Frequent Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I support The Mercy Project?
The Mercy Project Colorado relies on the faithful giving of individuals who support this ministry. We also offer specific need-based opportunities of service and support.
2. How can my church be involved with the Mercy Project Colorado?
Through ministry and partnership! Based on discussions with your church and the primary areas of ministry, we will work with you to identify specific facilities and staff who are in need, and also take the time to understand the general focus and passion for a church wanting to serve. We assign you a specific Mercy Project staff member who will work closely with you to develop an effective and encouraging ministry to those who work daily with a unique population. Based on a recent mapping project, The Mercy Project Colorado is currently the only US based ministry that places its focus on the needs of the caregiver in the sex trafficking arena.
3. What is generally involved when a church participates?
Some churches will be able to and prefer to assign this ministry to a current staff member. Others will want to take a more formal approach and create a paid position for the work. Still others will rely on various groups within the church. We seek to make sure that every church that partners with The Mercy Project provides a reliable and faithful ministry to a facility, and we work to design an appropriate, personalized program for congregations that wish to be involved. It is important that the facility have a clear understanding of the expectations and commitment of the church.
4. What are the costs to an individual? To a church?
Individuals can be involved with The Mercy Project to the degree they believe they should be involved. Financially, individuals support The Mercy Project with one-time gifts, while others prefer to give on a regular basis. Individuals also work closely with The Mercy Project to promote the organization, pray for the organization and take part in various activities that are available.
If a church decides to launch an formal partnership with an aftercare facility through The Mercy Project, expenses will fluctuate depending on the commitment of the church leadership and the design and breadth of the program they are undertaking. Church congregations that determine to hire a part-time or even full-time staff member to oversee the program will need to assess and determine the costs and hours that are required for a successful ministry. The Mercy Project Colorado will work closely with leaders and leadership teams that oversee church efforts, and will assist in recruiting, screening and training congregation members in all activities the church conducts with an aftercare facility.
Churches that do establish a formal partnership with a facility through The Mercy Project are asked to pay a one-time Affiliation Fee to The Mercy Project Colorado. This helps The Mercy Project defray the the costs of training, developing programs and developing partnerships with facilities. The fee also assures the aftercare facility of the accountability and commitment of that church to the facility, and demonstrates to the facility that the church is invested (long-term) in their success.
Additional costs to a church may the establishment of a general program budget depending on the needs and location of the facility, as well as the size and involvement of the sponsoring church.
4. How does a Mercy Project staff member assist a church?
The Mercy Project Colorado offers expertise in helping church leadership effectively run the partnership with the facility and offers insights and congregational understanding of the specific nature of working with sex-trafficked children and staff members. Based on expertise from similar organizations including ministry leaders and trauma professionals, leaders are trained to recruit, screen, and supervise congregation members for ongoing events that build relationships with staff working with those who desperately need caring adults in their lives.
5. What can I learn at your training conferences?
Leaders of church programs and individuals who attend training by The Mercy Project are given solid principles of leadership within the church, skills for partnering with a facility, and avenues for designing the administration of the program within a specific congregation. There is also detailed training on understanding the world of trafficking, and the needs and issues of care givers and their work. We will offer insights for recruiting congregation volunteers, evaluating activities put on by the church and forming sponsorships with caregivers.
6. Can I attend the training, even if my church is not participating in The Mercy Project?
Yes.
7. What is an aftercare facility, really?
Although many organizations are trying to help people get out of the sex industry, rescuing people out of that situation is only the beginning. Many women and children have been in the sex industry for years, and that is the only life they know. Aftercare is a time of healing and restoration to help survivors transition from the sex industry to a healthy life. An aftercare facility can help people recover from trauma and begin to trust others. Survivors can learn skills they may have never learned, many of them basic skills for leading a normal life. Most importantly, an aftercare facility or center can be a place where they can start to experience God’s healing love and develop into the whole person God intended them to be.
