries program. I am shocked at what these girls have done. Mercy has changed so many girls lives, including mine. Girls are discharged from the program when they are not applying themselves enough, mercy is a serious program for thoes who WANT to recover from there life controlling issue. Whats the point in having a girl in the house, staff investing time, mercy and sponsors investing money into helping this girl recover and get
You are correct in that they don't allow access to "secular" stuff. First, they make many of their rules (including this one) clear in the application. If a girl doesn't like it, she doesn't have to apply. One reason behind this rule is to minimize distractions and "triggers". There are many girls in the house, and something common for one may be emotionally triggering for another.
Also...they are not a psych facility and they never attempt to come across as such. They are forthright in telling what they do. I was there 10 months, and I was given a "conditional acceptance", because I'd been hospitalized so many times and self-injured so seriously. I signed a form BEFORE I even went, with the understanding that if I self-injured while there, I would be dismissed. It is about choices.
They explain stuff to the girls and make sure they UNDERSTAND before they do anything.
What worries me even more is the girl whos parents tried to reach her and they were told she wasn't there and when they persisted they were told she didn't want to speak to them..
The problem is not the lucky ones its the fact they are treating seriously ill people and they keep them away from real doctors and put them in the hands of students..
and when they fail..they call them bad seeds and put them un supervised on a plane..
Just dump the reject that dont fit in
dangerous and irresponsible.
They are holding girls against their will and telling their parents they don't want to see them
I focus on the bad things.. because they are bad and a dangerous cult.
I've worked in a number youth refuges and drug rehabs and if you interviewed any of the young people we had kicked out from the program they would likely say pretty much the same thing or worse about those institutions. Disregarding this, I believe there are many shortfalls of similar sorts in all the Australian organisations I worked for which reflects on the poor amounts of funding our government makes available to deal with these problems more than anything else.
I too have worked with the mentally ill and I know they can hate the places they are sent for treatment..and I am sure the environment in these houses are better than public institutions
The difference is they are treated by students, not doctors and I am sure they don't have these patients scheduled every 72 hrs as required by law
They were holding one of these girls against her will while telling her parents she did not want to see them
Yeah I agree, that would be isolationist cult like behaviour.
However, it doesn't seem to tally with the rest of the stories out there as princessamie89 has already bravely demonstrated. The bias in this story is incredible.
If these 2-3 girls stories are the truth, then are all the success stories brainwashed liars? I doubt it. There appears little journalistic integrity in this story.
I don't want to call those on either side liars, and also think these 2-3 girls need to be able to tell their story and be protected from possible hurt and to be taken seriously. But these allegations demand greater and more productive and helpful investigation.
Well thats beginning to sound a little conspiracy theory like to me. I don't think they have planted princessamie89's all over the web to give the only positive feedback for Mercy. Assuming they did though, then I'll refer to the couple of girls I have met from Mercy in person, one who became a fairly good friend. She said she felt Mercy played a really strong and positive role in helping her getting her life together. But maybe she was just another plant from Mercy that I fell for... Haha! ;)
By the way, girls DO read their own mail without staff reading it. They only have to open it in front of staff to make sure there is nothing questionable/dangerous in it. It is for the safety of all the girls. All their rules are for everyone's safety.
And no, there isn't internet access. But girls ARE permitted to go on weekend passes with family.
Don't assume you know more about this than you do. Actual facts are important when you're looking for the truth.
And from whom did you get this info, that girls are held against their will? Mercy is completely voluntary. Girls can decide to leave Mercy at any time. Several girls left while I was at Mercy, and I almost did. If this were a Buddhist organization, or Atheistic or New Age, would it be called a cult? Probably not. The only reason this is gaining so much media attention is because it is a Christian organization, and society doesn't like it.
@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
@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
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
@popcorn0729 It wasn't free. Many girls did leave.
silverrose72 1 year ago
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 1 year 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 1 year ago 3
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
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 1 year ago 2
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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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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
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
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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
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I am sorry for the false advertising because I don't know all that info... Godbless.
hannahb24eva 3 years ago
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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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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
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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
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
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
hey! i jus wached this vid n im a bit confused! can u tell me wat an exorcism is?
meGODisBIG 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
Not true, in Australia girls have been asked to leave because they were thought to be 'demonic' by the staff.
katieflowerpower 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
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
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
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
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
That is a good attitude to have, good on you!
katieflowerpower 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
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
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
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 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 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
hmm...so it does...that's very odd! They need to fix that on the website, it's misleading.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
what's the link to where it says it? I couldn't find it.
apugirl4747 3 years ago
specifically says that girls will not have access to email while at Mercy (usa site)
apugirl4747 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
I think you inadvertently put an "e" in front of mail. Says girls can send and receive mail...not email.
apugirl4747 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
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
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 4 years ago
At the US homes, access is available to docs, dentist, etc.
apugirl4747 4 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 4 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 4 years ago
They state in their rules that if you smoke, drink, etc EVEN ON BREAK, that it is grounds for dismissal.
apugirl4747 4 years ago
what claims? I was talking about psych facility claims that nothing bad happens in them.
apugirl4747 4 years ago
So what does this "documentation" say?
I am neither a liar nor disgusting.
apugirl4747 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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
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
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
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
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
96 grads whose lives have changed and been restored....vs....6 people who didn't have a good experience.
Mercy in Sydney has been operating since 2001. So in 7 years, 6 people didn't like it. Mercy has been in existence in the U.S. since 1983, and has helped thousands and thousands of girls. Yes, I've heard a couple girls tell me they didn't benefit, or it just wasn't for them....but there was never anything "bad."
I just think it's sad that all of a sudden this is getting so much bad raps.
apugirl4747 4 years ago
sorry i didnt explain it very well, im actually on holidays with my sister in qld over the easter break, im returning early next week.
princessamie89 4 years ago
getting know where because she isn't willing to change. Some of the girls on the waiting lists dont have the time to wait for a girl to stop messing around, they need to come into the program now. I have been to many state and private facilities to get help and none have been able to help me, Mercy really works and i am making it my personal goal to show the public what the real mercy ministries is about, the program that restores hope and improves lives. Good always prevails.
princessamie89 4 years ago
I agree. I was almost dismissed because I was messing around and not being serious enough, and making poor choices. Sometimes it was so easy to think that "I couldn't help it." It is so empowering to know that that you can CHOOSE to act out or CHOOSE not to.
apugirl4747 4 years ago
i just wanted to share my opinion. I'm currently in the mercy ministries program. I am shocked at what these girls have done. Mercy has changed so many girls lives, including mine. Girls are discharged from the program when they are not applying themselves enough, mercy is a serious program for thoes who WANT to recover from there life controlling issue. Whats the point in having a girl in the house, staff investing time, mercy and sponsors investing money into helping this girl recover and get
princessamie89 4 years ago
Hi amie
Unlike Hillsong church I am happy to leave you opinion up..even when my opinion gets deleted immediately..
The mercy program dos not allow access to mainstream media..and being 8:45pm when you posted you would be in supper according to the program..
I can only assume you have been put up to this by the staff or you are a staff member..
I dont believe they allow the girls to surf youtube..you have been planted..anyone can see through it..
even still I wish you well with the program
hillsongchurch 4 years ago
You are correct in that they don't allow access to "secular" stuff. First, they make many of their rules (including this one) clear in the application. If a girl doesn't like it, she doesn't have to apply. One reason behind this rule is to minimize distractions and "triggers". There are many girls in the house, and something common for one may be emotionally triggering for another.
apugirl4747 4 years ago
Also...they are not a psych facility and they never attempt to come across as such. They are forthright in telling what they do. I was there 10 months, and I was given a "conditional acceptance", because I'd been hospitalized so many times and self-injured so seriously. I signed a form BEFORE I even went, with the understanding that if I self-injured while there, I would be dismissed. It is about choices.
They explain stuff to the girls and make sure they UNDERSTAND before they do anything.
apugirl4747 4 years ago
Like I said before, I boycott Gloria Jeans and wish every1 would.
That manual read like something from a nazi camp. "You are not allowed to date" wtf?
GuojiPiaoke 4 years ago
I couldn't agree more
What worries me even more is the girl whos parents tried to reach her and they were told she wasn't there and when they persisted they were told she didn't want to speak to them..
that is scary and cultish
hillsongchurch 4 years ago
The problem is not the lucky ones its the fact they are treating seriously ill people and they keep them away from real doctors and put them in the hands of students..
and when they fail..they call them bad seeds and put them un supervised on a plane..
Just dump the reject that dont fit in
dangerous and irresponsible.
They are holding girls against their will and telling their parents they don't want to see them
I focus on the bad things.. because they are bad and a dangerous cult.
hillsongchurch 4 years ago
You are soooo misinformed.
apugirl4747 4 years ago
I've worked in a number youth refuges and drug rehabs and if you interviewed any of the young people we had kicked out from the program they would likely say pretty much the same thing or worse about those institutions. Disregarding this, I believe there are many shortfalls of similar sorts in all the Australian organisations I worked for which reflects on the poor amounts of funding our government makes available to deal with these problems more than anything else.
aaronjamesmoore 4 years ago
Hi Aaron
I too have worked with the mentally ill and I know they can hate the places they are sent for treatment..and I am sure the environment in these houses are better than public institutions
The difference is they are treated by students, not doctors and I am sure they don't have these patients scheduled every 72 hrs as required by law
They were holding one of these girls against her will while telling her parents she did not want to see them
sounds like an isolationist cult behavior
hillsongchurch 4 years ago
Yeah I agree, that would be isolationist cult like behaviour.
However, it doesn't seem to tally with the rest of the stories out there as princessamie89 has already bravely demonstrated. The bias in this story is incredible.
If these 2-3 girls stories are the truth, then are all the success stories brainwashed liars? I doubt it. There appears little journalistic integrity in this story.
aaronjamesmoore 4 years ago
I don't want to call those on either side liars, and also think these 2-3 girls need to be able to tell their story and be protected from possible hurt and to be taken seriously. But these allegations demand greater and more productive and helpful investigation.
aaronjamesmoore 4 years ago
did they escort her home..or make sure someone was there to followup treatment?
just because she is not responding does not mean you show her to the airport..
I know I come across totally one sided but just think about it..
princessamie89 says she is in the program.
if they wont let the girls read their own mail ..I doubt they are allowed to surf youtube after dinner..
its a setup..one of the staff members are writing this or has staged it..
hillsongchurch 4 years ago
read the mercy site..theres no way their girls are just surfing the web..and happened upon this video..
this is the marketing and legal departments at work to minimize the negative press..
they do the same to every news article..
someone post a negative article and a hundred responses come in to support..suspiciously organized
hillsongchurch 4 years ago
Well thats beginning to sound a little conspiracy theory like to me. I don't think they have planted princessamie89's all over the web to give the only positive feedback for Mercy. Assuming they did though, then I'll refer to the couple of girls I have met from Mercy in person, one who became a fairly good friend. She said she felt Mercy played a really strong and positive role in helping her getting her life together. But maybe she was just another plant from Mercy that I fell for... Haha! ;)
aaronjamesmoore 4 years ago
In fact maybe I'm the plant!
;)
aaronjamesmoore 4 years ago
By the way, girls DO read their own mail without staff reading it. They only have to open it in front of staff to make sure there is nothing questionable/dangerous in it. It is for the safety of all the girls. All their rules are for everyone's safety.
And no, there isn't internet access. But girls ARE permitted to go on weekend passes with family.
Don't assume you know more about this than you do. Actual facts are important when you're looking for the truth.
apugirl4747 4 years ago
And from whom did you get this info, that girls are held against their will? Mercy is completely voluntary. Girls can decide to leave Mercy at any time. Several girls left while I was at Mercy, and I almost did. If this were a Buddhist organization, or Atheistic or New Age, would it be called a cult? Probably not. The only reason this is gaining so much media attention is because it is a Christian organization, and society doesn't like it.
apugirl4747 4 years ago