Helps bring hope and healing to hurting young women at Mercy Ministries

Contact: Eve Annunziato, Mercy Ministries, 615-831-6987, eannunziato@mercyministries.com 

NASHVILLE, June 27, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- When California native Christina McCoy heard that Mercy Ministries was hosting a Run for Mercy 5K and Family Walk in her area, she knew right away that she wanted to be involved in a big way. After all, McCoy says her time at Mercy transformed her life.

Before her time at Mercy Ministries, Christina McCoy felt like she was damaged goods. Childhood abuse led to a severe struggle with anorexia and bulimia that caused her kidneys to begin to fail. At one point, doctors gave her six months to live.

McCoy heard about Mercy Ministries' free-of-charge residential program and decided to apply.

"While I was at Mercy, I learned about the love of God and began a relationship with Him. I was set free from the eating disorder and found that there is a better purpose for my life." McCoy now walks in freedom from her eating disorders and enjoys a productive, happy life.

McCoy is working with Stephanie Vierstra, a Community Relations Manager at Mercy Ministries, to rally other Mercy graduates and secure sponsors for the Run for Mercy in Roseville on September 22nd. She plans to participate in the 5k and is currently training for the run.

If you live in the Roseville area and are interested in helping with this event, contact Christina McCoy or Stephanie Vierstra at (916) 644-9600 or svierstra@mercyministries.com.  

2012 Run for Mercy events are also scheduled in the following cities:
Roseville, CA: Sept. 22
St. Louis, MO: Oct. 27
Charlotte, NC: Oct. 20
Roanoke, VA: Oct. 6
Nashville, TN: Oct. 20
Monroe, LA: Oct. 27

To register for a race or to learn more, visit to www.runformercy.org.  

About Mercy Ministries
Mercy Ministries provides a free-of-charge, voluntary Christian residential program to young women aged 13-28 who have been victims of physical and sexual abuse, including sex trafficking, as well as those who face life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy. Visit www.MercyMinistries.com to learn more.