MatthewJDoughty.com

This week, I am performing music and leading worship at the Mercy Ministries Home in Lincoln, CA for private sessions hosted by Nancy Alcorn and two Special Guest Speakers.  Since 1983, this fine organization has "provided Hope and Healing to generations of desperate Young Women who are seeking Freedom from life-controlling problems such as: Addictions, Depression, Eating Disorders, Physical and Sexual Abuse, Unplanned Pregnancy, and Self Harm".  If you haven't heard of Mercy Ministries before, check out www.MercyMinistries.org for more info on how to help support their important cause.  

Last Fall, I was invited to the Grand Opening of the brand new Mercy Ministries Home in Lincoln, CA.  Nancy Alcorn came from Nashville, TN and gave an incredibly moving speech before cutting the ribbon and making Northern California the newest site of a "Mercy House": a refuge where young women from all backgrounds can remove themselves from the darkness of abusive situations and make a 9 month journey back to Health, Wellness, and a Life full of Light and Color.  To be able to support Mercy Ministries, and to sing with the angelic choir that are "The Mercy Girls", has been one of the most unexpected blessings in my life thus far.  For the first time, I understand the Beauty… the Purpose, the Magic of a Flower… a Woman.

Yes, I've witnessed the positive impact that Mercy Ministries is having in Real People's lives on a weekly basis.  In December, I attended the very first Mercy House - Lincoln "graduation".  Since then, I've been volunteering along with Cindi Benzel and Generations music team from Harvest Time Church ( www.htclincoln.org) to lead a weekly morning worship service for the girls.  On most days, I am playing 5-string Electric Bass, singing Backing Vocals, and operating Drum Loops from an Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer.  Recently, I started using my Dunlop Mr. Crybaby Wah/Volume Pedal inline to effect and manipulate the loops while I sing and play.  Over the past year, I have seen the 9 month Mercy Ministries process bring Hope and Life to hurting people.  Lives are being changed every day, and it has been absolutely amazing to see the transformation that occurs! 

-M.

Sunday June 27, 2010

Lincoln, CA

LISTENING TO: Coldplay iTunes Genius Mix 

(Viva La Vida, Yes, Fix You, Everything's Not Lost)