During my MercyWorks year (‘14 – ‘15) I was able to reconnect and become closer to God. Prior to joining MercyWorks, I oftentimes felt alone and yearned for a better spiritual life. However, there weren’t many people who understood how I felt and I couldn’t find a church where I felt welcomed. Upon finding out about MercyWorks I instantly felt a sense of peace when I found out spirituality was one of the program values. I knew it was an opportunity that was going to change my life forever….which it did. I found a community who enjoyed worship and attending new churches around Chicago. A community who embraced having spiritual check-ins’ and invited everyone to participate. As well, a community that had no judgment if someone wasn’t comfortable with sharing their spirituality or declared to not having any. Everyone was welcome to come as they are.

MercyWorks allowed me to grow immensely as a person of faith. I joined Soul City Church located in the West Loop of Chicago and participated in a small group at Soul City Church. With the help of MercyWorks, I was also paired with a spiritual director who met with me directly over the course of the year. Three year later, I am still an active member of Soul City Church and still meet with my spiritual director monthly. I realized during my year that community is important for my spirituality as it helps me feel God’s presence. MercyWorks will forever be a memorable experience for me and I will always say it made such a great impact on me. If you are considering being a part of MercyWorks, I guarantee it will be an opportunity you surely won’t forget!